We were given these suggestions from one of our patients after her surgery. She wished that someone had told her this before surgery, so she could have prepared. She has agreed to let us share it with you.
2 to 5 Days before surgery
- Get your hair cut, manicure and pedicure but no nail polish.
- Go to the grocery store.
- Cook enough meals for about a week, freeze them, then all you have to do is reheat as needed.
- First week meal suggestions, Oatmeal, Cereal-individual serving boxes. Lunch meat and cheese and TV dinners.
- Buy a small back scratcher, it is great for picking clothes up off the floor. Also a big help with putting on socks.
- Buy a grabber arm (kind ust to reach things from top shelves). This will also help pick things up off the floor. You will drop things that you can not bend over and pick up.
- Buy a small fan for the bedroom. Comes in handy when you have hot flashes at night.A hand held fan is great to have to carry around.
- Buy a package of cough drops(largest you can find). As soon as you feel like you are going to cough pop on in your mouth. I like Hall's the best.
- Buy a long handled bath brush-you will need it to wash your feet.
- Make sure you have a cordless or cell phone that is charged. The phone will ring a lot with people calling to see how you are. You know those sales people are going to call. If you keep the phone with you, you will not have to keep getting up and down.
- Get all the laundry and cleaning done. You will not be able to bend and lift or push the vacuum for about 4 to 6 weeks. When you go home you will go home to a clean house.
- The night before have your favorite dinner. cook it, order it or go out to eat. You will not be able to eat or drink anything after midnight.
Day of Surgery
- Shave your legs. You are not going to be able to do them for about 2 weeks.
- Make a list of people to call after surgery.
After Surgery
- Get up and shake your tail feathers as soon as they will let you. IT IS GOING TO HURT, but the more you get up and walk around the easier it will get. It really will get better. Just a little walking is great.
- Getting in and out of bed can be a challenge. When you go to lie down, lie on your side. This way your head goes down first then your feet come up in one motion. To get out of bed, turn on your side and put your feet over the edge and bring your head up as one motion. Moving in this manner you are less likely to pull something.
When you go home.
- Take all the help that is offered.
- Carry your phone and cough drops with you at all times.
- Take a couple of naps a day. DO NOT FEEL GUILTY.You will feel so much better if you can rest and relax a little.
- Do not drive for 2 - 3 weeks. It really pulls at your stomach muscles.
- Sit outside if you can. If not sit by a sunny window, it will help you relax and keep your spirits up.
- Most important- LISTEN TO YOUR DOCTOR....
Remember
- Everyday it will get a little easier. I PROMISE.
- Always remember to put yourself first then you will be able to take care of everyone else.
Good Luck