Operation Date Two Weeks Away

So I'm on the home stretch readying myself for the Surgery. I know from experience it's fast and pretty quick in recovery terms if all goes well. So I think I have around 4-8 weeks on Crutches, at least 4 weeks having Blood Thinning Injections in the Tummy, and Compression Stockings for around 6 weeks. So mobility is going to be limited compared to the Leaps and Bounds I've finally made this Year. Recently I wore some Kitten Heels for a whole day when I saw Theo Paphitis at a Small Business Event. And Yes although I had my Walking Stick it wasn't as in full use as usual. And the Hip itself nagged towards teatime after a long day and only taking 1x 50mg Tramadol and 4x 200mg Ibuprofen throughout the day. This is excellent for me and I was mightily impressed.

So Checklist Needed

Checklist:

You may wish to bring in the following items to make your stay comfortable:

• Nightwear = I use Baggy T-Shirts and Loose Pj's
• Dressing gown = Definitely take one, especially if fluffy and warm, as I'm always soooooo cold on the wards
• Slippers = These can't be bootie ones, or slip foot in ones, So I'm using Flossy's which are shoes really but canvas ones that have a grippy sole, the sole is needed. In case your using a Walker First and of course with Crutches too.
• Bath/ Hand towel = I use small micro towels, small to pack, fast to dry and they will dry a whole body.
• Toiletries = Wet wipes, Deodrant, Small Mirror, Hairbrush and Bobbles (with no metal, Popbands are excellent to use)
• Spectacles and a hearing aid if you need them = I take my Glasses and a Case to keep them in.
• Small amount of cash = I've never took money honestly, even on longer stays. Mainly because I have my phone for the internet, and calls and texts, and because I stock my bag up with Boiled Sweets, Crisps, Pop, Magazines and such like too.
• Any regular medication = Definitely taking some, as last time I was only given Paracetamol after Surgery (first night too, should of got Orramorph but some misunderstanding and I ended up with Paracetamol all night) That was NOT a good experience.
• I usually take Headphones too, to drown out the hospital noises, to relax to my favourite music. I have tried taking books but in the five times I've had surgery I've not once managed to read. Even though at home I'm a bookworm. But I take them mainly for the waiting to be called for surgery, as this can be a LONG time from 6am til 4pm when I was finally called. Starving and Thirsty and Tired was not the word. Though it helps with nerves,as by the time you've been left that long, you are desperate to get the surgery over and done with, rather than dreading it!!

So for now I'm going to increase my Water Intake and Protein in my diet as it aids with healing and bones. The Hospital sums it up better and that is below. I am going to enjoy as many Bubble Baths as I can, as I wont be able to get inside the bath afterwards, I will use the Bathboard or Perch though so I can still wash independently. And shave my legs while I can, and Use a good Quality Cream on my Legs in the run up, as the Compression Stockings will make my Leg Skin feel like a Reptile, which is not pleasant to say the least. So there you have it, my Two weeks Countdown!! Of course real life have to be dealt with as well, so cooking and freezing some extra foods, clearing the floorspace in rooms and trying to get each room warm for when I can't move much.

Nutrition
Good nutrition is important as it is critical
to the healing process. A well balanced diet
helps you to recover more quickly and
reduces the risk of complications.
You need to increase the amount of
protein you eat in the weeks before and
after your surgery. This will help your body
heal itself more quickly and effectively.
Protein is found in foods such as chicken,
fish, and eggs (try to avoid greasy, fried
foods). If you are a vegetarian make sure
you are meeting your protein needs.
Add dark green leafy vegetables into your
meals before and after surgery, such as
cabbage, spinach, broccoli, and asparagus.
These contain vitamins and minerals
which will speed up your healing rate and
aid in your recovery.

Preparing for your stay in hospital
Eat a healthy balanced diet
Pack hand wipes for use before and
after meals
Take a hot soapy bath or shower on
the night before surgery and the
morning of surgery including washing
your hair
Clip your nails
Remove any nail polish
Do not shave the area of surgery
Only bring in essential items with you
so your bed space remains clean
Limit your visitors to only two at any
time
Ask your visitors to use the hand gel as
they arrive, and not to sit on your bed
or your chair
There is a no flowers policy at the ROH
Always wear slippers or light shoes
Inform the nurse if your dressing is wet
or loose
Never share your toiletries
Never sit on other patients beds or
chairs
Planning for going home (discharge)
Planning to go home starts before you
even come into hospital.
Check that some basic arrangements are
in place to make your transfer from
hospital to home as easy as possible.
Talk to your family, carers and friends to
ensure that there is sufficient food in the
house, and that you have help available
until you are safely settled in. If you
think you might need extra help when
you go home (Social Services) please
make sure that you discuss this with the
nurse when you are admitted or at your
pre-operation assessment. Before
coming in to hospital, arrange your
home so that you do not have to climb,
bend or reach for items in the first few
days.