Pre-op? Surgery scheduled? Preparing for your surgery? Read on for tips and hints from women who have faced similar surgeries.
Gather what you need ahead
“I made a big envelope folder to keep all my surgery papers. I knew the pre-op instructions and hospital discharge papers would get lost if I didn’t plan a place to keep it all. As bills arrived, I added them to the folder.”
I kept a digital NOTE on my phone to keep track of any questions I had for the doctor and nurses for pre-op. The list even came in handy when I was in the hospital.
“I didn’t have a robe so I found one that tied at the waist – no buttons! Found some house slippers to temporarily replace my flip flops. It was a fun treat to myself!”
“I pre-made some freezer meals and arranged for a friend to take my kids to school those first weeks.”
I bought several things at the Hysterectomy Store: the Pocket Tummy Pillow and the Perfect Pocket Binder. Both were used throughout my recovery time!
“Keep a list of your current medicines with you including dosages. Everyone from the doctor, to the pre-op nurse, to the hospital nurses to your discharge personnel will ask you about the list. You may have to stop taking all or some of your medicines before your day of surgery.”
Consider your type of surgery
“The Great Binder Set had everything I needed for my tummy tuck. Even afterwards, the wash bag became my favorite laundry accessory.”
I had to plan for a long recovery period without a shower because of the kind of surgery I was having. So, I packed the No Rinse products for shampoo, conditioner and body wash. I’m glad I ordered them ahead of time!”
Because of the extra A&P repairs I was having with my hysterectomy, I knew that Mesh Panties and Peri cold packs would be a help.
I was planning my second c-section and knew that the Post op Panty would be a help. I loved them so much I bought 2 pairs.
Prepare your space
“Don’t forget to change your sheets and tidy up the place you expect to rest after your surgery. It might be your bedroom, it might be your sofa.”
“I had gotten way behind in my bathroom and closet clutter. So, I took a few hours to get my closet in order, managing to send a bag of clothes to my favorite charity re-sale store. It made me feel prepared.”
“A body pillow is a great idea or at least extra pillows for supporting your every lounging position would be helpful to add to your bed.”
“Make sure the bedside table is cleared of all clutter. I added a basket near the side of the bed to keep my necessary things. Otherwise, I’d lose them under the sheets and the side of the bed.”
At the hospital
“Took too much with me to the hospital. I really didn’t need much at all because, the hospital provided most of everything I needed.”
“I brought my tummy pillow with me to the hospital and used it under my seatbelt on my drive home, too.”
