Other preparations to think about

Make plans in advance to take care of the following tasks after your surgery:

• Find someone to do your yard work, gardening, lawn mowing, shoveling and heavy housework.
• Arrange transportation to the grocery store, if needed, and doctor appointments. You will not be able to drive for one to two weeks after your surgery while taking prescription pain medicine.
• Find someone to help care for your pet, if needed.
• Prepare and freeze a few meals before your surgery.
• Plan simple meals and go grocery shopping. Buy comforting beverages, such as ginger ale, 7 Up^®, fruit and vegetable juices, broths, tea and milk.
• Practice relaxation techniques.
• Write a list of affirmations. Read them every day until your surgery. Use the Affirmations for Surgery worksheet.