Preparing for Surgery

Sometimes surgery is the best path to relieving chronic back, hip or knee pain. Usually a lot of care and instructions go into preparing for surgery, but often the time just after surgery when you return home is neglected. Here are some steps you can take to help you feel better after surgery:

• Take care of any pressing issues so you won't be rushed to deal with them when you come home.
• Grocery shop ahead of time.
• Prepare meals in advance and freeze them.
• Use this pre-surgery preparation time to work on some non-medicinal relaxation exercises.
• If you have a heating pad and/or ice pack, make sure they are in working order and easily accessible.
• Treat yourself to some aroma therapy candles and have them ready for when you come home.
• Get a tape or two of nice soothing music or nature sounds to help you relax.
• Get a book or two to read that is inspiring and stock up on some hobby things you can work on while you are less active.

Everything you think and do is either going to help or hinder how you feel and how your meds work. The key is to create as positive an experience as you can. Plan to rest as you need to and don't push. That means accepting help from others and planning ahead for how the household chores can be covered while you're recovering.

These are a few things that come to my mind. Tell me what worked for you!

Related Topics:

• WebMD Video: Interbody Spinal Fusion
• WebMD Video: Knees Replacements With More Flexibility

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