Hi Rachael,

Don't be afraid to delegate those last Christmas gifts either! Any time cameras or electronics of any kind or on my girls Xmas lists, I tell DH the general details, and make sure he writes a note to himself, and I mark that OFF my list. He LOVES shopping for gadgets anyway, and hey, he's a parental unit too!

This pre-surgery (and holiday) time is a good time to call in those favors you've been turning down - all the "what can I do for you?'s" that are non-specific in nature, but well-meant, by friends, neighbors, relatives, fellow church members, etc. Ask those closest to you, and those you know like to cook, for dishes to freeze. If people ask what you want for Christmas, tell them restaurant giftcards (DH can pick up dinner and bring home). Arrange plans with girls' friends now for extra vacation days(non-Disney) or Plan B in case the trip is cancelled. A call when someone is headed to the grocery or drugstore to see if you need something, or a weekly Kitchen and Clutter session wd be most helpful, and the giver will appreciate feeling useful while you are down, honest!

Lay in videos or check into NetFlix. Be sure you have the things for an invalid set-up - a recliner, cozy throw, lightweight container for fluids, remote, a handy table or tray to set things on at chair-side. Easy-on/off clothes, pants w/out zippers or buttons and tops w/out small buttons. I found a few tops with snap fasteners that I liked. Zippers with a large enough pull are also fairly easy.

Frozen peas have been helpful for flexible ice-paks. I swear by my rice-bag for heat - throw in the microwave for 60 secs. Vit. E capsules once you have the ok to start treating the scar works really well.

I had surgery on a Thurs a.m. (Denver) Took abt 1 1/2 hours, went well, had no complications. I had a PCA with Diladiud for first 2 days w/ decreasing dosage, plus additional Oxycontin and a break-through pain med as well. It was needed those first two days! I was released on Sunday afternoon, so I was kept a bit over 3 days (admitted once I was brought to my hospital room after surgery). By Sunday I felt ready to get out of there! I was off of oxygen by Saturday morning and walking the hallway that afternoon.

Coughing, laughing, hiccuping hurt badly - avoid them if possible, if not, try holding a pillow to your rib cage! And keep your arm elevated on pillows to take the pull off the surgical site. In bed I experimented till I found the arrangement of pillows that worked for me - one under each arm and shoulder blade, another under the surgical shoulder, and therapedic cervical pillow.

Dr Annest sends patients home with a rib immobilizer, it has a strap w/ velcro closures to keep your arm close to your body in a good position. It's meant to be worn if you're going to be standing or sitting for a good period of time without any support for the arm, or in crowded situations like the airport to protect the arm post-op. I felt it was a life-saver for the travel home, and being in crowds. Since I never used it at home I didn't worry about developing a frozen shoulder or anything with it. Most Drs apparently don't rx these, but I was very glad to have it!

As to how you will feel and how long, it's anyone's guess, it's really individual. But a estimate might be, the first two weeks plan on doing not much but sleeping and taking your meds and praying to feel better. The first week is worst. The third week you will see some energy back but need to nap like a baby. This is when I slowly started to drive (to the Dr's and back)- but VERY cautiously!! By the 4th week you may stay awake 12 hrs in a row, and begin to be able to take on more and more things for yourself again - hair care, simple meals, etc. You may have an easier recovery or you could have some set-backs (we hope NOT!), but the best advice is to NOT RUSH things, as you really need to let your body heal during this time.

I always advise to pack socks and slippers as the hospital floors are cold and not always the cleanest, and nuts, raisins, cookies etc for a handy snack. And when you get the call, shave your legs before you go, as it's won't be on your to-do list for the next 3-4 weeks.

Best wishes,

beth