For anyone who has ever undergone surgery, you are fully aware of the anxiety and stresses as the day grows closer. Having an operation is tough enough, but if you have daily responsibilities within your family and household, it can be very overwhelming.
Having seen the inside of an operating room more than 30 times, I’ve labeled myself as a “professional patient.” But just because I [jokingly] refer to myself as a pro, I am always open to new ideas or tips to improve the old.
How do you prepare for surgery? Do you have suggestions that can be helpful?
Obviously the type of surgery and the expected recovery time makes a difference in how much preparation is necessary. Post-operative mobility is also an issue. But general preparation is usually the same.
When my son was younger, my first priority was his well-being. If his needs were met, then I was able to relax and focus on myself. As a parent, it was important to keep his routine as normal as possible. Kids are resilient, but they do see and hear more than they let on. When there is a misunderstanding or a change in structure, it can affect their behavior, study abilities and sleep.
In 1996, I had to travel out of state for a rather serious operation. After scheduling surgery, I was often on the phone discussing the procedure with medical-care providers and insurance companies. Without realizing it, my son overheard several conversations from my side only, but never asked questions. Two days before leaving for the hospital, my 7-year-old became very upset and expressed his concerns about not being there when I “didn’t make it.”
As he made comments, I started to piece them together and realized he was reacting to a one sided conversation. He overheard my words while I talked on the phone to care providers and discussed the severity and possible outcomes of my upcoming operation. By his understanding, he concluded I was going away and would not return. Ever since, I have made it a point to set him down and clearly explain why I’m having surgery and what to expect. (More on this subject in another blog.)
Meal planning is important to me. Typically, I take a weekend before surgery and prepare meals that can be fixed ahead of time and frozen. I also stock my cabinets with easy, one-pan meals and my refrigerator with lots of lunchmeat.
Over the years, friends and family have been wonderful about providing dinners. I am always amazed by the generosity of others! People have brought soups, desserts, groceries and complete meals. While others have dropped off carry-out and groceries. I even had a friend who brought her leftovers. We didn’t care – it tasted good to us!
If my mobility was limited, I arranged to have someone clean a couple times per month. I would also negotiate a fee with my son and his friends to do household chores. When they were younger, I got more for my money and they did a much better job.
One of the greatest gifts I’ve received after surgery was a basket of wrapped presents from a group of friends whom I call my Southern Belles. Attached was a note instructing me to open one gift each day. The items varied from silly to edible to useful. For example, a slinky, bendy straws, candy, coloring book with crayons, plastic ware, a Rubik’s cube, Kleenex, a bell (which my husband disposed of quickly), and all sorts of things. For more than three weeks, I kept the basket beside my bed and anxiously reached for a present the moment my eyes opened. Restraining myself from opening two gifts per day was almost harder than my recovery.
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