OBESITY AND ITS HOMEO TT

Obesity & Homeopathy

This is a condition of excessive accumulation of fat in fat depots. This is an important nutritional disorder occurs mainly in the rich communities of the world.

Causes of Obesity:

Age: Present in all age group but more common in middle aged persons.

Sex: According to the Government White Paper on public health, 23% of men and 25.4% of women are obese.



Eating habits: The main causes of obesity are: overeating and/or eating the wrong kinds of food.
Hereditary Factor: Family history for obesity may be positive in majority of cases.
Physical activity: It is very common in persons with sedentary habit than in persons with active habits.
Psychological factor: As a result of emotional instability habit of overeating may develop and it leads to obesity.
Economic background: In developing countries it is common amongst the rich who consumes lots of protein, fat and carbohydrate in their diet and having sedentary habits due to luxurious life whereas in fully developed countries it is more common in lower-socioeconomic groups.
Endocrinal causes: In cases of hypothyroidism, Cushing’s syndrome, Adiposogenital dystrophy etc, there may be obesity.
Pregnancy: During pregnancy a woman may develop adiposity increasing the body weight to about 4-5 kg and this may goes on increasing in subsequent pregnancy due to lack of proper knowledge and carelessness.
The liver is very important for processing nutrients consumed in the diet and sending them on to the rest of the body. Abnormal processing of glucose or lipids in the liver contributes to problems of type 2 diabetes and atherosclerosis, and fatty liver disease often is seen in people who are obese or suffer from insulin resistance. The liver is also thought to play a key role in controlling the risk of heart disease.
Genetic factors: In prader-willi syndrome, Laurence-Moon-Biedi syndrome obesity develops.
Hypothalamic syndrome: Lesions in the hypothalamus may give rise to polyphagia and subsequent obesity.

Criteria for obesity:
1. Body weight more than 20% above the ideal body weight.
2. Ponderal index (ponderal index= height in inches divide by cube root of weight in lb) less than 12.
3. A fatfold thickness greater than 2.5 cm at the tip of scapula in males or mid triceps region in females.
Clinical Symptoms:
The body weight progressively increases and gradually the contour and configuration of the body is altered. Fat is uniformly distributed all throughout the body but in some cases like Cushing’s syndrome it may be distributed in the head, neck, trunk and shoulder and spare the legs (buffalo type of distribution).

As the body becomes heavier the movements are slow and due to low vital capacity slightest exertion may give rise to dyspnoea.

Sometimes the ventilation may be very much reduced due to high position of the diaphragm. This is called obesity- hypoventilation syndrome or characterized by periodic breathing, hypoxia, cyanosis, respiratory acidosis, leading to pulmonary hypertension, right ventricular hypertrophy (enlargement of right ventricles) and failure.

As fat has some insulating effect there may be defective heat loss and this will add to much discomfort during summer months.

There may be menstrual disturbances in females.

Patient will also have difficulty in sitting in squatting position, getting up or sitting in a chair or a vehicle.

Gradually some patients may be completely crippled and leads a vegetative existence and cannot do any thing without the assistance of somebody.

Complications:

1. Mechanical: Due to heavy weight of the body, weight bearing joints, e.g. knee, ankle, hip and lumber spine will develop osteoarthritic changes. There may be abdominal hernia, hiatus hernia, varicose veins, flat feet etc.

2. Infection: Due to exaggeration of skin creases cleanliness cannot be maintained and so fungal or other infections in these sites are very common.

3. Cardiovascular: Hypertension and atherosclerosis may develop. There may be angina pectoris, cardiac failure in middle aged individuals.

4. Metabolic: Diabetes, atherosclerosis, hyperlipidemia, cholesterol stones, gout etc may occur.

5. Psychic complications: Different psychosomatic problems may develop in these individuals.
6. There may be hazards during pregnancy and surgical procedures.

