How do I prepare my home for surgery?

Set up your bed on the first floor (or the entry floor) if you can. Have a bathroom or a portable commode on the same floor where you will spend most of your day. Stock up on canned or frozen food, toilet paper, shampoo, and other personal items. Either buy or make single meals that can be frozen and reheated.
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What do you need at home after surgery?

Help at Home After Surgery: Items You May Need
  1. Hand sanitizer. Prevents infection. ...
  2. Comfortable clothes. Make sure your clothes aren't tight against your incision. ...
  3. Easy meals. ...
  4. Entertainment. ...
  5. Filled prescriptions. ...
  6. Over-the-counter medicines. ...
  7. Water.
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What can I do at home while recovering from surgery?

You'll need some pure entertainment to pass the time.
  1. Discover new music. ...
  2. Watch the movies that you've always wanted to see. ...
  3. Get lost in a good novel. ...
  4. Listen to audiobooks. ...
  5. Learn some card tricks. ...
  6. Play classic games with your visitors. ...
  7. Subscribe to a streaming service. ...
  8. Solve crossword puzzles.
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What is the best thing to do before surgery?

Check Your Blood Pressure

If you have high blood pressure, make sure your medical team knows. It's important to get it under control before surgery. Ask your doctor about steps you can take. If you're on high blood pressure medication, don't forget to ask if you should take it on the day of your operation.
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What should I do the week before surgery?

In the week before your surgery, make a point of walking at least 30 minutes every day, she says. If you have a favorite form of exercise, like swimming or playing tennis, continue your usual exercise regimen.
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How do I prepare my home for a joint procedure? - Carrie Stafstrom - Orthopedics



What should you not do the night before surgery?

Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery. This includes water, coffee, gum, or mints. If you do, it may be necessary to cancel your surgery. Do not smoke or use chewing tobacco after midnight the night before your surgery.
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Which day is good for surgery?

The overall risk of 30-day period for patients dying after undergoing elective surgery increased as the week progessed (by an odds ratio factor of 1.09 per day from Monday). Compared with Monday, the risk of death was significantly higher if procedures were carried out on a Friday.
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What is a light breakfast before surgery?

if your surgery is in the AFTERNOON: You may have a light breakfast at least 6 hours before surgery. A light breakfast consists of liquids, 1 egg or cereal or a piece of toast. Do not eat greasy foods such as bacon or sausage. No smoking for at least 12 hours before surgery.
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What are three things you should always ask a patient before surgery?

10 Questions to Ask before Having an Operation
  • Why do I need this operation?
  • How will the operation be performed?
  • Are there other treatment options, and is this operation the best option for me?
  • What are the risks, benefits, and possible complications for this operation? ...
  • What are my anesthesia options?
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What is the best food to eat before surgery?

The best meals before surgery will include a balance of lean protein, unprocessed carbohydrates, vegetables, and healthy (mainly plant-based) fats. Lean protein sources could include eggs, chicken, and fish. You can add a range of healthy carbohydrates like bananas, buckwheat, quinoa, sweet potatoes, and more.
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What to do if you have no one to drive you home after surgery?

Offer suggestions for an escort.

Ask if the patient might have a neighbor or religious organization that would assist, she says. "Lots of churches have people on call to help with rides," Ogg says. "They might also be able to stay overnight as a caregiver." A private duty nurse might be another option, she adds.
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What do you put in a care package for surgery?

It just so happens, a get well care package after surgery is something we know a bit about.
...
Gather some of these fun and thoughtful items to include as get well gift basket ideas for after surgery.
  1. Soup. ...
  2. Extra Cookies. ...
  3. Lots of Tea. ...
  4. Fresh Honey. ...
  5. A Cozy Throw. ...
  6. Meals for the Family. ...
  7. Moisturizer. ...
  8. Lip Balm.
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Why do you have to have someone stay with you after surgery?

It's best to have someone with you for at least the first 24 hours after general anesthesia. You may continue to be sleepy, and your judgment and reflexes may take time to return to normal. If you are taking opioids for pain, you won't be able to drive until you stop taking them.
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Can I bring my own blanket to the hospital for surgery?

Comfortable clothes and bedding

Not all hospitals will let you bring your own bedding, but if you can, Goyer said, the feel and smell of your own pillow or a blanket from home can be a huge source of comfort.
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What should you not do after surgery?

  • Do Too Much, Too Soon. ...
  • Stay in Bed. ...
  • Don't Take Your Meds as Prescribed. ...
  • Don't Get Enough Food or Drink. ...
  • Skip Rehab. ...
  • Go Back to Work Too Soon. ...
  • Drive Before You're Ready. ...
  • Quit Your Breathing Exercises.
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Is it okay to be alone after surgery?

If you had "outpatient" surgery, which means you don't stay overnight in a hospital, you won't be allowed to leave on your own. Your doctor will ask you to have a friend or family member drive you home and stay with you until the next day.
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Is it better to be the first surgery of the day?

Mornings are Best

When it comes to surgery scheduling, the time of day you choose can make a huge difference in your surgical outcome and recovery. In fact, researchers conducting a 2006 Duke University study found that surgeries scheduled between 3 and 4 p.m. had a higher rate of post-op vomiting, nausea, and pain.
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Why do you have to be at the hospital 2 hours before surgery?

On the day of surgery, you may be asked to arrive several hours before your procedure is scheduled to begin. This allows the staff to complete any tests that cannot be performed until the day of surgery.
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What do you say to surgeon before surgery?

10 Things to Tell Your Surgeon Before Surgery
  • Medications: Prescription, Over the Counter, and Supplements. Hero Images / Getty Images. ...
  • Smoking Habits. ...
  • Alcohol Intake. ...
  • Previous Illnesses and Surgeries. ...
  • Illicit Drug Use. ...
  • Allergies. ...
  • Past Issues With Surgery. ...
  • Current Illness or Fever on the Day of Surgery.
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Can I brush my teeth before surgery?

Yes. You may brush your teeth and swish with a small amount of water to rinse.
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Is it important to sleep before surgery?

It is important that you get a good night's sleep before your surgery. If you find you are nervous or anxious the night before, you can take an over-the-counter sleep aid.
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What should I eat 2 weeks before surgery?

Eat a high-protein, high-carbohydrate diet starting 2 to 4 weeks before your surgery. Protein is a nutrient needed for normal growth, wound healing and fighting infections. If you are not eating enough protein, it will be harder for your skin to heal.
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Is it better to have surgery in morning OR afternoon?

Aug. 3, 2006 - Morning may be the safest starting time for surgery, according to a new study. Researchers found patients anesthetized for surgery in the afternoon were much more likely to develop anesthesia-related complications than those whose surgeries began in the morning.
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Do I have to wash my hair before surgery?

The first shower should be taken two days before surgery and the second shower the day before surgery. The third shower will be the morning of surgery. With each shower, if you are going to wash your hair, wash as usual with your normal shampoo. Rinse your hair and body thoroughly afterward to remove the residue.
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What helps anxiety before surgery?

8 ways to reduce your anxiety before surgery
  1. Avoid Smoking As a Response to Stress and Anxiety. ...
  2. Learn more about your surgery. ...
  3. Discuss Your Fears With Your Surgeon. ...
  4. Focus on your Pre-Surgery Instructions. ...
  5. Get Support From Family and Friends. ...
  6. Have Your Post-Operative Plan in Place. ...
  7. Consider Counseling or Therapy.
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