Thursday, October 4, 2012

Preparing for the DIEP Flap

If you take the time to prepare for your upcoming DIEP Flap procedure, you will feel more relaxed and calm on the day of your operation. This will make it much easier for your surgeon to work and ensure that you get optimal results. Follow some of these suggestions for ideas to help alleviate your anxiety before the big day.
You need to keep an eye on what you eat before your DIEP flap procedure. To enhance your body's ability to heal, you should take some vitamin supplements in the months leading up to your operation. Ask your doctor as well, but taking a daily multivitamin will go a long way toward giving your body the additional nutritional support it needs. Maintain a healthy diet and make sure that you continue to drink lots of fluids. Follow your doctor's recommendations on what you should eat before your operation.
You should make sure that you stay in shape during the days leading up to your DIEP flap. The better shape your body is in, the better your body will be able to handle the operation. You don't have to resort to some strenuous workout routines; you could just do some daily walking, running or swimming. Keep in mind that your health and age may require you to have an exam before your operation in order for your surgeon to know what kind of anesthesia your body can handle.
If you are a smoker, one thing you will need to do is to quit. Don't stop the night before your surgery; you need to stop smoking several months in advance. Smoking is very hazardous to your health. Besides causing cancer, it also destroys your circulation system. In order to be a good candidate for a DIEP flap, your circulatory system needs to be in tip top shape. If it is not, you won't be able to have the procedure done. This means that you also need to avoid any other forms of nicotine and its alternatives.
If you currently take medications, you need to inform your surgeon as soon as possible. Some prescriptions can interfere with your health during and after your DIEP flap operation. To reduce your risk for complications, you will need to stop taking those medications. If there are any that you need to take on a regular basis, let your doctor know and he can prescribe some alternatives that won't cause any problems with your health. Avoid over the counter medications such as aspirin and other anti-inflammatory drugs.
Keep in mind that there are risks associated with any type of medically necessary and elective procedures. In order to improve your chances for a successful operation and improve your recovery, you need to make sure that you and your body are in great shape mentally and physically. If you have any questions or concerns at any time before your reconstructive breast surgery, don't hesitate to contact your surgeon and ask.

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