Introduction from Successful Surgery and Healing
“Wouldn’t you agree that a well-informed,
well-prepared patient is more relaxed and positive and
has a better post-surgical outcome?”
well-prepared patient is more relaxed and positive and
has a better post-surgical outcome?”
Over the years, every doctor I’ve posed this question to has answered the same. Their answer is always a resounding “Yes!” It’s why I wrote this book.
Surgery happens
Accidents. Injury. Illness. They aren't planned, but happen at some point to ourselves and the people we know. While I don’t wish these on anyone, because of what I’ve been through in my lifetime - a seemingly unusual amount of injuries and surgeries— - I have learned a great deal and have a unique perspective into the surgical process, healing and recovery. I’m not writing this book because I’m a doctor, but because I am a successful patient. And you can be one, too!
There are two kinds of surgery: planned and unplanned (or emergency). Planned surgery is surgery that does not involve a medical emergency and does not need to be performed immediately. Unplanned surgery arises from an accident or other emergency. It is surgery that must be performed immediately or within a day or two.
No matter where you are in the surgical process - beginning, middle or end - there is information here for you! This book is for everyone: Those who live alone, couples and families. It's also for caretakers, advocates, friends and care providers. The ideas, checklists, templates and worksheets contained within are for anyone preparing for or recovering from surgery, whether planned or unplanned.
While your present circumstance may feel daunting or overwhelming,
know that you can do this!
To each reader, I hope this material helps you on your journey.
A little about me…
I have had both planned surgery and unplanned surgery; in fact, several of each between the ages of 19 to 42.
Planned surgery Unplanned surgery
Open-heart surgery, 21 Severed left Achilles tendon, 19
Left knee reconstruction, 24 Appendectomy, 32
Right knee reconstruction, 37 Traumatic brain injury, 34
Micro-lumbar-discectomy (back surgery), 42
The surgeries I've undergone were the result of a congenital defect (open-heart surgery), an acute medical emergency (bursting appendix), sports-related injuries (knees) and accidents (TBI from a bike accident and a partially severed Achilles tendon caused by a heavy steel dormitory door slamming on my heel).
I came upon my particular expertise surrounding surgery and recovery honestly, reluctantly and very much by accident - literally and figuratively.
The surgeries took place in various cities across the country, depending on which state I was living at the time (Boston, Salt Lake City, Newport Beach); sometimes near family and sometimes very far away. I shot from the hip and did the best I could, but even when I had time to plan, I often wasn’t really prepared for what took place. Being a single adult who was living alone added a particular kind of challenge and twist to both planned and unplanned surgeries alike.
What I've learned over the years
I have learned that, first and foremost, we need each other for help and support. I learned what an advocate is and why having one is so important. I learned a lot about patience and what it really means. I learned that with unplanned emergency surgery you lose a lot of control; you don't get to pick your doctor or hospital or have time to get organized physically, mentally or emotionally. I learned that hospitals are for critical care and pain management and healing takes place at home. In a nutshell, I learned that when it comes to taking care of ourselves - body, mind, emotions and spirit - there is a lot to know.
When navigating surgery and healing, I found that not only is there a lot to know,
I didn’t know what I didn’t know.
My experiences could have undoubtedly been easier if I’d had some information about what to expect before, during and after. Simple checklists would have been very helpful in creating structure and getting myself organized. I wish I had know what kind of help to ask for. I wish I’d been more compassionate and patient with myself during the healing and recovery process; it’s a journey, not a sprint. I wish I'd known then what I know now.
My education came full circle when I was 42 years old and required back surgery. One thing I was acutely aware of as I prepared was that I was going to need help and support.
Armed with a clear intention to be better prepared than before, I set out. What came of that intention is included in the pages that follow.
Make this book your own. Borrow my questions. Use my checklists and templates. (Each of the templates included at the end of this book are also available as free 8 1/2" x 11" .docx and .pdf downloads from the author's website, lorimertz.com/free-downloads.html.
May the wisdom, stories and tools shared within (from doctors, nurses, therapists, patients, family members, advocates, caregivers and personal experience) empower and support you in having a successful surgical experience and on your journey to perfect health and wholeness.
