Recovery does not begin when you get home — it begins with how well you prepare before you leave. Patients who take a little time to set up their home in advance tend to recover more comfortably and with less stress. Here is a practical guide to help you get ready.
Set Up a Dedicated Recovery Space
Choose one room or area of your home where you will spend the majority of your recovery time. Ideally this is somewhere comfortable, easy to get in and out of, and close to a bathroom. Set up this space with everything you will need within arm’s reach — phone charger, remote, water bottle, medications, and any personal comfort items.
Stock Up on Essentials Before Your Procedure Date
Do your grocery shopping and pharmacy run before your procedure, not after. Stock up on easy-to-prepare foods, plenty of fluids, and any prescribed or recommended medications. You will not want to be running errands in the first few days of recovery.
Prepare Loose, Comfortable Clothing
Depending on where your procedure was performed, tight clothing or anything with difficult fasteners can be inconvenient or uncomfortable. Prepare several sets of loose, soft clothing that are easy to put on and take off without much assistance.
Arrange Help for the First 24 to 48 Hours
Even if you feel fine quickly, having someone available to assist you in the first day or two is strongly recommended. This could be a family member, friend, or neighbor — someone who can help with meals, check in on you, and be present if you need assistance. Do not plan to be completely alone immediately after a procedure.
Keep Your Post-Op Instructions Visible
Print them out or screenshot them and keep them somewhere you will actually see them — on the kitchen counter, nightstand, or taped to the fridge. Post-operative instructions exist for a reason, and having them visible reduces the chance of accidentally overlooking something important.
Know When to Call the Office
Before you leave our facility, make sure you have our office phone number saved in your phone. If you notice unexpected swelling, unusual pain, a fever, or anything that does not seem right, call us. Do not search for answers online when you have a clinical team available to you.
Recovery is a process, and it goes more smoothly when you give it the attention it deserves. A little preparation goes a long way toward getting you back to your normal routine as quickly and comfortably as possible.
Questions about your upcoming recovery? Contact our office and a member of Dr. Maher’s team will be happy to walk you through what to expect.
