After all, some patients just don't handle surgery well. People who are frail, on multiple medications, or are of advanced years are often far better off not having surgery.
Surgery is like a boxing match. It takes a toll on the body. And if you aren't up for it, but you need to have it, then you should get ready. Anyone who's seen a Rocky movie knows how important it is to train before the big fight. The same goes for surgery. That training includes eating well, exercising, and getting the body ready for a deeply traumatic event.
Your body will typically be cut open—after all.
Training also involves the mind, since stress can be a deciding factor in how a surgery plays out. Stress changes the body, it turns on certain systems and turns off others, including the body's recovery systems.
For many older patients, surgery can deliver lasting results that extend their golden years. For others, it hastens mortality and steals quality of life. The problem is the health care system is exceedingly poor at looking at the patient. Instead, it looks at the disease, and if the disease is present, surgery is recommended.
This systemic problem prompted Ms. Denney to take a deep dive into the implications of surgery and how to help people prepare. The series will be completed soon and provide an essential guide for anyone about to face the knife.
Find the series here.
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