Fast Track to Surgery

Here's what I can think of right now:

move things you will use (i.e. clothes, dishes)  or food you will eat down to lower shelves or countertops.

have all your medication caps already loosened.

I found it hard to push down on liquid soap dispensers at first, and had to put bar soap in kitchen

figure out how you will handle the drains. I was sent home from hospital with a masectomy vest with only one (tight) pocket for one drain. The other drain I put in the breast pocket of my button-front shirt. Once home, I changed into a button front nightgown that had a pocket on each hip. It was easiest dealing with the drains in those pockets. If I had known how much I would end up wearing that nightgown, I would have bought more!

Bring a small pillow for your car ride home from hospital, to put between you and the seatbelt.

Take stool softeners with your pain meds ! They started me on those in hospital and I kept it up once at home and had no problems. But I have heard NIGHTMARE stories of pain from those who did not take stool softener.

Stock up on foods you think you will be able to handle after surgery, if your appetite is not good. It's important to keep your strength up so your body can heal. For me it was soups, cottage cheese, saltine crackers.

I'm sure others will think of more tips...good luck on Aug 2 !

Jen: there's a woman on these boards with a sig you might have seen: "Yes, they're fake. The real ones tried to kill me!" 

Always makes me chuckle.  

Eema - I forgot to mention that a shower chair came in really handy when I was recovering from the BMX. I was weak, in pain,  and couldn't move my arms above shoulders for first 2 weeks. Washing my hair felt impossible. So I sat on the shower chair and my husband stood behind me and washed it. And even if you don't have someone to do that for you, just being able to sit for the first few showers is helpful. Less fatiguing, less chance of losing your balance and falling.