Before checking into a hospital, have a detailed discussion with your doctor. If possible bring along a friend or family member who can help you recall and articulate your questions, remember or record the answers, and assert your preferences.

Here are some key questions to ask:

• Who's in charge? Several specialists will probably examine you in the hospital. To minimise the chance of overlapping or conflicting orders, insist that one doctor coordinate your treatment. Ideally, your primary doctor or one of his or her colleagues should visit you daily.

• Can you help me through the night? Patients are often awakened to have their blood pressure and temperature taken repeatedly during the night. Ask your doctor if any of those tests can be put off until the morning.

• Which pre-op tests do I really need? Rejina D'Silva had a mammogram done on the recommendation of her gynaecologist who detected suspicious-looking tumours. The results were sent to a cancer specialist, who confirmed the malignancy. Two days later, Rejina got herself admitted in a hospital to have the tumours removed, and found the attending doctor prescribe yet another mammogram. 'What for', she demanded to know. "Hospital rules", he answered. Many hospitals reflexively subject surgery patients to a plethora of pre-operative tests, some of which may not be truly necessary. Ask your doctor whether you can skip any pre-op tests that aren't absolutely necessary, or that you may have just done. Also ask what other tests you may need while you're in the hospital. That can help give you the confidence to object if someone wants you to undergo an unexpected test that makes no apparent sense.

• Which drugs should and shouldn't I get? You don't need to take such chances. Ask you doctor to help you compile a list of all the drugs you'll probably need in the hospital, including those you're already taking, plus any new ones you're likely to receive. The list should include the name, purpose, dosage instructions, and, if possible, the colour and shape of the pills you may get. Take the list to the hospital so that you, or the person watching out for you, can ask for an explanation if you're given a drug that you don't expect, or fail to get one that you do. In addition, ask your doctor to leave standing orders for drugs to treat insomnia, constipation and pain, so if the need arises, you won't face a long wait while the nurse puts in a call to your doctor.

Avoid aspirin and any other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen for one week before surgery. And avoid herbal remedies or dietary supplements for two weeks before any hospital admission. These drugs, and many supplements - include ginseng, ginkgo biloba, and vitamin E - and may increase the risk of blood loss during and right after surgery.

Post Comment

Name : Email : Password : Comments :