7. There may be unexplained increase in certain type of cancers particularly of gall bladder, colon, endometrium and breast.

Life expectancy:

This is considerably lower in obese patients in comparison to a non obese person of the same age group.

Treatment:
A. Diet control: A balanced diet suitable for the expected weight of the patient should be given. This reducing diet will aim at negative balance of some of the calories. Diet should contain adequate protein but less fat and carbohydrates should be reduced. A 1000 Kcal diet may be given containing 100gms of carbohydrates, 50gms of proteins, and 40gms of fat. Alcohol should be avoided. Minerals, vitamins, water and salt should not be restricted.

B. Exercise: Physical exercise must be encouraged and its value should not be underestimated.

C. Drugs: Appetite suppressants are mainly used. To speed up the metabolism sometimes thyroid hormones may be used.

D. Dieting or fasting may be helpful sometimes.

E. Surgery: For localized adiposity, surgery may be helpful. Surgical procedures were grouped into gastric banding, gastric bypass, gastroplasty, biliopancreatic diversion or duodenal switch, and other procedures.

• Roux-en Y procedure—reduces the size of the stomach, creating a feeling of fullness (satiety); vomiting is the most common side effect
• Liposuction—removes fat deposits from specific body areas; weight gain is more likely in other areas of the body after the procedure


F. Yoga: There are some asana which are very effective in weight reduction like sukhasana, stretching of shoulders, surya namaskar, ardha matsyendrasana, tadasana, Fish Pose (Matsyasana), savasana, kapalabhati, anuloma viloma, etc.

Homeopathic Treatment:

Calcarea carb
It is used in person with excessive perspiration and who becomes hungry soon after eating; overeating and inactive digestive system; indigestion with craving for indigestible things. Excessive perspiration with little exertion, mainly on the upper part of the body.

Cinchona offIt is used in obesity to reduce ravenous appetite; indigestion after taking raw fruits and vegetables.It is indicated in persons who are though overweight but they are very weak internally.

LycopodiumObesity which arises due to disturbed liver and digestive functions; to decrease the craving for sweets; loss of appetite;Indigestion with flatulence in the lower abdomen; very hungry but feels full after a few bites.

Thyroidinum
Obesity arises due to thyroid dysfunction; This remedy is a powerful diuretic and is very useful in myxodema and various types of edema.

Calotropis GiganteaThis medicine is used to reduce the fat without decreasing the weight i.e. flesh will be decreased, the muscles will become harder and firmer. Heat in stomach is a good guiding symptom.

Antim Crude
This medicine is used in persons having the tendency to become fat mainly due to overeating and indigestion with white coated tongue.

Phytolacca berryThis medicine is commonly used as a patent medicine for weight reduction.

Fucus vesiculosus
It is given after giving Calcarea Carbonica. It should be given in mother tincture. It is very effective in cases of indigestion, obstinate constipation and flatulence. It is very effective in people with enlarged thyroid glands.

Graphites
Obesity in fair, fatty & flabby females with delayed menstruation. It is indicated in persons who are generally constipated and who have skin trouble.

Esculentine & Phytoline
These are two different remedies used for reduction of fat. These medicines are given in tincture form.

Other homeopathic medicines are amm-carb, amm-mur, iodium, argentum nit, coffea cruda, capsicum, ferrum phos, ignatia, kali carb,kali bi chromicum, staphysagria,aurum met, Carlsbad, nat mur, sulphur,ferrum met, thuja occ, etc that can prove useful in a case of obesity

PEPTIC ULCERS AND THEIR HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT

Food & Peptic Ulcers

A peptic ulcer is an area of damage to the lining of either the stomach or the duodenum (the part of the digestive tract that immediately follows the stomach). Peptic ulcers can cause symptoms of indigestion, including pain, which may be severe. They can be treated with medicines but if left untreated can leads to serious complications.
An ulcer in the stomach is called a gastric or stomach ulcer. In the duodenum it is called a duodenal ulcer. Peptic ulcers are usually raw patches that are 1-2 cm in diameter. They may be acute or chronic. In case of acute ulcers, several ulcers may be present at a time, and these may or may not produce any symptoms. They often heal with proper treatment without any long term consequences. Chronic ulcers are deeper, usually occur individually and cause symptoms. They leave a scar when they heal.

