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RECOMMENDED!

• Clean your house -- or have it cleaned.

• Unless you are lucky and have a significant other that can cook, shop for recovery food and treats like pudding, Jell-O, frozen dinners, low sodium soups; or cook your own meals and freeze them. 

• Take out the trash, recyclables, etc. so you don't have to worry about it later.

• Have all of your laundry taken care of

• Make a "Honey Do" list (bills, thermostat settings, errands, reminders). 

• Purchase all of your medications, Vitamin C and dressings beforehand in case your pharmacy is in short supply.

• Purchase a thermometer if you don't have one, it is imperative you check your temperature regularly for fever.  A high fever may be a sign of infection.

• Ask your doc about arnica montana and Bromelain.

• Have lots of movies, books, magazines or videogames on hand.

• A laptop is an awesome thing to have during recovery

• If no lap top, maybe a Gameboy or a Playstation/Nintendo set up near you -- you will get bored.

• If you have children consider having your parents or in- laws watch them the first few days.

• Have someone watch your pets if you don't feel you can handle this job during your recovery.

• If you can't have your pets cared for, tend to their needs beforehand, i.e. put cans of food on the counter with the can opener so you don't have to reach or kneel for it. Change the litter box as well.  You don't want to mess with these germs during this time as well as no bending over.

• Have lots of fluffy pillows on hand or a "bed chair."

• A comfortable recliner is a good thing, if not the bed is perfectly fine, just keep your upper body elevated.

• Have a pail at your bedside and on the ride home -- essential.  Make sure it has a lid, you don't want to stare at it or smell it afterwards.  A large coffee can makes a good vomit pail.

• Set your nightstand up beforehand with all of your medications, ample light, bottled water, a few packages of crackers, remote control (with new batteries) & the phone (fully charged).

• Have extra blankets on hand when you get home because anesthesia can give you the chills after surgery.

• Buy ice packs, bags of frozen peas, raspberries or blueberries which are good for post-operative icing.

• A heating pad, hot water bottle or microwaveable pack is great for a sore back from sleeping elevated for so long.

• Your surgeon may prescribe valium to help you sleep and ease tense muscles.

• A "go-fer" -- a significant other or an older child will suffice.

• If no valium, ask your surgeon if you may take an over the counter sleeping medication. 

• Have some crackers, Cheeze-its or Goldfish to help alleviate nausea -- especially on the way home.  Bring a bottle of water to for the ride home.  Sipping cool water helps alleviate nausea as well as gets rid of the taste in your mouth if you do vomit.

• Place anything you may need at hip level so that you have no need to reach up or bend down.  This means canned and dry goods in the kitchen and toiletries in the bathroom.  Bending over is just as bad as reaching over your head.

• Have your robe and slippers (or several pair of thick socks) nearby.

• Have a few comfortable oversized shirts that open from the front on hand, as well as some sweat pants or pajama bottoms. 

• Have a hand mirror nearby so you don't have to get up.

• If you have long hair, a few scrunchies are great to put your hair back with to keep it out of your face, unknotted and out of the way.

• Purchase some wetnaps and make-up removal towelettes so you can freshen up without having to get out of your bed or chair.  Baby wipes are very good for this.

• Have a good moisturizer on hand.

• A box of Kleenex is great to have on hand, especially if you get all emotional from your meds.

• Make time for yourself before your surgery; pour a bath, light some candles, listen to some music -- relax. Try to gather your thoughts and soothe your mind.

• The night before (and with some surgeons for 3 days before until surgery day) you will be asked to wash with Dial antibacterial or Hibiclens soap to help rid your body of its naturally occurring Staph on the skin's surface.

• Wash your hair the night before surgery -- it may be a long time before you get to do that again.

• Remove any fingernail and toenail polish so that they will be able to better determine if you are getting enough oxygen during surgery.  The nails turn blue-ish from lack of oxygen and reddish with too much carbon dioxide.  Many surgeons just ask that you remove your fingernail polish.  Others argue they use oximeters and don't look at the fingernails.  Equipment can fail.

• Talk to your spouse about any concerns that you may have, they may have some insights or questions you haven't thought of -- and they may be experiencing pre-op anxiety as well.

• "Black out" your windows so that when you do get to sleep -- regardless of the hours, you can stay asleep.

• If you think television, video games and reading are eventually going to bore you or stress your eyes -- have a discman (or walkman) on hand with your favorite relaxing cds.

• Have fresh film or a disposable post-op photo camera on hand.  Especially if you are considering documenting your procedure online.

• Have your journal and a few fresh, fully inked pens ready if you are wanting to document your post-operative thoughts in writing.  Or if you are like me it is easier to type it into that lap top or speak it into a miniature recorder. Remember fresh batteries.

• Body pillow is quite helpful, especially when you are allowed to sleep without major elevation.  

• Just in case the lights go out or you need assistance in the middle of the night, have a flash light on your nightstand.  

• Have a nightlight or two lighting your way to the restroom for night visits.

• If you don't have a laptop and you have online friends who are dying to hear from you -- have your significant other post or email them with your recovery news. Give him a list of the addresses and URLs

• Have an answering machine connected to the phone next to your recovery area. Getting woken up when you just got to sleep is so annoying.  Don't forget to turn down the sound and turn off the ringer.

• And don't even try not looking at yourself.  I know you may hear not to look at yourself for a week but really -- who is that strong-willed?  It is very difficult to do, what are you going to do, close your eyes when you get near a mirror?  You know full well you can't not look at yourself for an entire week. You didn't pay all that money to not take a look. But remember when you do break down and peek, your features change every day so don't get discouraged.  Besides, how can you take those post-op photos without looking yourself.

• Last but not least, RELAX.  If you are stressed out it can really affect your recovery.  Try to remember that you will heal, you will be less sore and that you are going to look great! Just be patient.