Everything A Mom Needs to Do Before Surgery

Tomorrow morning I’m having surgery. You can read all about it here.  This is not my first surgery, unfortunately.  I had surgery several years ago when I had a 4-year-old and a two-year-old to have a lump removed and praise the Lord it wasn’t cancer.  I also had surgery a year ago for adenomyosis and now I’m having double knee surgery.  No one likes surgery, but sometimes it’s necessary.  What’s a mom to do when she’s gonna be down for awhile?  Prep like crazy!

So, I think I’m a little compulsive when someone or myself has surgery in this family.  Unfortunately, I’ve lost count how many there have been but when someone does have surgery, I want everything in order, especially if it’s me.  All the laundry has to be done, dishes done, fridge done, post surgery clothes purchased, house dusted and vacuumed, etc.  I mean just yesterday my husband came home to my son and me deep cleaning the carport.  He asked me if I was nesting!  Ha! Ha!  Very funny!  It feels like it.  It drives my family a little nuts, but it really does make it easier for them and for me.  The one thing I didn’t get to this time was freeze meals.  Oh, well at least my kids can cook and hubby can order takeout!

It can be really hard when mom is out of commission for a period of time and then when you add on recovery, it can be really tough.  To make it easier, read through my list of everything a mom needs to do before surgery with some tips for after surgery and then make your own list of what you feel like you need to do before your surgery.  How much cleanliness do you really have to have in order to be comfortable?  Can your kids pitch in?  Is your husband taking off time from work?  Are there going to be special needs after surgery?  These are just a couple questions to ask yourself.  Below are some tips to help, remember, this is not a comprehensive list just suggestions.

• If you homeschool you may want to call in some backup, someone that can step in as a substitute teacher to help you out.  Grandparents, your hubby or other homeschool friends can be gems during this time.  Be sure to leave them with a lesson plan, schedules, and instructions.
• Make sure your family, friends, neighbors and church family know that you are having surgery.
• Shop for any items you may need for your recovery.
• Get all of the kids’ doctor appointments/other appointments scheduled and taken care of.
• Try to get on track or ahead with your homeschool lessons.
• Try to meal prep by freezing some yummy meals that can be heated easily.  If you’re lucky your church or homeschool group may be willing to supply some meals or at least some gift cards.
• Clean your house.  It doesn’t have to be perfect, but if you’re able to try to tackle the areas that will be trafficked the most by your family.  The kitchen, bathroom and the area or room that you will be recovering in.
• Create a cleaning schedule for your family so that your home hopefully stays somewhat clean as you recover.
• Speaking of recovery, try to have your recovery area prepped so when you come home, everything you want or need will be at your fingertips and you’re not having to holler at your family every time the channel needs to be changed.
• I suggest having an insulated mug like a Yeti.  This will keep your drinks colder longer and you won’t have to get up as often to get a drink.
• Have comfy clothes washed and ready.
• Cute socks to wear around the house.
• A snuggly blanket to curl up in as you sleep.
• Try to have your daily chores caught up before surgery if possible.  This will take some of the stress off of you so you can relax when you come home.  You’ll feel so much better knowing the house is clean in case you get visitors.
• Prep your family on what you expect and how you will need their help.  If you need to have the doctor be specific about what you can and can’t do and for how long.
• Have some fun things to do to keep you occupied.  Maybe have some things your kids can do with you.
• Have some way for your family to easily keep track of your medicine and ice (if you have ice packs).  We make a chart on our dry erase board, this way everyone can easily have all the information.
• My kids are all over 18 years old but still live at home so I make sure to have everyone’s work schedule on the calendar so I know when I have help.  My oldest almost always tries to have the day off for any surgery so she can help out when we get home.
• Try to have grocery shopping and errands done or have people lined up to help.  You could even try using online grocery shopping and have it delivered or have someone pick it up for you.
• Make sure to eat as healthy as you can, rest, rest, rest and then rest some more.  You only have one chance to recover and heal correctly, so take advantage of it.
• Try to let others take care of you for a change, especially your kids and teens.  They need to learn how to do this.  It’s important for their growth and they need to learn that even moms need some T.L.C.
• Ask for help from others when you need it.  That’s what family and friends are for.

I’m sure there are many things that I’m forgetting and as I remember them, I’ll update this list.  Leave me a comment with your tips to add!  Surgery isn’t fun but hopefully having everything ready to go will make it a little easier to deal with for you and your family.