Causes of Peptic Ulcer:
The contents of stomach are acidic. The acid helps to protect the body from infection and helps break down the food that is eaten. The lining of the stomach and duodenum is covered in mucus, which protect it from acid. An ulcer can result when the stomach produces excess acid or there is insufficient mucus to protect the lining from damage.

There are several factors that increase a person risk of getting a peptic ulcer:

1). Infection with bacteria called helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) –this is almost always present in people with ulcers, although it is also found in the stomachs of many people without ulcers or indigestion symptoms.
2). regularly taking certain medicines.
3). Smoking.
4). Drinking alcohol in excess.
5). Stress.
6). Excessive intake of irritants such as spices and caffeine (coffee, tea, cola drinks, and certain caffeine containing energy drinks).
7). Heredity


Occasionally, a gastric ulcer may develop within a cancer in the lining of the stomach.

Symptoms:Some people with peptic ulcers have no symptoms. However, many people have abdominal pain, usually just below the chest bone. A gastric ulcer typically causes a sharp pain in the stomach soon after eating, whereas the pain of the duodenal ulcer is typically relieved by eating, or by drinking milk. Other symptoms may include:
1). Belching.
2). General discomfort in the stomach,
3). Loss of appetite or rarely increased appetite,
4). Nausea,
5). Vomiting,
6). Loss of weight.
7). Heartburn.
8). Gastritis.
9). Gastro-esophageal reflux.

Complications:Sometimes a peptic ulcer can leads to more serious problems, including perforation (a hole in the wall) of the stomach or duodenum. This causes severe pain and needs emergency treatment. However, the most common complication is bleeding from the ulcer. Symptom includes:
1. Vomiting red blood or vomit containing dark brown bits of older blood (with an appearance of coffee grounds).
2. Blood (usually dark red) in the stool.
3. Black, tarry stool.
A slowly bleeding ulcer can also cause anemia, where there are not enough red blood cells to transport oxygen around the body.
Scars left by healed ulcers something cause narrowing (stenosis) in the duodenum. This can lead to severe vomiting and may need surgery.

Diagnosis:

•Endoscopy is the preferred method.
•Double contrast barium meal examination may be done.

Precautions: A number of lifestyle changes may reduce the symptoms of a peptic ulcer, and speed up healing:
1. Avoid food and drink that seems to cause more severe symptoms such as spicy foods, fatty foods, coffee, and possibly alcohol.2. Stop smoking.
3. Lose excess weight if overweight.
4. Reduction of stress by exercise, relaxing exercises, psychotherapy, anti-stress medication, hypnotism, yoga or any other method that relieves stress and anxiety.
5. Avoidance of individual foods that may cause discomfort to specific patients- this is often an individual reaction so that some patients need to cut out white bread, while others need to cut out white bread, while others need to completely stay away from brown bread.

Treatment: In addition to recommending lifestyle changes, if applicable, your doctor may prescribe a course of tablets to reduce the amount of acid produced by the stomach such as:
1. Antacids
2. Proton-pump inhibitors (medication that reduce the amount of acid the stomach produces).
3. Antibiotics to eradicate bacterial infection.
4. Surgery is rarely indicated for ulcers resistant to therapy or where there are frequent relapses.

Homeopathic treatment: For peptic ulcer there are numerous medicines from which some are given below:
Graphites: Peptic ulcers with intolerance of food; nausea and vomiting after each meal, great flatulence better from belching; aversion to meat, cooked food, fish, salt and sweets; burning, constrictive and cramping pain in stomach; pain becomes worse from cold drinks and better by eating and warm milk; periodic stomach pain with vomiting of food soon after eating, etc.

