Post op planning

Hi

I had my laparoscopy hysterectomy last Thursday and was discharged the followiing afternoon immediately after lunch, so it can be really quick.  

Before going into hospital I got in extra stocks of things like soup which I thought I'd want to eat immediately after cominig out of hospital, and reorganised some kitchen cupboards so that things I'd want to access most often were on the lowest shelves and towards the front of the cupboard.  I did leave some china (and also a small saucepan, small frying pan and a baking tray) on the kitchen table so as not to have to keep getting them out.  I just left out one dinner plate, one side plate and one bowl and wash and dry them after each use rather than bending down to put them in the dishwasher.  I batch cooked myself some meals for the freezer in advance  like casseroles, curry and chili con carne as I thought they'd be healthier than mass produced ready meals.  If you're not going to be able to get to the shops I'd get in some bread (for the freezer), milk, eggs, fruit and vegetables immediately before you go into hospital, so they will still be fresh when you get home.  I pretty much spring cleaned our flat beforehand so there would be less to fret about if I can't clean for a while, and made sure all the laundry and ironing was done too.    If you won't be able to carry shopping for a while, could you get registered for online supermarket shopping and get it delivered?

Hope you get a date for your operation soon, and that it goes really well.  Best of luck,

Lynn

Thanks

You have had great advice already, I just wanted to add not to worry about the stairs, I thought I'd struggle with them but I was fine, I did use the bannister for the first few days though. Keep anything you need at a height you can reach without bending on stretching, think about your daily routine, like brushing your hair and getting your clothes, etc, e.g. I used to keep my hair dryer under my bed and do my hair sitting on it, I bought a cheap mirror on a stand and put it on my desk so I could have a dressing table when I came home, it was much easier. 

Maybe look out your comfiest clothes with extra belly space too so that you have outfits close at hand and your favourite comfy night wear. 

I was able to shower on my own but liked to know someone was close by for the first few days.

Lots of love 

xxx

Good point about the hairdryer, Arla.  I washed and dried my hair on Saturday morning, and used my travel hairdryer instead of the full size one which is a bit heavy.  Also, I forgot to say that I managed to fit in a visit to the hairdresser the day before my operation so not only did I not have to go under the knife with my roots not done, but I knew my hair wouldn't need trimming for another six weeks so one less ttrip somewhere immediately after the op.

Some more tips to avoid bending, stretching, lifting etc: if your coat is heavy get it out of the wardrobe before your op and keep it somewhere handy.  I hung mine out on a rail so I didn't have to reach it out of the wardrobe.  Get someone to do the following for you: taking the rubbish out, changing the bedclothes, hoovering, cleaning the bath.  A friend washed my bedding for me to save me lifting the duvet-cover out of the washing machine and hanging it up.  I also used small towels rather than bath towels, as they were easier to wash and hang out.  Wishing you lots of luck.

I used to fill a small jug of water from the tap and carry it to the kettle instead of taking the kettle to the sink.  I also had a grabber thingy for picking things up off the floor which was very useful as my grip is dreadful and I am always dropping things!

Hope all goes well for you.

Hugs, Lesley xx

I used a jug to fill kettles and saucepans too. In addition, once things were cooked  I used a strainer spoon to lift potatoes, pasta etc out of the boiling water so that I didn't have to take the pan to the sink to drain them.  In fact I still do it.  - I realise that , particularly for older people, it's not a good idea to carry/lift heavy pans of boiling water!