8. Have Your Home Team Go to Bat for You
Patients who have a thorough understanding of their follow-up care are better able to manage post-surgical pain and prevent complications. Follow-up care requires work, and that means you and possibly your immediate family or caregivers may have to learn some new skills, such as changing bandages. Most importantly, you and your loved ones should know how to reach your surgeon’s office once you’re back home, in case you need additional clarification about discharge instructions. Communication is key: Recent studies show that when your caregiver stays in touch with your surgical team during the post-operative recovery period, you’re less likely to have serious complications.