Pulsatilla: Symptoms of ulcer aggravates from eating rich food, cake, pastry especially after pork or sausage, fruits, cold food or drinks and ice cream; aversion to fatty food, butter, warm food, and drinks; water brash, with bitter taste in the mouth; abdomen painfully distended with loud rumbling; pain in stomach an hour after eating, etc.

Phosphorus: Pain in stomach relieved by cold food and icy cold drinks; tenderness in the region of stomach or duodenum; hunger soon after eating; longs for cold food and drinks and juicy refreshing things; nausea and vomiting after warm food and drinks; in later stages there is haematemesis, vomiting of blood, bile, and mucus with coffee ground substances, etc.

Petroleum: Gnawing, pressing pain in stomach, when ever the stomach is empty; relieved by constant eating; heart burn and sour eructation; strong aversion to fatty food and meat, worse from eating cabbage, ravengeous hunger, must rise at night and eat; nausea with accumulation of water in mouth, etc.

Nux vomica: Sour or bitter taste in the morning or aversion to food; nausea and sour or bitter vomiting, fullness after eating a small amount of food or pressure as of a stone in the stomach; sensitiveness of stomach worse from the least pressure of clothing; colic with ineffectual urge for stool, temporarily better after stool. It is also used in liver complains and jaundice with nausea, vomiting, and ineffectual urge for stool, etc.

Merc sol: Ulcers bleed easily; aversion to meat, wine, greasy food, coffee, coffee and butter; eructation, regurgitations, heartburn, nausea and vomiting; problem becomes worse after milk and sweet; salivation increased, tongue shows imprints of teeth, painful with ulcers in mouth along with peptic ulcers; Stool slimy, bloody, with colic and fainting feeling; great tenesmus during and after stool, etc.

Some Other Medicines for peptic ulcers are - Belladonna, Borax, Colocynth, Bryonia, Dulcamara, Symphytum, Aethusa, Sulphur, Kali Bich, Lycopodium, Carbo Veg, Anti crud, Calc carb, Nat mur, Nat phos, China, Silicea, Lachesis, Acidum nit., Calendula, Hamamelis, argentum-nit, arsenic-alb, atropine, geranium, hydrastis, kali-bichrom, merc-cor, ornithogalum, uranium-nit, terebintha, medorrhinum, ipecac, etc

HOMEOPATHY AND ACNE

Homeopathy & Acne

Acne is a chronic inflammation of the sebaceous glands and hair follicles, characterized by an eruption which is hard, conical in shape, of moderate size and with redness. It commonly occurs in puberty & in the spring season.

Types: -
The disease appears in its different varieties and the well known forms are-

1 Acne simplex or vulgaris- This type of acne is common in youth, appearing from 12th to 18th year and lasting from 5 to 10 years if untreated. It is most often seen on the face, especially on the forehead, cheeks and chin, but is quite common on the upper part of the shoulders and chest and may rarely be found elsewhere. The eruptions are bilateral without symmetry and consist of comedones, papules and pustules from pin-head to split pea in size, varying in number from one or two to hundreds.

2 Acne indurate- It is more common in the back and neck. It is chronic in its course, which rarely disappears without treatment. The lesion appears as deep seated, round, ovoid or flattish indurations or nodules. They may be few or many, isolated or aggregated, vary in size from a pea to a cherry, and as they enlarge, the covering skin becomes dark red in color. Most are indolent or blind boil, which contain little pus and even if incised are apt to reform. Nearby glands may be affected.
3 Acne Rosacea- It is a chronic congestion of the face which appears between the thirtieth and fortieth years of life. Women up to the age of forty seem more subjected to the disease than men. It begins with temporary hyperemia which is characterized by flushing, permanent redness, capillary dilatation, secondary acne and sometimes by tissue hypertrophy. The rosacea begins as a temporary congestion or redness of the middle third i.e. flush area of the face, which recurs at varying intervals.

