Getting Ready for Surgery? Some things you need to know
Dr. Carolyn in Cleveland: A Women's Health Podcast
Release Date: 04/20/2025
The Truth About Domestic Violence
Dr. Carolyn in Cleveland: A Women's Health Podcast
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Dr. Carolyn in Cleveland: A Women's Health Podcast
On this podcast, I get to talk with so many great people. And today is super-great because I get to introduce to you a woman who is funny and fierce and on fire: Gina Barreca – author, professor, humorist and feminist. Gina has appeared on the Today Show, CNN, BBC and Oprah. She's also appeared on "American Masters" and "This American Life." Her work has been published in most major publications including the New York Times. Her blog for Psychology Today has over 8 million views and counting. Author of eleven books and editor of seventeen others, she is an important voice for our...
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Dr. Carolyn in Cleveland: A Women's Health Podcast
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Dr. Carolyn in Cleveland: A Women's Health Podcast
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Dr. Carolyn in Cleveland: A Women's Health Podcast
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Dr. Carolyn in Cleveland: A Women's Health Podcast
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Dr. Carolyn in Cleveland: A Women's Health Podcast
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Dr. Carolyn in Cleveland: A Women's Health Podcast
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Dr. Carolyn in Cleveland: A Women's Health Podcast
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Dr. Carolyn in Cleveland: A Women's Health Podcast
You won’t want to miss this special episode on how to take care of your skin! May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month and Dr. Shannon Trotter, a board certified dermatologist, is here to correct any skin mistakes you might be making. She also tells us about her favorite skincare products. Her secret is this: first cleanse your skin, then use one product to do the rest! She takes time to sit down and answer our questions about skin: When should you worry about moles and other skin changes? How do you know if you are using the right sunscreen? Are you making a mistake by avoiding the sun? What is...
info_outlineDr. Carolyn begins this episode with a personal story about a surgery she had that resulted in a serious complication. She shares what she learned from this difficult experience so you won’t make the same mistake she did.
SOME PRE-OP IDEAS to help you prepare for surgery:
- Ask about anesthesia options
- Confirm who will be doing your surgery
- Decide on Medical Power of Attorney
- Create a Living Will
SCREENING TESTS
Various pre-op screening tests that you might need include: an EKG, Chest X-ray, Cardiac stress test, and Pulmonary Function Tests. There is also a special questionnaire to see if you are at risk for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
http://www.stopbang.ca/patient/screening.php
NEW RECOMMENDATIONS from several groups include:
The American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association now recommend that every patient needs to be assessed to determine their risk for a post-op cardiac event. In other words, it’s important to find out if you are at high risk of having a heart attack during or after surgery. There are also new recommendations regarding certain medications to stop prior to surgery, including SGLT2 inhibitors, like Invokana, Jardiance, Farxiga or Steglatro.
https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology
If you’re taking a GLP-1 agonist like Ozempic, Wegovy or Trulicity, the American Gastroenterological Association, along with several other medical societies, now recommends that you follow a liquid diet 24 hours prior to your surgery.
As of 2025, the American Society of Anesthesiologists has new recommendations for patients over age 65 to prevent delirium (acute confusion) after inpatient surgery:
- Screening older patients to identify those at risk for developing delirium
- Choosing type of anesthesia with your anesthesiologist
- Minimizing certain medications that might increase your risk for delirium
- Considering the medication dexmedetomidine during the immediate post-op period to prevent delirium in high risk patients.
https://www.asahq.org/about-asa
SUMMARY
The more prepared you are for surgery, the better your chances will be for a good outcome.
Discuss the details of the surgery with your surgeon. Ask about anesthesia options.
Schedule a pre-op visit with your primary care doctor. Ask about recommended screening tests and assessments. If appropriate, ask about getting tested for a metal allergy.
Be sure to have your list of questions answered prior to surgery. It helps to take someone with you to these appointments.
Take charge of this important pre-op time period. You’ll be glad you did.
Note: The information included in today’s podcast is not meant to be used as personal medical advice. Always consult your doctor or nurse practitioner before making medical decisions or making any changes in your medication.