Questions to Ask Your Doctor Before an Operation
Questions to ask your doctor before an operation are usually specific to the operation itself, so if it is a heart operation, you will probably ask about what it is that the doctor is going to be specifically doing to your heart when they proceed with the operation, and different questions if it is a sports injury. However, all doctors are required to tell you all about what they are going to be doing before the operation, and this is a lawful requirement, so you will not have to worry about being shut out to certain truths and points inherent in the operation that you should be aware of, because they have to tell you. Usually when you have an operation it works the other way, that is, the doctor will actually ask you questions, in order to make sure that you are fully prepared for the operation and you feel comfortable with it, such as, when you ate your last meal. If you get a decent doctor, they will explain exactly what they are going to do, and usually they will inform you if there is a chance that the operation could fail, in the form of a ratio or percentage.
Opting out of Procedures
It is possible to opt out of medical procedures and operations, although if a condition is serious then it is highly recommended that you go forth with the operation, and if things are fatal, then you should if only for the sake of your family and loved ones. Some people will be too young for certain drugs and medicines to be absorbed or taken orally, such as morphine which will eradicate a fair amount of pain, and the doctor will always ask for your consent before using such drugs, because again this is a lawful requirement. The doctor will usually give you an option of gas or injection when they need to put you to sleep for the operation, and this is also a legal requirement when there is a choice between the two. If you have gas it can make you feel a little drowsy, and often take you a while before you are actually asleep, whereas an injection will take no time at all for you to sleep; usually the doctor will count to ten and you'll be asleep.
When going forth with the operation, remember that although the doctor will usually tell you all about the operation, that you will have to make sure you ask any specific questions that have been lingering in your mind for a long time. Moving into the theatre and having an operation can be an extremely daunting time, and often you can in fact have a family member by your side if you feel that it will help you. Sometimes you will have to ask a doctor if this is possible before the operation begins, but it is possible in most cases, especially if a child is undergoing treatment.
The questions to ask your doctor before an operation are pretty standard, and remember that most of the questions will be answered by the doctor through them telling you about the procedure before hand. If you find that there are a few burning questions that the doctor has not answered, such as survival rate and risks of the operation, make sure that you ask them before you are actually moved into the operating room. Some people find that when they are about to have an operation it is comforting for a family member to accompany you into the room, so make sure you ask for this too if you wish.