4 Acne Varioliformis- It is a rare, chronic inflammatory disease, characterized by papulopustules commonly occurs in the forehead and scalp, occasionally in the other locations, and leaving a depressed scar similar to that of variola. The initial lesions are small pale macules or papules which soon become reddish-brown, deep-seated, indolent papules, pea to bean-sized and frequently pierced by a hair. Later vesicles and pustules develop, covered with flat, adherent, yellowish brown crusts under which will be found sharply defined, rounded ulcers. These crusts may increase in size but eventually fall off, leaving reddish brown, clear-cut, variola like scars which finally becomes white.

5 Acne Punctata- In acne punctat, there is an irritative process around a hair follicle by the collection of sebaceous matter, in the form of pointed eruption. This collection, when squeezed out of the skin, is emitted in a cylindrical form, having the appearance of a small comedo. This variety is generally seen in persons at the age of puberty who take little exercise and indulge in eating excess fat and carbohydrates. It is most frequent in young females.
Aetiology:

The following factors are possibly responsible.

a). Androgenic influence: In many young females excess androgen is seen even after the teen where the disease is very much prevalent.

b). Excessive sebaceous secretion: Due to influence of the androgenic hormones there is excessive secretion of sebaceous glands which play a basic role.

c). Abnormal keratinisation: The follicular duct undergoes keratinisation which is an early finding in acne.

d). Infection: An anaerobic diphtheroid known as propionibacterium Acnes having lipolytic activity is seen within the pilosebaceous ducts. They also alter the cell mediated immunity.

Treatment:
1 The face should be washed with soap and water about 4-5 times a day so that the greasy materials are washed off.

2 Manual removals of the comedones may be advised.

3 Zinc sulphide lotions B.P.C. may be applied locally.

4 Mild peeling agents containing Benzoic Peroxide (2.5-10%) in combination with sulphur in ointment or gel may be used.

5 Contraceptive pills containing less androgenic effect of Progesterone may also be beneficial.

6 Good food, fresh air and sun light are also beneficial.

7 Antibiotics like tetracycline, erythromycin, oxytetracycline or cotrimoxazole may be taken orally.

8 Topical antibiotics like 1% Clindamycin in alcohol may also be helpful.

Homeopathic Treatment:

1. Antim crude. Small red pimple on the face; Acne of drunkards with gastric derangements, thirst and white coated tongue.

2. Antim tart. Obstinate cases, with tendency to postulation, are curable with this remedy.

3. Arsenic alb. Acne with burning sensation.

4. Arsenicum Sulph Rubrum. Is indicated in acne accompanied by eczema or psoriasis.

5. Asterias Rubens. Is the head remedy for pimples on the face at the age of puberty.

6. Aurum Arsenicum. Acne, pimple on the face and forehead, pustules.

7. Belladonna. For acne which is very painful and red in color; occurs in plethoric persons.

8. Berberis Aquifolium. For acne on the face especially in girls where the skin becomes rough. Along with internal medication its mother tincture should be used for local application on acne for best results.

9. Bovista. Acne which occurs due to cosmetics, especially during summer.

10. Calc carb. Acne due to menstrual disorder with excessive perspiration.

11. Calc Phos. Acne in anaemic girls at puberty, with vertex headache and flatulent dyspepsia, relieved by eating.

12. Calc Sulph. Being the chief blood purifier it proves an indispensable remedy in all stages of the affection. It is especially indicated where the pimples suppurate.

13. Carboveg. Acne due to gastric derangement.

14. Dulcamara. Rash on the face before menses.

15. Hepar Sulph. Pimples of the size of a pea in different parts of the body, the slightest scratch or injury inclines to ulceration.

