If you live alone, make sure you’ve got someone—a friend or relative—lined up to check on you once you return home from the operation. After some types of surgery, you'll need to get special gear at home. Spend the time before the procedure being as active as you can, eating right and getting good sleep. Of course, if your surgery was abdominal it can take some time to get over the swelling and pain to feel like eating anything. Pack a bag with comfortable, easy-on clothing: Even if you’re just staying the night, you’ll need … A … You may need to get a walker or crutches to cut down your risk of a spill. Prior to your surgery, move commonly used food items to an area that’s easy to … Being on your period will not delay or affect your surgery. Depending on your driveway and how well you are able to move, you may consider arranging to have your paper and mail delivered to your door rather than curbside as needed. Ask your doctor when you can go back to your job. With proper planning, you will be ready for your surgery, all the way from admission to recuperation. Whether it’s stocking up on groceries or rearranging furniture so you can move around more easily, think about what you’ll need when you return from the hospital. Recruit family or friends to assist with laundry, grocery shopping, and transportation for appointments and errands. 1. So if you're about to have ACL reconstruction surgery, hopefully these tips will help you out to get better prepared for after surgery and make your recovery at home a little smoother and less painful. Taking the time well before your surgery to prepare for your discharge will do wonders to help ease your transition after you check out. Ask your doctor if you have to stick to a certain diet. Ask your friends or family to move your bed before you go into the hospital, or check into renting a hospital bed if you need it. Confirm the help of your spouse, friend, or relative. You may be able to enjoy your love life soon after surgery, but it depends on the kind of operation you had. Kitchen. 2. Outside your home. Much of your preparation will depend on your surgery, the type of arthritis you have, which joints are affected, other health problems and how much help you have at home. To prepare for a mastectomy, talk to your doctor, surgeon, and the rest of your care team to get detailed instructions on what to do before and after the surgery. Lisa Spruce, RN, director, Evidence-Based Perioperative Practice, Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN), Denver. Find someone to help care for your pet if needed. Before Surgery. Since you will be spending the majority of your recovery at home, it is crucial that you prepare your living area ahead of time. Everyone wants to return to a regular routine as soon as possible. Sex. David Dickerson, MD, assistant professor of anesthesia and critical care, University of Chicago Medical Center. You can also use a kitchen cart. The Big Red Patient Pillows Your body might be sore or swollen from surgery, or you may have bulky bandages over your incisions. Store the meals in containers or sandwich bags and place them in the refrigerator or freezer for easy reheating. You may move a bit slowly after surgery and will be limited in the things you can do around your house. Room by room, our community members offer tips for preparing your home now so you’ll be more comfortable after surgery. However, please, please, please get your home ready BEFORE you go in for surgery to make sure your are prepared. Make sure that anyone who will be caring for you also knows what to do so they can help you effectively. Inside your home Have clear pathways and remove clutter around your home. Pick out a chair to sit in when you come home. Arrange for someone to drive you home, as you may still be in some discomfort and shouldn’t drive yourself. After you have returned home, please be sure to follow your surgeon’s orders. Also consider other key areas for grab bars such as by the toilet. To prepare for a mastectomy, talk to your doctor, surgeon, and the rest of your care team to get detailed instructions on what to do before and after the surgery. But how often … Fortunately, there’s a lot you can do to make sure your operation is successful. © 2005 - 2019 WebMD LLC. Part 1 will focus on what to do before your surgery. When you come home after surgery, you won’t feel your best. Play/Pause SPACE. Know what to bring to the hospital on the day of surgery 4. If you do not have someone to help you at home for the first 1 or 2 weeks after surgery, ask your provider about having a trained caregiver come to your home. Volume 90%. All rights reserved. Here are a few tips for how to prepare for after shoulder surgery: Consider the arm Which arm are you having surgery on? Carry a cordless phone or cell phone when you are home alone in case of an emergency. If you are having surgery, planning ahead can make your recovery after surgery easier, quicker and even less painful. Follow these seven tips to prepare your home for your bunion surgery. Prepare Your Home for Your Tummy Tuck Recovery: A To-Do List. Make your phone accessible to your main sitting area and bed. If your mail is delivered to an outdoor mailbox, contact your post office to request delivery directly to your door. Clean your house – or have it cleaned. Check stair railings to make sure they are secure. Plan ahead if your doctor tells you that you need oxygen tanks, elevated toilets, shower seats, supplies to care for your cut, or other items. You won’t be allowed to drive after outpatient surgery, or even after a few days in the hospital if you’re taking pain medication. Set up sleeping arrangements - If your bedroom is on the second floor, set up a … "It's not the inability to drive. Kassin, M.T. Journal of the American College of Surgery, June 22, 2012. Schedule at a good time. In Rama’s recent surgeries, my vet has used what she calls a … Prepare your home. Your vet should have instructions for how quickly, and in what amounts, you can feed your cat after surgery. Leave jewelry, credit cards, car and house keys, checkbooks, and items of personal value at home; bring only enough pocket money for items such as newspapers, magazines, etc. After all, you may have been forced to fast for a whole day while waiting for the operating rooms to clear. Here are the 40+ tips you can use to prepare your home and yourself before having ACL Reconstruction Knee Surgery: Walking Devices Understand the role of your rehabilitation team 6. Make a walking path that a walking aid such as a walker will fit through your home. Here are five tips to help you get ready. After the surgery, you may still be asleep from the general anesthetic given to you. Something loose and comfortable to wear when it’s time to go home.