You think you may need surgery. Perhaps your family physician has referred you to a surgeon or suggested that you have surgery. Maybe a friend had the same condition you do and had to have surgery, so you are afraid you will too. Don’t assume you need surgery; you may be able to return to good health without an invasive procedure.

There are situations where surgery is nearly impossible to avoid. If your appendix is inflamed and about to rupture, surgery is the only treatment.

The same is true for badly broken bones and medical emergencies.

There will be situations where medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes can dramatically improve your health. BUT if you’ve given the non-surgical therapies a chance without success, it may be time to consider surgery.

So, for the sake of clarity and the purposes of today’s radio show topic, we will assume your surgery is necessary, that you have received a second and perhaps a third opinion from highly credentialed doctors, and that the benefits outweigh the risks. The next step is to choose a surgeon who has a good track record with your type of surgery and with whom you can communicate your needs.

Also, choose a caregiver – positive, empowered, and attentive - who will be by your side during appointments with your surgeon and waiting for you after you return from the surgical suite.

Next step – prepare your body and your mind for the process! So few people really take this part seriously – yet, it can be the most important step you take.

Of course, each of us has first-hand experience with the body’s abilities to heal itself. No one’s life is free from injury and pain, and we have observed the incredible process of our cuts being repaired and our illnesses fought off. The process seems nothing short of miraculous. As extraordinary as it is, there are many factors which facilitate or hinder the process. Some of these factors are under our own control and can be influenced by our thoughts and emotions. Others are influenced by the nutrients and physical care we give our bodies prior to and after the surgery.

Tonight on our internet based radio show, we\'ll  be talking with Dr. Carolyn Dean about How To Prepare for Optimal Recover from a Surgical Procedure along with a wide range of health topics and safe solutions. You will love hearing the beneficial interactions with our callers and hosts alike including the body/mind connection, identifying the \'conflict\' in the \'conflict basis\' of disease and much more!!