16. Kali bromatum. This remedy is especially adapted to the acne simplex and the indurate, especially in hyperaesthetic, nervous females, and in epileptics who have been maltreated by bromides.

17. Streptococcin. Acne, which is aggravated by taking eggs and during winter.

18. Other medicines used in acne are: Thuja, Sulphur, Silicea, Sepia, Sanguinaria can, Rhus tox, Pulsatilla, Psorinum, Petroleum, Nitric acid, Nat mur, Mercurius, Ledum, Lachesis, Hydrocotyle, Causticum, Calc picrata, Borax, Agaricus, Alumina, Arsenic Iodatum, etc.

ACNE AND ITS HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT

Acne and The Scope of Homeopathic Treatment

Pathogenesis of Acne

There are 4 basic factors involved in the development of acne.

Follicle Blockage

Acne arises due to blockage of follicles, the sebaceous follicles which are found in the face, neck, chest, and/or back. In acne patients, the sebaceous glands attached to these follicles secrete excessive amounts of sebum. It has been shown that the sebaceous glands in acne patients tend to be hyperresponsive to androgens, which are first released in the prepubertal period. Thus, these patients produce more sebum than is normal; this excessive secretion is a necessary prerequisite for the onset of acne.

Abnormal Desquamation

Second, the epithelial cells (keratinous squamous cells) lining of inner most layer of the follicles undergo abnormal desquamation. The cause why it happens is unknown. Normally, keratinous squamous cells are loosely organized in normal follicle, but they become denser and more coherent as a result of abnormal desquamation. The combination of abnormally desquamated cells and excessive sebum forms a “plug,” or microcomedo — the precursor lesion of both noninflammatory comedones and inflammatory lesions.

Bacteria

Third, the propionibacterium acne is a bacterium that lives on your skin and uses the sebum as nutrients for his growth. The sebaceous glands are hypersensitive to androgens that causes enlarge of gland and more sebum secretion. In puberty the androgens hormone is secreted more and thus there is more sebum secretion and more Propionibacterium acne in the follicle. The presence of P.acne attracts WBC to the follicle and thus an inflammatory reaction is settled up

Inflammation

Fourth, P acnes produces proinflammatory mediators and chemotactic factors that can cause microcomedones to inflame and evolve into papules, pustules, and nodules.

How Homeopathy Helps

• A proper homeopathy treatment reduces the hypersensitivity of sebaceous gland to androgen hormone so helps to maintain a normal secretion of sebum. That prevents the acne formation.
  
• Homeopathy remedies have anti inflammatory effect and accelerate the healing process in inflamed acne conditions.
  
• Propionibacterium acnes is a frequent cause of bacterial keratitis and may cause propionibacterium acne keratitis. Homeopathy remedies treats successfully to the P.acne keratitis condition.
  
• Homeopathy treatment controls the scar formation.
  
• A constitutional homeopathy treatment not only treats the acne condition but also treats the whole patients as a whole.
  

HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES TO FIGHT ADDICTION TO SMOKING

some detail about the remedies to help people fight the addiction of cigarrettes. 
  Tabacum is basically homeopathic tabacco.  It helps with the cravings of tobacco since it is diluted with this same substance. 
Caladium is a homeopathic ingredient that favorably influences and modifies the craving for tobacco. It also influences and counters the symptoms of respiratory disturbances associated with smoking.
Nux vomica helps smokers from becoming too irritable when trying to quit smoking.  This remedy also helps with throat issues associated with smoking.
Avena Sativa helps maintain vitality, endurance and stamina.  Smokers lack these traits due to the tabacco affecting their lungs and health.  This remedy helps to restore these to a certain extent.
Daphne helps with insomnia associated with trying to quit smoking.  It also helps with the tabacco cravings.
Plantago helps lessen the tabacco addiction.  This remedy makes your body feel disgusted with smoking the cigarette.
Staphysagria basically helps with smoker's emotional problems.  Smokers may experience depression, violent outbursts, irritability, and suppressed emotions.  These type of emotions are common for people with addiction.  This homeopathic remedy helps lessen these emotions.

