SC Friends! I need some tips RE surgery and post surgery.

[Candini]

So coming mid December, I`m having day surgery but I`ll be on the mend for just about two weeks.

I`ve had this surgery before but this time it's a bit more aggressive so I can`t really compare the two together.

Also things are a bit different now as DD is older than she was last time, in school etc.

Mind my rambling - basically what I`m asking is what have you done to prepare yourself for life after surgery to make it more easy? For myself and those helping me?

All I can think of is stocking up on paper plates and cutlery hah.

[Shwa Girl]

webmd has some answers
http://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/a...home-self-care

[Natalka]

Wishing you all the best!

Biggest advice - ASK for help! When people offer - whether family or friends - they DO mean it, they want to help and they will do anything and everything.

[lecale]

Take the crappiest, oldest bag you own to the hospital (preferably with broken zipper) to pack your clothes in during surgery, so that no one will steal it

Ensure you own enough loungewear.

Wash your bedsheets and comforter with Unstopables so it is clean and fresh and inviting to hang out in.

Buy a $1 showercap because at the start you may want a shower but not the pita of drying your hair.

If you decide to stay mouldy in bed the first couple of days, you may want a thing of talc. Buy a small thing of baby powder.

Don't drink alcohol: it seriously impedes healing. Don't drink for at least 3 months.

Make sure you have some heat'n'eat food.

If they give you opioids, use a timer to take them, because if you eat them up too fast you will have a bad withdrawal. Uh, and you might like some Restoralax https://mymedicinecabinet.ca/en/coup...ame=restoralax because you can get plugged up by these and this class of laxative is the only type that defeats opioid constipation.

Swear off running to the phone.

Did I give you enough things to do? I hope you have a happy and successful surgery and recovery. Wishing you the best xmas present ever...

[Ciel]

Will you be getting any home care via your local CCAC unit?
Think it wise to have someone help or take care of DD during your first week. Not sure you want to dash into the cold while you are on the mend or grab mail.
Would be great if you have one go-to person to ensure you eat at least one hot meal/day either dropped off by others or willing to handle door duties/phone queries so you get some rest for yourself and maybe run a load of laundry for or do any dishes to keep the house tidy. It certainly will help you if you wander into kitchen at night and see some basic needs are covered if you have to run a kettle for tea/instant soup.
If you have any duties regarding snow clearing/garbage, this is someone else's task you have to delegate.

Lots of vitamin C pre and post surgery might be helpful in healing. Think you want a magazine/crossword puzzle book and pencil, tissues, hand sanitizer and moisturizer (you could dry your skin out in hospital) would be wise. No electronics but maybe have a friend/family member be your phone gopher/snack runner everyday.

[Ciel]

Oh, just thought of it-do you have a handheld shower unit in your bathroom or know someone who might be able to loan you theirs? You might want to be able to do some personal bathing/hair washing without having to get all wet. Liquid soap in a pump or tube could be super handy too.

If you have a pet, someone else needs to take on walkies, food, water.

[Candini]

Thanks guys/girls!! I`m literally drawing a blank when planning this and as the date approaches I`m getting so nervous.

Tons of great tips offered!! I realized I need to stock up on dry shampoo. Such a life saver.

[Ciel]

You have got this situation (stuff wise) handled, @Candini !
Focus on DD, your nutrition (mind-have some uplifting quotes on paper somewhere in the home where you can read them too) and ensuring you have your ride/surgery bag all ready.

[GatineauGirl]

Have some good memories that you can recall easily to remind you that you are loved. Watch some some shows that make you laugh. Listen to music that plugs you into your 'core' and makes you feel good in your heart.

Stay away from anything that brings you down! You're going to hurt, but that pain is part of the healing process, so bless it and let it be. This too shall pass.

Good luck!

[Natalka]

@Candini - not sure exactly when your surgery is, but I'm thinking of you and wishing you a speedy recovery!

[Candini]

@Natalka

Thank you Natalka!! Surgery was this morning bright and early, in quite alot of pain, resting when I can

[Natalka]

Rest, recuperate, and relax!

[Ciel]

Trouper! Thursday was a very cold day. Mushy snow outside today. Enjoy the brief weather reprieve.
DD will be bundled up tomorrow if she ventures outside (very cold again).

[Candini]

I`ve ventured from the bed to the couch, difficult move. (Was getting a sore back lying in one position for too long)
Removed my bandages today, showered.
Meds are making me dizzy/nauseous

This too shall pass

[Ciel]

Mark an x (or have DD do it for you) on each day on a wall calendar. Change of scenery/furniture just seems so right sometimes.