Ten Tips to Make your Recuperation from Surgery Better!

Post date: Feb 21, 2016 11:07:51 PM

Ten Tips to Make your Recuperation Better: Blog Post for Feb. 21

My boot: it is as glamorous as it is comfortable. If you're anticipating surgery, it pays to think about what you're going to need during the next few weeks and stock up on the basics (for me, Diet Dr. Pepper, Pita Chips, Oatmeal, Peanut Butter, Flour & other ingredients for Mike's bread machine, laundry soap, etc.) What else can you do?

10. Get a grabber! They aren't just for old people. If you're stuck in a chair and can't reach that blanket, pillow, book or treat that just fell on the floor, you don't want to end up on the floor trying to retrieve them.

9. Remember that fanny pack buried in the closet? Get it out and strap it on – it’s a great way to be sure you have your iPhone, Kleenex, pills, and gum handy.

8. Rent or find what works for you to help you get around after surgery. For me, having foot surgery, I needed the comfort and mobility of a wheelchair rather than crutches, a walker or one of the new knee walkers (scary if you are not very balanced)

7. For the first few weeks when you cannot get your dressing wet, sponge baths have to do. I have someone coming in a couple of times a week to help me shampoo my hair—wonderful! In the meantime, stock up on all sorts of wipes. If you don't have a family member or friend who can help you with meals and trips to the doctor, check into community resources to hire someone.

6. Find a comfy spot and make it your hub, with pillows, small table for drinks, books, kindle, ipad, notebook and pen. We were given my mother in law’s fairly new Lift Chair last fall, and it is working out well. If you are lucky enough to have a tech savvy IT guy for your husband, he can set up remote desk top for your laptop and let you access what you need from the big PC in your home office.

5. Load up the Kindle and check out some books from the library (if you have someone to return them) or hit the bargain table at Barnes and Noble (or Amazon). Reading is a great way to distract yourself from pain, boredom, or cabin fever. So far, I've read a dozen books. Some people prefer Audible books or the new Playaway books at your local library.

4. Keep hydrated! Find a big insulated cup or mug and drink lots of water or ice tea.

3. Stay ahead of the pain: my foot surgery ended up lasting five hours, and I got a lot of hardware implanted, so I have had considerable pain. While I don’t like taking pain medication, I am more concerned with the adverse effects of pain on my recovery, physical and mental.

2. Explore the wonders of streaming TV or movies with Netflix, or another service. This is the time to catch up on all of those series you started and then didn’t get time to see. You can also check out DVDs from your local library if you can’t get Netflix.

1. Keep a positive attitude and try to be patient. There are days that seem better than others, and often the difference is having someone stop in to check on you, help with household chores, or just visit. Taking a few minutes to pray, meditate, read the Bible or other inspirational material can make the difference. (A visit from two lively grandsons and their parents, friends, and family members is also good medicine). Day by day, you will regain your strength.

Last Updated Feb. 21, 2016