  People may need a combination of these remedies to help stop smoking.  See a homeopathic doctor to see which remedies you may need.  If you can not see or find a homeopathic doctor, take the single remedies that most closely resemble your symtoms.  Start with a 6X potency for any of these remedies. 

Homeopathy and Weight Loss

The first principle of homeopathy was formulated by Dr. Hahnemann, a German doctor in the 18th century. It is based on the concept that similar affections are healed with similar formula. Today it is used being a safe, non invasive therapy. It is non toxic to the body too, and has no long-term side effects. It also boasts of being safer for pregnant women, infants and the elderly compared with other therapies.
Homeopathic substances are made through the process of dilution. Having no longer whole molecules, rendering them non-allergenic and non-poisonous, they stimulate the body towards balance. Homeopathy uses natural substances which are approved and regulated by the FDA. Most remedies are available without a prescription.
Homeopathic remedies can be used along with supplements and herbs and can be safely taken together with insulin, heart, blood pressure, thyroid and other medications. Chronic diseases can be also treated with homeopathy as well. Lately it offers treatments for various aspects of obesity too. Homeopathic medicines help in the weight loss procedure by improving digestion, elimination and metabolism. However, the medicines need to be individually prescribed, based on different patterns. So before taking them, consult a homeopathic doctor for proper advice.
In the weight loss procedure through homeopathic medicine Antimonium crudum, Argentum nitricum, Calcarea carbonica, Coffea cruda and Capsicum are the most often used remedies.

TIPS FOR SURGERY

 Tips For Surgery

No matter how safe you know a procedure is, no matter how proven and how routine it’s become, there’s always an innate fear when you’re scheduled to go under the surgeon’s knife. You don’t know what to expect after the effects of the anesthesia have worn off, and you’re not really mentally prepared before they wheel you into surgery. I’ve been through three surgeries in as many years; none of them were for life-threatening reasons, but I still felt my heart pounding heavily all the same before I went under. But after the first one, I realized that you’re able to cope better mentally and recover faster physically if you know what to expect, how to take the necessary precautions, and think positively. So if you’re scheduled to go into surgery anytime soon, here are a few things to bear in mind:

Follow your doctor’s orders:

No matter what other people tell you to do, it’s best to stick to your doctor’s orders. Don’t do anything that they’ve advised you against and always talk to them before you include all kinds of vitamin supplements and health enhancements in your diet. If they’ve asked you to stop certain drugs, do so immediately. Following your doctor’s orders could be the difference between an easy and painful recovery, or even life and death, post surgery.

Make sure you’ve told your doctor all that they need to know:

You must be completely honest with your doctor so that there are no surprises during the surgery and during your recovery period. If you smoke, drink regularly or do drugs, now is the time to come clean. Show them your prescription if you are on any kind of medication, and also ensure that they know if you’re allergic to any drug or chemical substance.

Talk to your doctor about post-surgical care and recovery:

Some surgeries are easy to recover from; you’re usually home in a few hours or in a day and can resume normal activity immediately. Others are more complicated and you may have to stay in the hospital for a few days before you go home. You may also need someone to help you around for sometime before you regain total independence. So talk to your doctor about your options and arrange for a loved one to assist and support you through the process.

Follow your post-surgical instructions carefully:

Once the surgery is over, you may be in a certain amount of pain. While this will subside over the next few days, ask your doctor what you must do in case the pain becomes unmanageable and under what circumstances you need to call for emergency help. Follow instructions so that there are no untoward incidents hampering your recovery process. Don’t jump the gun in resuming normal activities or going to work. Allow your body and mind time to heal and relax before you resume your regular life.

A surgery need not be a frightening process if you’re well prepared mentally and physically, and if you have loved ones to support you throughout the procedure.