Pre-Surgery Checklist
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
It’s the day before David’s surgery, and I thankfully don’t have to work. Yesterday he went to the hospital to get some bloodwork and other tests done, and brought home a huge packet of information regarding his procedure, hospital stay, and recovery. Thank God, because he never asks a single question at his appointments, and doesn’t let me go with him.
So last night at 10 p.m. (only an hour after I got home from work; it was a long day) I sat down to read the packet in detail. It included advice on things to do before surgery, such as:
- Be familiar with the guidelines and benefits covered by your insurance company – we have no idea
- Make a list of your medications – done and already submitted
- Make plans for transportation home & someone to stay with you at home for 7-10 days – that’s me!
- Fix up your home so that it is safe & uncluttered – always
- Obtain adaptive devices such as raised toilet seat, hand held showerhead, etc. – nope, hoping the hospital will fix us up
- Stop blood-thinning medication seven days prior to surgery – oops, David took an ibuprofen yesterday. Oh well.
In addition to those instructions, I have a checklist of my own. It is as follows:
- Sleep in – sort of done. Dogs were having panic attacks all night long which resulted in me getting pawed at and whined at every thirty minutes. Curled into a ball, put in ear plugs, and diligently ignored them until 9:30 a.m.
- Take a really, really good shower and shave
- Encourage David to do the same
- Do my nails
- Clean the house from top to bottom
- Do all laundry
- Return overdue library books
- Drop the dogs off at miscellaneous family’s houses
- Grocery shopping
- Make copies of house key
- Get power of attorney paperwork signed and notarized
- Figure out our financial situation
- Pray, pray, pray
The next few weeks are going to be quite an experience.
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From Scott:
Don’t hesitate to let us know if there’s anything we can do to help (other than pray, of course)!
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From Cio:
Praying for you Both!
Let me know if there’s ANYTHING I can do!
love you!
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From Emily Jane:
I am keeping you both in my prayers, love
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From Chelsea:
You’re very prepared! David is lucky to have an actual nurse caring for him!!
Hopiing this is a smooth process with a quick recovery!
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From Amber from Girl with the Red Hair:
I am thinking about you. Good luck tomorrow. Keep us updated. You guys are strong, you’ll get through this and come out better on the other side. XO
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From Ashley:
Thinking about you guys. Hope everything goes well tomorrow.
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From Krista:
I hope that everything goes smoothly for you both tomorrow. I will be sending virtual hugs your way!!
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From Rae:
You do seem to be quite organized. Hopefully that will help things go as smoothly as they can. I hope all goes well (and that you have some way to distract yourself during the actual surgery!)
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From Stephany:
I’ll be praying for you guys tonight & tomorrow. God is in control, over this surgery & recovery process.
And I think David is in pretty good hands. :)
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From Lauren From Texas:
You’re amazing! Seriously woman, I don’t know how you keep it together. We will be praying & please remember how much we all love you! You can do this. David is so lucky to have you.
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From dadman:
Miscellaneous dog is happy and healthy.
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From uncle david:
Hope all went well. “Miscellaneous” family members are praying for you both.
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From Elizabeth:
I’m keeping you both in my thoughts. It sounds like you’re as well prepared as possible!
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From steph anne:
I just caught up on your other posts and read your tweets. I’m glad he’s doing fine now that the surgery’s over. I hope you’re doing okay & that the fever isn’t anything too serious. You both are in my thoughts!!
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From Leslie:
Best of luck for a speedy recovery!
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