Preop?

Posted , 6 users are following.

Please excuse my ignorance, but what does the pre op entail?

I see that all the forum members from the UK have this before surgery, but I can't work out what it actually means.

I live in France and before the surgery here we have to go through a series of tests ie. dentist, cardiologist (if necessary),

X_rays, blood tests and anaethetist appointment. These all have to be arranged by the patient and in a certain order.

1 like, 12 replies

12 Replies

  • Posted

    In the UK you get a pre op appointment sent to you and its basically you get your height and weight taken, then speak to a nurse and she asks you like 100 health question e.g do you smoke, have epilepsy, heart problems ect, then you have a MRSA swab, blood tests, urine test, heart and blood pressure and thats about it
  • Posted

    Ah ... well in many provinces here in Canada and other jurisdictions, all these tests are coordinated at the hospital where the surgery will take place! It takes up the good part of the day, but much better than coordinating on your own and ... the results are then available in- house where they will be needed most.

    So many differences across our various systems, surgeons and practices! And this is just the tip of the iceberg.

    Good luck along the journey.

    L

  • Posted

    Ah, I see!

    I would prefer that system, here it takes a good month to get everything done and means running all over the place for appointments etc.

    Thank you for your replies.

  • Posted

    Hi Gwen.  Here too with have pre op assessments, x rays, scan, blood tests and anaethetist appointment, dentist no, cardiologist for ECG.  These are done automatically once you are in the system from the consultant placing you on the list (NHS).  Good luck!
  • Posted

    My pre op was :-

    Nurse took my blood pressure, asked me a series of questions about my lifestyle, allergies, pills, who will care for me, checked on physical aids at home (bed, chair and toilet seat heights), my height & weight. Asked for NJR consent, took MRSA swabs in nose and groin, urine sample. Gave me an ECG heart test. Took  blood sample for tests.  

    See it all in my blog on my website

    Graham

  • Posted

    Hi Gwen, like Linda I am also in Canada and each province seems different but my answer is basically the same as everyone else's. For practical purposes, tips for out of Towners like I was,  if you have to go for an x ray, blood work, education course etc. and had to stay in town overnight, don't have your pre op on a Friday,  and have your surgery on a Monday. Get your pre op the day before on a week day.

    Also a nurse did a phone interview for part of the pre op because I was a ferry ride away. Don't forget to get your ore op equipment ahead of time, like your sock aid, walker, raised toilet etc.

    • Posted

      All we get is support stockings and a pair of crutches which we have to go to the pharmacy for.

      France isn't as far ahead as it likes to think it is.

      Your replies are real eye openers, thank you.

    • Posted

      Hi Gwen:

      Not exactly ahead, we get a list of items to have for the post op but get nada from the hospital stay-more like 'would you like to at the extra premium for semi private or private room.' Had to buy the crutches. Fortunately our local hospital has a Volunteer loan cupboard where we can get the other AIDS like bath chair etc free for 2 months and then can extend it for another 2 months if needed. Interesting to hear about your views from France and other countries.

      Cathy??????

    • Posted

      Hhhmmm . We pay for our items although the joint replacement coordinating centre offers some items for sale at good prices.

      As I soon found though, I know a shocking number of people who have had this surgery (even one who had two done by my surgeon)! And everyone is super generous in loaning me items! One of the few oitems I bought was not on the hospital list but recommended by a good friend - a bed rail to help get in and out of bed. And it was worth every penny! No one in Europe seems to use them butit made a huge difference for me, made me more independent and I think it would be a huge boon for people fending on their own - esp during weeks 1 and 2!

      It is worth asking around or using kijiji.

      L

    • Posted

      The health system is different from the UK here too.

      We are covered by the state up to 60% and the shortfall has to be taken up privately, costing around 1000euros a year each. This covers everything though - prescriptions, xrays, consultations, hospital stays and all that entails, so pretty good if you need medical care. Also, pre-existing conditions are NOT excluded.

      Like the UK , if you have a life threatening illness, you are covered free of charge for that condition only.

      Each doctor's visit is charged at 23 euros recoverable.

      It's a good system and can't be abused.

      You should see the A and E at hospitals! Non existent! If you have an emergency you phone a special number and they come out to you (out of GPs hours)

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