Posted 1/7/2021 10:25 AM (GMT -7)
Hello & welcome to the forum. While these surgeries are commonly done today, it's still a major surgery. If at all possible see if your husband can take the first week off after surgery. His help will be invaluable to you. Yes, some people have no choice & go it alone, but if you have the option of him taking off, go for it.
I'm not sure what type of bed you have, if it's an adjustable bed great. If not, many of our members found sleeping in a recliner a few weeks was much easier than trying to get up & down out of a bed. Consider borrowing one or even renting one.
Time & patience will be your new best friend. It's a lengthy recovery & you don't want to take any short cuts. Follow your post-op directions to the letter. Take your medications on a schedule, set a timer on your phone. It's better to stay on top of the pain rather than letting it get out of control. As far as work goes, this needs to be played by ear. Going back to work too soon will not help you at all. Far too often we see drs releasing patients to go back to work far too soon.
Make sure to have plenty of easy foods that can be heated in the microwave, plenty of bottled water if that is what you drink. Invest in getting a reacher/grabber, this is a hand held device that can pick things up off the floor. You will not feel like leaning down to pick something up off the floor. You can find these at drug stores & Walmart. Do not use heat on your neck & shoulders, invest in cold packs. Heat will aggravate the inflammation.
You can try to crochet, however, don't be surprised that your arms & shoulders will give out. Try to find some good movies on the tv. Do not lay on a couch, this is why I suggested the recliner, keep your head & shoulders straight.. Your dogs may be a problem for a bit. I suggest keeping them off of you for awhile. Careful not to let them get under your feet. I am a dog lover too, lol.
I feel like I am leaving some things out. I will post more if I think of some more things. Above all, be kind to yourself during your recovery.