Ok, so I am arguably thinking too much about what to do for surgery. I often channel my nerves into making sure I’m organized and trying to come up with a plan. Sounds great, but too much of it leads me down the OCD route. With that said, if my obsessive planning behavior can help you plan your surgery pre and post-op checklist I am all for it. I will put the links to where I got all of my stuff!!
PRE OP
- bowel cleanout supplies (take with a grain of salt, listen to what your doctor says to do): magnesium citrate (10 oz), ginger beer (a godsend for nausea), Italian ice, tea, water
- covid test (hopefully this requirement will be short-lived)
- meditate every day for a good week before surgery
- arm exercises (try to be in the best shape you can)
- no shaving for 5 days pre-op (shaving makes micro-cuts and therefore increases your risk of infection)
THE SET UP
Sanctuary: the places you will basically be living post op. Think of a couple of different locations. You want to be able to change up your setting for your sanity.
- couch with a nice view of the TV (the first couple of days are gonna be a mix of sleep and Netflix)
- if it’s warm out come up with somewhere to sit outside (recliner chair in the backyard or on the front porch)
- bed (sleep is your best friend)
- adjustable table (easy to move from location to location)
- recliner pillow (i got mine at Marshalls, but here is an amazon example)
- bolster (perfect for propping up your back or legs)
Stuff: the sh*t that will keep you sane. Make sure the things you pick are pretty mindless, you are going to wiped out.
- weaving supplies
- coloring books
- audiobooks
- podcasts
- comfort things (for me that is my stuffed cat Kitty)
Other necessities
- heating pads (review of my favorites)
- saltine crackers
- gingerale/ ginger beer
- car pillow (eases the pressure on your incisions)
- new pair of pajamas (this was how I practiced some self-compassion. Reward yourself for what you just went through- it’s a BIG deal!)
- zip up sweatshirts (super easy to get on and off without disturbing your incisions)
- high waisted underwear (normal underwear will sit right on your incisions – ouch!)
POST OP:
- wear pants that have an adjustable waist and are exceptionally comfortable (remember you are going to have a really sore tummy, put the skinny jeans away and grab your pajamas)
- oversized t-shirt/sweatshirt: give your incisions room to do their thing. A really tight top is not going to feel good.
- nausea bands: they will most likely let you wear them during surgery
- now RELAX, you did it! Take a nap, you deserve it!
My surgery is booked for March 30, 2021. I am going to document my day to day pre and post-op on my Instagram story @mypetiteuterus I will make sure to save my stories so anyone can watch them!