Get an Advocate! | Hystersisters Article

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Get an Advocate!

Get an Advocate!

Date : 01-28-2008 - 01:47 PM - Readers : 903

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I'm forgetful and sometimes don't know what to ask the doctors and nurses or family members. Will I need help?

Facing a hysterectomy is stressful enough without also having to deal with all the added worries outside of the procedure itself. Oftentimes, patients will find themselves returning from a preoperative appointment only to realize that they had not asked an important question or voiced a particular concern.

Here's where an advocate comes in. Your advocate can be anybody: Your significant other, parent, friend, coworker, healthcare worker, spiritual counselor, pretty much anyone as concerned for your welfare as you. Bring them along to the preop appointment to remind you to ask those questions you may forget while struggling to keep the paper johnny on after the EKG. They act as a second set of eyes and ears to catch any important information that you may have not heard properly the first time. Make sure they know in advance what your particular situation is; be it related to childcare, homemaking, proper diet, expected milestones, resumption of activities...pretty much whatever may have crossed your mind as you check off the days leading to surgery. Your advocate can take the emotion out of an otherwise stressful event and get the real facts and data you'll need as you go through this process.

In addition, your advocate can work with you as you go to the hospital; making sure that you're there on time, that you've got your overnight bag packed properly, and that the staff at the hospital know you and your special needs and considerations. They can be there to summon support people to help get you a warm blanket in the preoperative holding area, or after surgery, ensure that your call button is answered promptly and that your needs are met as you begin your recovery phase. They sure can prove helpful in collecting postop instructions as you may be too groggy from the medications to really understand what the doctors and nurses are saying!

Don't be afraid to ask for help with your advocate! They may be the crucial link between you and a happy, healthy hysterectomy and recovery.

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