What I know for sure is that you can do this. If you’re unsure about that in this moment, hang in there and take it one step at a time. Be patient. Ask questions. Believe in yourself and in your body’s innate healing abilities.
Surgery happens
Accidents. Injury. Illness. They aren't planned, but happen at some point to ourselves and the people we know. While I don’t wish these on anyone, because of what I’ve been through in my lifetime - a seemingly unusual amount of injuries and surgeries— - I have learned a great deal and have a unique perspective into the surgical process, healing and recovery. I’m not writing this book because I’m a doctor, but because I am a successful patient. And you can be one, too!
There are two kinds of surgery: planned and unplanned (or emergency). Planned surgery is surgery that does not involve a medical emergency and does not need to be performed immediately. Unplanned surgery arises from an accident or other emergency. It is surgery that must be performed immediately or within a day or two.
No matter where you are in the surgical process - beginning, middle or end - there is information here for you! This book is for everyone: Those who live alone, couples and families. It's also for caretakers, advocates, friends and care providers. The ideas, checklists, templates and worksheets contained within are for anyone preparing for or recovering from surgery, whether planned or unplanned.
While your present circumstance may feel daunting or overwhelming,
know that you can do this!
To each reader, I hope this material helps you on your journey.
A little about me…
I have had both planned surgery and unplanned surgery; in fact, several of each between the ages of 19 to 42.
Planned surgery Unplanned surgery
Open-heart surgery, 21 Severed left Achilles tendon, 19
Left knee reconstruction, 24 Appendectomy, 32
Right knee reconstruction, 37 Traumatic brain injury, 34
Micro-lumbar-discectomy (back surgery), 42
The surgeries I've undergone were the result of a congenital defect (open-heart surgery), an acute medical emergency (bursting appendix), sports-related injuries (knees) and accidents (TBI from a bike accident and a partially severed Achilles tendon caused by a heavy steel dormitory door slamming on my heel).
I came upon my particular expertise surrounding surgery and recovery honestly, reluctantly and very much by accident - literally and figuratively.
The surgeries took place in various cities across the country, depending on which state I was living at the time (Boston, Salt Lake City, Newport Beach); sometimes near family and sometimes very far away. I shot from the hip and did the best I could, but even when I had time to plan, I often wasn’t really prepared for what took place. Being a single adult who was living alone added a particular kind of challenge and twist to both planned and unplanned surgeries alike.
What I've learned over the years
I have learned that, first and foremost, we need each other for help and support. I learned what an advocate is and why having one is so important. I learned a lot about patience and what it really means. I learned that with unplanned emergency surgery you lose a lot of control; you don't get to pick your doctor or hospital or have time to get organized physically, mentally or emotionally. I learned that hospitals are for critical care and pain management and healing takes place at home. In a nutshell, I learned that when it comes to taking care of ourselves - body, mind, emotions and spirit - there is a lot to know.
When navigating surgery and healing, I found that not only is there a lot to know,
I didn’t know what I didn’t know.
My experiences could have undoubtedly been easier if I’d had some information about what to expect before, during and after. Simple checklists would have been very helpful in creating structure and getting myself organized. I wish I had know what kind of help to ask for. I wish I’d been more compassionate and patient with myself during the healing and recovery process; it’s a journey, not a sprint. I wish I'd known then what I know now.
My education came full circle when I was 42 years old and required back surgery. One thing I was acutely aware of as I prepared was that I was going to need help and support.
Armed with a clear intention to be better prepared than before, I set out. What came of that intention is included in the pages that follow.
Make this book your own. Borrow my questions. Use my checklists and templates. (Each of the templates included at the end of this book are also available as free 8 1/2" x 11" .docx and .pdf downloads from the author's website, lorimertz.com/free-downloads.html.
May the wisdom, stories and tools shared within (from doctors, nurses, therapists, patients, family members, advocates, caregivers and personal experience) empower and support you in having a successful surgical experience and on your journey to perfect health and wholeness.
What I know for sure is that you can do this. If you’re unsure about that in this moment, hang in there and take it one step at a time. Be patient. Ask questions. Believe in yourself and in your body’s innate healing abilities.
