Just some things that helped me through my first surgery.
Now that you are all packed and ready for your hospital stay, I'll let you in on a few things that I did before my surgery that made me feel good and some things that surprised me about my recovery.
I didn't get much sleep the night before surgery, so I spent the time giving myself a pedicure and mini manicure. It was something so simple, but so worth it. Every time someone dressed or undressed me I would look down and think, "well, at least my feet look cute". So much better than thinking, "dang, I wish that I would have made time for a pedicure". The same with my finger nails. I just filed and shaped them, but they are usually a mess. When I would notice that my nails looked somewhat put together it just gave me a brief feeling of happiness instead of regret that I forgot a nail file. I also made time for a haircut and color the weekend before surgery. My awesome stylist, Terri, insisted and she was right. Pretty much the same reaction as the finger nails and just one less thing that is on my mind.
On the topic of hair, I have naturally curly hair that I usually love, but it looks horrible if you don't wash it every single day. I decided to straighten my hair so I could just pull a comb through it instead of worrying about ratty curls and styling. It was a perfect solution for me and I'm sure I will do the same for the next surgery. I've also heard of women french braiding or something similar. Make sure that you don't have to think about your hair for a couple of days minimally.
That's pretty much it. Besides getting ahead of the household chores and things that most people think of, take care of yourself a little. Even better if you can afford to have someone do it for you.
Always believe something WONDERFUL is about to happen. - Unknown
Recovery. It's a one word sentence. It is just such a crazy time.
My bruising really surprised me. After the surgery my hands and arms looked like I'd been beaten due to the numerous IVs and monitoring during the surgery. I really didn't expect that. I meant to take pictures, but time slipped away and now they are gone. For a mental image - I was bruised on my wrists, backs of hands, and up my arms to my shoulders in numerous places. It was on both sides, too. Now I bruise very easily, but this many and severe definitely surprised me.
The next thing that surprised me is that they shaved me...down there. In my pre-op instructions it had provisions for shaving and I was told not to worry about that because it didn't apply. I assumed that nothing would be shaven. I assumed wrong.Really it was the least of my worries, but it was itchy and uncomfortable for a couple of days. Had I known, I would have gotten waxed beforehand.
Drains suck. I wish that I could explain them. I wish that there was a way that anyone that never had them could relate. Both are impossible. They don't hurt. They are just annoying, frustrating, and overall sucky. I feel sorry for anyone that has to have them. Just prepare yourself as best as you can for the annoyance of drains.
The top two items that were recommended for recovering at home were a shower chair and a recliner.
Shower chair - I thought that I could go without. I had big plans for sitting on the side of my tub and half sponge bathing it. I thought that I could create one from something that we already own. None of these things worked out for me. Having the support of a full seat and the back was necessary for me. I love my shower chair. I only used it for a week, but I needed it. If you can rent one or find a cheap used one, go for it since it will only be used for a very short time. It was one of those things I was so happy to have and completely dismissed before surgery.
Recliner - I don't have one in my house and I was told to rent one. I easily went without. I would play this one by ear. It's a pretty big piece of furniture to worry about if you never use it. I easily got on and off my couch and chairs. My bed is a little high, so I had a little more trouble with that, but it was nothing that an armchair would have fixed. Some women swear by them and I am sure that they were so helpful. For me, it wasn't really necessary. If you don't already have one in your house, you may want to call around and have the information about renting one, just in case.
Stretchy pants are the best. Exercise clothes, yoga pants, pajamas, doesn't matter. Something comfy with a stretchy waistband is the way to go.
I didn't lose very much weight. I was told not to weigh myself until I was at least two weeks out, so I didn't. Still I only lost a couple of pounds.
Help is awesome. I've always been a pretty independent person, the one helping everyone else. It was hard for me, at first, but now I love it. Sarah comes weekly to do our laundry. Such a relief. Laundry is heavier than I realized. I could do it, but it would take numerous trips up and down the stairs, dividing everything into 10 pound loads, so that I would stay within my restrictions. For a family of four, we really don't have a ton of laundry, but it's still a relief to have that help weekly. The same with grocery shopping. I usually have a friend accompany me and they can help load and unload the car. I could do it, but it would take forever bringing in one bag at a time to stay within the 10 pound restriction. For reference - a gallon of milk is eight pounds. These little things have made my recovery so much easier. Having good family and/or friends and help is so necessary.
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