Surgery in 2020 looks totally different than any other year. Face masks are being worn by everyone – including the patient. And there are NO visitors in the hospital. That in itself can be more difficult than the surgery. Sometimes the patient needs the comfort of family and friends. With that said, preparing for surgery ahead of time could be a key factor in the recovery of the patient.

4 years ago my husband, Willy, had a hip replacement and it did not go according to plan. He then had a repair a year later…that did not work. We went to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester a year later. He had a bunch of tests done and was told that there was nothing they could do. A very sad day for both of us.  Especially Willy. Has this ever happened to you?

And here we are again…

Preparing for surgery. 

It is his back this time. Arthritis strikes again. He has done Physical Therapy, stretching, massage and all of the other non-invasive things. But in the past 7 months, his back has deteriorated faster than the previous 2 years.

He is having surgery in a few weeks. It's a big one….back surgery. Actually, it's 2 surgeries. They go in through his stomach on day 1. And then the 2nd day they work on all the other stuff – through his back.

As the post surgery ‘chief cook and bottle washer’ I thought you might like to know how we BOTH prepare for surgery. Because if you are not prepared there is a potential for physical and emotional disaster.

First off…

we are both going to quarantine 2 weeks prior to the surgery….just to make sure he does not get Covid ahead of time. There really isn't much we can do about Covid after the surgery and while he is in the hospital. Everyone will be taking the utmost precautions – that is all we can expect and hope for.

Preparing for surgery – Jane:

• Lean in and listen to Willy. Surgery is a scary thing. Typically we approach surgery with the anticipation of a favorable outcome. With the post surgery body being much better than the pre surgery one. In this situation, the anticipation of a favorable outcome has been replaced with trepidation. Because we know for a fact that the outcome might not be what is hoped for and desired. I need to listen to the fears.  Because they are real.

• Lean in to God. Remind Willy that if God is for him who can be against him. And then I need to lean in and be prepared for whatever happens.

• Get the house ready. Minimize and/or eliminate the ‘to-do’ list. If the surgery is in November then I need do all of our fall things about 2 weeks ahead of time. 

• Clear my calendar. Take everything off of my calendar.  Like everything.  As a business owner I need to work extra hard during the weeks preceding his surgery so that all of my blog posts, emails and communications are 80% ready to go.

• Get all of the medical equipment out of the attic and rent what I think might make his recovery easier. (I was thinking of a nice recliner but can't seem to find one.) Put his handicap toilet where it needs to be. Make sure the shower is ready to receive a walker.

• Line up a pet sitter. Someone needs to hang with the furry ones. Typically I like to spend the 1st 2 post surgery nights at the hospital, but now, with Covid, I can't do that. I will be staying with my son in Atlanta so that I am close by….just in case. 

• Figure out a way for him to let me know if he needs me once he is home (I decided on a baby monitor. That way I can hear him).

• Pray for patience and take a deep breath – when a person is in pain they don't really know what they are saying. Pain meds add aggression to the mix. Plus, the person gets frustrated because everything is so difficult and painful to do.

• Have my quiet time every morning – Some mornings I jump right into life and don’t sit and ready my Bible. Pre and post surgery I need make a conscious effort to get into the Word. It stills my soul.

• Find at home exercises. I walk 4-5 times a week.  Since I can’t go walking I need to find something else that keeps my body moving.

Preparing for surgery – Willy:

• Eat better. Cut out the simple carbs, sugar and starches. Load up on veggies and healthy protein. He is working hard on ‘Boosting His Immune System.'

• NO alcohol consumption.

• Strengthened his body.  Stretching his body. Gentle weight bearing exercise.  Ab work.

• Prayer. Lean heavily into God and God’s plan for his life. If he hangs onto his own wants for the outcome…he may come out of surgery an unhappy and disappointed man. He will focus on CHOOSING Joy…because he knows that his joy does NOT come from his circumstances. It comes from the Lord alone.

• Make his ‘gotta get it done before the surgery' list…and get it done. Otherwise all of those to-do's will be hanging over his head.

• Get his mind ready for the post surgery recovery. He typically wants to rush things and just ‘get going'. He has been advised that this would be a HUGE mistake. He needs to take it slow…so he needs to prepare his mind for slow.

• Pick out the books, movies and/or TV shows that he wants to read and watch during his recovery.

• Make sure that all of his documents are up to date and that I know where to find ‘That Darn Life Insurance Policy.'

In preparing for surgery, Willy also needs to:

• Decide if he 100% trusts his surgeon. If he does not…it is time to find a new one. Research can be done. Questions can be asked. He recently asked his surgeon ‘How many people have you killed?’ and ‘How many were paralyzed as a result of their surgery?’ All valid questions considering what was being done…but weird questions nonetheless :).  The doctor took them in his stride and answered honestly.

• Weigh the risks vs the results. He is 73. No spleen. And a blood clotting disorder. And Covid is still alive and well.  He is at high risk for infection and Covid. And, because his last 2 surgeries were not successful, and no one really knows why, this one might not give him the optimum results either.
• Which leads to…prepare his mind for the outcome. And, hopefully, get to a place where he can accept the outcome…whatever it is.

THE recovery…

Sometimes the recovery can be pretty easy considering what was done. Sometimes…not so much. Taking it slow is the answer. Asking neighbors and friends for help. Getting plenty of rest is key. And, for me, I need to make sure I continue to eat healthy and not grab all the junk food just because it is easier.

Do you, or anyone you know, have a surgery coming up?  If so, forward this to them. Our check lists might help them too.

And, please pray for us. His surgeries are scheduled on November 17 and 18.

Thanks

And if you would like to catch up on a few more posts – check out: ‘What is happing on this road of life.