You've got your bag packed, there's plenty of food in the fridge, and bills are paid for the next two weeks. You are so ready for this surgery!
No matter how well you have thought things through, no matter how prepared you think you are, there is going to be something you have overlooked. Here are some little things that had not occurred to me that made it onto my must have - must do list:
Aerosol deodorant: Even if you are trying to save the planet, buy a spray can. You will not be able to lift your operated arm away from your body to apply a roll on product. You just might be able get a little spray product in there.
Squishy pillows: Small pillows to tuck under your elbow protect your arm from slipping too far back, even when you are sitting on the sofa. Essential in bed. Nice to have one in the car too.
Extra pillows for the bed: The most comfortable position during your post operative period is a semi reclining, cushy arrangement of pillows. To achieve this, I have learned, requires several big pillows. You'll either have to steal them from your bed partner or the guest bedroom or buy some in advance of your surgery. Probably better to not steal them from the other side of the bed.
Small, cross body purse: Having only one free hand makes it difficult to carry a purse. Even a small bag is too heavy for your newly operated arm to deal with and your free hand can't be tied up with a purse handle. Pare down to the essential cards you need to carry, a fat wallet won't fit in a small bag. For the first several weeks you should be able to get by with a debit card and credit card, ID and insurance cards, a little cash, and a cell phone if you go out.
Pierced earrings: Either go without or have someone insert a pair of stud type that you can sleep in. You won't be able to put on or take off earrings by yourself for some weeks.
Slip on shoes or Velcro closure: It's just not possible to tie shoes one-handed. And buckling straps on cute sandals doesn't work either.
A maintenance free hair-do: Forget the curling iron or press, curlers (not that anyone still uses them), or styling with a blow dryer. Unless you have help, you are going to have to make do with a hair do that expects little more than a brush or a comb. It might be time to consider that really short 'do.'
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Portable telephone/answering machine: Jumping up to answer frequent phone calls might be more than you want to do. Consider screening your calls. Tell family and friends that you're letting the machine pick up and you'll call them back. Ditto with your smart phone.
Eye Make Up: of course you want to look good but applying eyeliner with one hand is pretty difficult. Practice eliminating as much as you can. Remember "less is more."
Cream for scar treatment: Ask your doctor or physical therapist what they approve of for massaging the scar when the time comes. Consider Kinesio tape if your doctor says it's okay.
Night clothes: One pair of pjs or gown that can double as "at home" wear if there's a day you just don't feel like getting dressed. Something that you can wear to greet a neighbor with a home baked goodie would be a big plus.
Postpone routine doctor appointments: Rearrange your other routine doctor appointments so you are not having to deal with them in the immediate shoulder post op period. This is not the time to schedule your routine mammogram - you likely won't be able to get your arms up around the machine properly. Reclining in a medical chair like in a dentist's office (or the beauty salon) can be very uncomfortable on your new shoulder for the first several weeks.
No matter how well you plan, you are going to overlook something. It's Murphy's Law:
If anything can go wrong, it will
Traditional
Corollaries:
If anything can go wrong, It can
Dr. Allen Roberds
If anything can go wrong, it will at the most inopportune time.
Earl R. Johnson
If anything can go wrong, it will be all your fault, and everyone will know it.
Dean A. Izett
Archive timeline: 2014: May and June - preparing for surgery, July - surgery and post op problems, August - recovery and physical therapy, September
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