Preparing for surgery is something each patient must do before they go under the knife.  Oftentimes patients focus on prepping themselves for surgery by following the doctor’s orders in regards to food and drink intake and the use of tobacco products, but there are other steps people can take to simplify their life post-op.

Steps to Consider

Depending on your operation, surgeons often recommend that a patient elevates their leg for 23 hours a day for the first three days.  Even if you plan on having a friend or family member assist you in the days after surgery, you’ll still likely need to move around your house to get to the bathroom or to grab a snack.  Below is a checklist you can reference to make your return home safer and more comfortable.

1. Stock your refrigerator pre-surgery– Make sure you have enough food to get you through the first week following surgery.  Depending on your operation, you may not be able to drive for a period after surgery, and stocking up on food can prevent you from ordering expensive and unhealthy delivery options.
2. Buy healthy foods– While there is some merit to lounging on the couch with your favorite snack while you’re off your feet, be sure to eat healthy post-op.  You won’t be burning as many calories as normal, so watch your caloric intake.  Its most important to get enough protein to help your wounds heal.  Your foot will be in a weakened state following surgery, and there’s no need to put added stress on it during rehab because you put on extra weight.
3. Buy low-level pain medication– Make sure you have over-the-counter pain and swelling reducing anti-inflammatory medications to help manage your symptoms post-op.  Use these to help wean from the narcotics prescribed by your surgeon.
4. Do the laundry– Before surgery, pick up any clothes you have lying around and do a load of laundry.  Not only will cleaning up your clothes prevent you from tripping on any stray items, but it will also ensure that you won’t run out of comfortable clothes in the days after surgery.
5. Move items to a convenient location– Put items like TV remotes, laptop power cords, DVD’s, phone chargers and books in an easily accessible location.
6. Prep the bathroom– Prepare your bathroom by removing or securing any loose mats.  Ensure you’re stocked up on the necessary toiletries like toilet paper, toothpaste, and razors.  Also, consider purchasing accessories to ease your standing/sitting process, like a raised toilet seat or shower chair.
7. Prep your pets– Make sure you take steps to prep your furry friends for your surgery.  Whether that means installing gates or simply keeping a close eye on them, be sure you know where your pets are when you are moving around your house post-op.  Also, change litter boxes and make sure Fido has enough food before heading into surgery.