Pre-Surgery Checklist

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.

Posted in: health


Comments on Pre-Surgery Checklist

  1. 1

    From Scott:

    Don’t hesitate to let us know if there’s anything we can do to help (other than pray, of course)!

  2. 2

    From Cio:

    Praying for you Both!
    Let me know if there’s ANYTHING I can do!
    love you!

  3. 3

    From Emily Jane:

    I am keeping you both in my prayers, love

  4. 4

    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!

  5. 5

    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

  6. 6

    From Ashley:

    Thinking about you guys. Hope everything goes well tomorrow.

  7. 7

    From Krista:

    I hope that everything goes smoothly for you both tomorrow. I will be sending virtual hugs your way!!

  8. 8

    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!)

  9. 9

    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. :)

  10. 10

    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.

  11. 11

    From dadman:

    Miscellaneous dog is happy and healthy.

  12. 12

    From uncle david:

    Hope all went well. “Miscellaneous” family members are praying for you both.

  13. 13

    From Elizabeth:

    I’m keeping you both in my thoughts. It sounds like you’re as well prepared as possible!

  14. 14

    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!!

  15. 15

    From Leslie:

    Best of luck for a speedy recovery!

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