December 11, 2019 anesthesia | ERAS | surgery Gillian Griffith

Types of Anesthesia: Understanding Going Under

Local, regional, general—oh my! If you’ve ever undergone surgery or if you have an upcoming procedure on the books, you’re probably aware there are a few different types of anesthesia. But what, exactly, is the difference between each and what are they used for? Today, we’re breaking down all you need to know about the […]

November 22, 2019 health | holidays | hunger | hunger nutrition | nutrition Gillian Griffith

Healthy Holiday Swaps for a Nutritious Festive Feast!

Ah, the holidays—that time of year when the scent of browned butter and caramelized sugar in the air threatens to undo all of the nutritious choices we’ve made for months. Whether you’re getting ready to undergo a procedure, are recovering from surgery and sticking to a nutritious diet, or simply want to stay on the […]

October 25, 2019 opioid | opioids | pain | painkillers Gillian Griffith

Alternative Pain Management Without Opioids

Highly addictive and not exactly the safest option to control pain, it’s understandable that many patients choose to avoid opioids and heavy painkillers if possible. But knowing where to start with alternative pain management solutions—and ensuring you’re getting the most benefit from these methods—can be a bit tricky. Today, then, we’re breaking down all you […]

September 25, 2019 alcohol | ERAS | quitting alcohol Gillian Griffith

Weaning Off of Alcohol Before Your Procedure: Tips to Help You Stop Drinking Before Surgery

When it comes to getting healthy before going in for a surgery weaning off of alcohol is often a necessary part of a patient’s pre-surgery plan. But how, exactly, do you safely stop drinking before surgery—especially if happy hour has become a habit for you? Today, we’re talking everything you need to know when it […]

September 6, 2019 child | children | pediatric surgery | pediatrics Gillian Griffith

Preparing Your Child for Surgery: 5 Tips Every Parent Should Know

No parent wants to hear their child needs to have surgery—but it happens more than you might think (on average, 450,000 pediatric in-patient surgeries are performed in the U.S. each year). Pediatric surgery can be intimidating and overwhelming—and, while you’re busy making plans, trying to understand your child’s condition, and arranging financials, you might forget […]

August 23, 2019 cancellation | cold | flu | sick Gillian Griffith

Sick Before Surgery? What to Know and When To Consider Cancelling

You’ve taken time off work, you’ve attended your pre-op appointment, you have someone prepared to drive you home after your procedure and—just like that—you suddenly find yourself feeling sick before surgery. But a procedure isn’t exactly the easiest thing to reschedule—so do you ride it out and go forward in a weakened state, or should […]

August 8, 2019 ACL | MCL | my surgery story | orthopedic | surgery Gillian Griffith

Q & A with an MCL Replacement Patient

Some products mentioned in this post provided promotional consideration to Mend Well.  If you’re getting ready to have surgery for the first time, you might find yourself wondering what surgery is like and—more importantly—how you can improve your surgery experience. To help you on your quest for a seamless, stress-free procedure, we’re sitting down today with [...]

July 18, 2019 delirium | elder care | elderly patients | mental health | postop delirium | senior patients Gillian Griffith

Post-Op Delirium: What It Is, Who’s At Risk & What You Can Do About It

If you’re tasked with caring for an elderly patient or loved one during their surgery and recovery experience, there are a number of things to plan for and consider—and post-op delirium might just be toward the top of that long list. Today, then, we’re breaking down all you need to know about this common post-op […]

June 26, 2019 ERAS | hip replacement | joint replacement | knee replacement Gillian Griffith

Preparing your House for Joint Replacement Recovery: 7 Must-Follow Steps

When it comes to surgery, we often spend so much time worrying about the procedure itself that we neglect to prepare for the recovery period. A key part of this often-overlooked piece of the pie? Preparing your living quarters. Particularly for orthopedic patients, making sure your house is safe for the state you return home […]

May 29, 2019 ERAS | surgery Gillian Griffith

Getting a Second Opinion: Three Reasons You Should Consider Talking to Multiple Pros Before Surgery

If there’s one thing we’re committed to here at Mend Well, it’s empowering patients to take control of their procedure to enhance their recovery experience. One key to ensuring you’re properly prepared to go under the knife? Getting a second opinion. Today, then, we’re talking all about the power of getting a second opinion and […]