Having surgery can be stressful and a little scary, even if it's a routine procedure. You're probably worried about the risks and how your body will handle it.
But there's another big thing to consider, too - how you'll manage your recovery once you get home from having your surgical procedure. The medical team will take good care of you there, but before you know it, you'll be discharged from surgery and on your own again.
Follow this pre-surgery home checklist to set yourself up for success.
Talk to Your Doctor and Ask All Your Questions
When your doctor first tells you that surgery is needed, list every question you can think of. Asking questions helps ease some of those pre-surgery nerves. Of course, you'll want to know all the details about the surgical procedure. Those details to ask about include facts about the surgery, the risks involved, etc. But remember to also ask about the recovery process.
How long will it take?
How difficult and painful will it be?
What restrictions will you have on your activity afterward?
Will you need physical therapy?
How long will you require additional help?
Your doctor and the practice's staff are the experts, so get their professional advice on how to prepare for your unique situation. The more info you can get ahead of time, the better prepared you will be and the better your overall experience will be.
After Going Home
#1 Line Up Any Help You'll Need as well as a back up several weeks prior to your surgery date to allow for any last minute changes.
Once you understand from your doctor what your limitations will be during recovery, you can start making help arrangements. If you have limited mobility, you'll likely need assistance with basic chores and care around the house.
Here are some options:
You may need a concierge nurse to provide medication management, change bandages, check incisions, etc. Your surgeon’s office can typically recommend a reputable private nursing service for post-surgery care.
Ask family and friends if they can take turns supporting you by dropping off meals, tidying up, grocery shopping, rides to appointments, or whatever else you may need. Make a schedule so it's not all on one person.
If the recovery is lengthy, hire a nurse or a professional home care aide. They can handle household chores and even help you with bathing, dressing, and medication reminders.
#2 Get Your Home Squeaky Clean
Before your surgery, give your place a thorough, deep cleaning. Tackle every room, surface, and corner. This step serves two purposes:
You won't feel up to cleaning after surgery, so do it beforehand.
An immaculate home limits germs and prevents post-surgery infections. Carefully disinfect places like sinks, counters, floors, and bathrooms.
While cleaning, also take the chance to organize. Make a list of items you'll need close by during recovery - meds, chargers, reading material, etc. Set a spot near your bed or couch to keep everything within easy reach.
#3 Get Comfy Clothes and Shoes Ready
Go through your clothes and pick out loose, soft items that won't rub or press on bandages or incisions. Button-front shirts and pants with zippers will likely be too uncomfortable. Opt for things like:
Soft cotton pajamas or robes
Loose dresses or nightgowns you can easily slip on
Sweatpants with elastic waists
Oversized t-shirts
#4 Get Items from Your Kitchen & Refrigerator Ready
When having any type of upper body surgery such as shoulders, chest, or abdomen that limits your ability to lift heavy objects or reach above your head make sure to do the following:
Bring all plates, bowls, and glasses down to the counter top to prevent the need to reach. This also goes for the
Refrigerated Items - Bring jugs of water, milk or other drinks to a more neutral shelf to avoid bending or reaching.
#5 Get Shoes and Footwear Ready
For shoes, choose well-cushioned slippers or slides that are easy to get on and off. Avoid shoes with heavy heels or anything that squeezes your feet. The goal is maximum comfort while you recover.
Choose the Right Recovery Headquarters
Where should the home base be for your initial post-op days? Talk to your surgeon about mobility limitations to decide. If the stairs are challenging, move your bedroom to the main floor, closer to the essentials. But only relocate a little bit from the bathroom.
If your main bedroom has an en-suite bath or is near the only toilet, staying put might be best. Don't want to hassle with rearranging furniture pre-surgery? Hire movers to do the heavy lifting for you. Oftentimes with certain surgeries, a recliner chair is the best and most comfortable place to recover initially. There are medical supply stores that rent these out and provide delivery and pick up services. The right location makes recovering in your home, hotel or AirBnb much smoother.
#4 Clear the Pathways
Once you pick your recovery hub, map out how to access other rooms easily. Remove clutter and rugs that could cause trips or falls. Have items you regularly use nearby.
You want unobstructed navigation from bedroom to bathroom, kitchen, laundry, etc. Comprehensive, clear pathways prevent you from exerting yourself too much indoors. Save your energy for healing.
#5 Bathroom Upgrades for Safety
Look for ways to make the bathroom more accessible if mobility is limited. Grab bars, shower chairs, and elevated toilet seats with armrests make using the facilities more safe.
Avoiding slip-and-fall risks is critical. And washing up comfortably means you benefit from that therapeutic post-op shower sooner! Adjustable shower heads and long-handled bath brushes also help.
#7 Stock Up on Supplies
Talk to your medical team and concierge nursing service about what over-the-counter meds, wound care supplies, medical equipment, and other healthcare items you may need during recovery. Then stock up!
Post-op staples like extra pillows, ice packs, loose, gentle clothing, and healthy snacks on hand prevent middle-of-the-night emergency runs. Remember lip balm, lotion, and things to boost comfort.
#8 Meal Prep for Nutrition Without Effort
Load your freezer with healthy high protein, low sodium frozen meals, soups, and smoothie packs that you can quickly reheat. Stock your pantry with canned and dry goods: prep protein shakes, chopped fruits, and veggies for quick snacks. Proper nutrition aids healing but cooking elaborate meals will be tough.
Make it easy on yourself—and ask loved ones to contribute home-cooked dishes, too. Staying nourished helps your body recover.
Let Nature Lift Your Spirits
Since you may be housebound during early recovery, bring the outdoors in! Potted plants or fresh flowers uplift your mood. Position your comfy chair or bed near a window with a nice view.
Sunlight and glimpses of nature work wonders. If you have a safe outdoor space like a patio, breathe fresh air once you can get outside safely. Healing happens fastest when you feel peaceful.
Install Convenient Home Upgrades
Look for ways to simplify daily tasks, like seating in the kitchen/bathroom for breaks, remote-controlled lights, cordless phones or TV remotes, or an Amazon Echo/Google Home for hands-free operation.
The less energy spent on essential functions, the more reserves your body has for repairing itself. It would help if you didn't have to leap up 20 times daily. Protect your progress.
Pre-surgery prep work pays off enormously post-op. A comfortable, safe, low-effort home environment means faster, less stressful healing and a better outcome. Spend this time prepping your space so recovery time brings peace, not panic. You'll see—a little planning goes a long way. You've got this!
