Pre-Surgery Checklist

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.

Comments

15 responses to “Pre-Surgery Checklist”

  1. Scott Avatar

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

  2. Cio Avatar

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

  3. Emily Jane Avatar

    I am keeping you both in my prayers, love

  4. Chelsea Avatar

    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. Amber from Girl with the Red Hair Avatar

    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. Ashley Avatar

    Thinking about you guys. Hope everything goes well tomorrow.

  7. Krista Avatar

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

  8. Rae Avatar

    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. Stephany Avatar

    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. Lauren From Texas Avatar

    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. dadman Avatar
    dadman

    Miscellaneous dog is happy and healthy.

  12. uncle david Avatar
    uncle david

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

  13. Elizabeth Avatar

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

  14. steph anne Avatar

    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. Leslie Avatar

    Best of luck for a speedy recovery!

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