The last couple of times that my husband has gone in to the hospital we have had no time to prepare. This time is different. Let me take you back...
Seven years ago, right around Septeember 11th, Headless Dad had gone golfing with some friends. While looking for a ball, he slipped and fell, putting his arm down to break the fall. Bad idea. He severed his rotator cuff (tendon in his shoulder.) I was 8 1/2 months pregnant with Headless Boy 2 and had a toddler and a 10 year old at home. Really not the best scenario to be ushering your husband into surgery. After an unexpected overnight stay at the hospital (due to an emergency surgery that went ahead of him,) he was in a sling for a month (more?) and couldn't pick up our infant son when he was born. (Granted, he was a huge baby at 11 lb., but I've told that story before here.)
This time is different from my point of view. I am not caring for 2 small children. My parents have come into town to help with the kids. I know what to expect in caring for my husband-it is the exact same surgery except that he only has a tear this time, (different shoulder.) And I have had time to prepare. Headless Dad goes into surgery today and here are some of the things that I have tried to take care of before hand:
- I have told all of the teachers/bible study leaders/etc. that I volunteer with that I will not be helping for the remainder of the week.
- I planned ahead and chose to donate juice to a class party instead of volunteering time.
- I planned a menu and shopped on Sunday.
- I did laundry over the weekend.
- I've been ironing button-up shirts for HD so he will actually have clothes to wear. No putting his arm over his head for a while.
- I've been cleaning so that I don't have to worry about it for a few days. Mostly just the stuff that drives me crazy so I won't be psycho while trying to keep HD comfortable. He really won't care-he'll have too many good drugs to care about anything.
- I arranged with the neighbor that I share driving with for her to take the kids to and from school tomorrow. We'll play the rest of the week by ear.
Oh, and if you think of anything that I've forgotten let me know in the comments so everyone else here for Works for Me Wednesday can reap the benefits, too. Then go over to Shannon's and get more great ideas!
8 comments:
Hope your husband's surgery goes well!
Hope his surgery is successful with an easy recovery. I am very impressed at how you've prepared!
Knowing what to expect is half of preparing for surgery. I've had two similar surgeries and the second went MUCH better mainly because I knew what to expect when I got done.
One thing I did the second time that was very helpful was to set up my "nest" before I left for the hospital. I fixed things beside my bed/couch area that I knew I would want and wouldn't have to go/send someone searching for them later.
I hope his surgery goes well and recovery is quick!
Hope the surgery goes well. It totally makes a difference when we have time to prepare for things like this, doesn't it?
just got to San Diego, tried to post this from my phone, but no go...
first my prayers are with HD on a fast and successful surgery and recovery.
The only thing I could think to suggest were stool softeners, those narcs can be a real pain in the a$$!!
See you all Saturday, will call you later to hear how surgery went!
K
Ouch... I hope everything went well today; he's lucky to have you as a FANTASTIC wife and care giver!
I have been out of touch this week. is everything all right? Sending good thoughts!! xo
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