Date set, appts made, ins called

Ok, so I have the surgery date set (may 11), pre-op appt made, lab appt made, called insurance for pre-certification, turned in FMLA request at work... anything I'm missing?

I know my doctor will go over all of this but....
How long before I can drive?
How long should hubby take off to stay at home with me?
We have an active 11yr old in 2 softball leagues that travel - that is my main concern when I can't drive.

Any thing else to do before surgery?

Do the things you won't be able to do after surgery. Remember that you won't be able to lift for about 6 weeks. That limits more than you may realize. You won't want to do much bending either if you have an abdominal incision.

• Cook and freeze meals. You won't feel like cooking for at least the first week. For some women it's several weeks.
• Buy groceries. Stock up on things that are easy to fix.
• Clean the house. You won't be allowed to mop, sweep or vacuum.
• Catch up on the laundry.
• Arrange transportation for your child's events.
• If you have pets, arrange for things you can't do (walking a big dog that pulls, changing the litter in the cat boxes).

Driving: A lot depends on exactly what your surgeon has to do and which procedure is used. It can be several weeks. You also have to have been off all narcotic pain meds long enough for them to have cleared your system. I made rapid progress the first 2 weeks after a very straightforward daVinci surgery. I was cleared to drive at 10 days, which is a lot earlier than most doctors allow. I made a couple of short trips in the neighborhood and decided to wait a bit longer. I could have slammed on the brakes or swerved, but it wouldn't have been a happy event. I felt much safer 5 days later. Basically, if riding over potholes as a passenger causes significant discomfort, it's too early to drive.

Time off for husband: Your doctor should be able to help you plan this. Could be anything from a few days to much longer. In general, one has more mobility earlier after a daVinci procedure than with an abdominal incision. It will also depend on exactly what has to be done.

Best of luck with your upcoming surgery!

Yeah I guess I should have specified... mine will be an abdominal incision - my uterus is too large any other way.

And I am lucky - my husband does most all the cooking & laundry, the cleaning will be my only worry! My 11 yr old daughter can clean the litter boxes & that only leaves transportation.

thanks for all the advice - I will start making my lists!

Hi and welcome! Keepscats gave great advice. I too am having an abdominal incision. I have hired a bit of cleaning help for the first couple weeks (she's coming in once a week to change sheets, sweep, mop, catch up on dishes, etc.) for my peace of mind. I'm also freezing some meals ahead/buying some ready to prepare frozen meals. My DH is taking off the first week (17th - 24th). I have a friend in town who is a home health nurse and can stop by periodically if I need her. MIL is going to stay for a couple of days to keep an eye on our 9 year old son (get him on the bus, etc.) I was told absolutely no driving for at least 2 weeks (will have a 2 week checkup and hopefully be fine to drive after that--we live way out in the country, so it's hard not to be able to drive--I couldn't do it for 4 weeks when I had neck surgery 2 years ago).

Sounds like 11 year old can be a big help with the small, practical things, which is great!

Good luck to you!

Dee