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Before the operation

Illustrated Story B10, with a text transcript.

Read story B10: Before the operation (image and text)
Six-panel illustrated story, Before the operation. Lucia, a British Mexican woman aged about sixty, attends a pre-operative appointment with her partner. She tells the doctor about previous frightening delirium. The doctor takes this seriously, reviews medicines and usual needs, and explains a plan to reduce the risk. Her partner says they will report any sudden change. Footer: Previous delirium belongs in the plan before surgery.

If you have had delirium before, tell the team before having an operation or going into hospital. Explain what happened and what you remember, including any distress.

Ask about the plan to reduce the risk, including medicines, pain relief, movement, sleep, glasses and hearing aids where needed. Prevention can’t guarantee that delirium will not happen. Knowing your usual abilities and recognising a new change promptly remain important parts of care.

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Story text

  1. Panel 1. Before a planned operation.

    • Lucia: I had delirium last time.

  2. Panel 2.

    • Lucia: I was confused and very frightened.

  3. Panel 3.

    • Doctor: That’s important for us to know.

  4. Panel 4.

    • Doctor: Let’s check your medicines and usual needs.

  5. Panel 5.

    • Doctor: We’ll plan care to reduce the risk.

  6. Panel 6.

    • Elena: And we’ll tell staff about any sudden change.

Bottom band. Previous delirium belongs in the plan before surgery.

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