I’ll be spending this summer in a way I didn’t envisage last year, thanks to my scarfeet – as I’ve christened my post-op feet – in that I’m gearing up for operation number two in five weeks, with operation number three (I would think) in October.

With the fact that my children will be on school holidays from next Friday, I’ve started preparing a list – a bucket pre-op list if you like – of what I need to get sorted in advance of my operation in five weeks (eek!).

So, firstly these things aren’t obligatory but they’ll help me feel better wellbeing-wise:

Hair:

I know that I’m not going to be able to have a full bath for three weeks after my op (urgh!), so dry shampoo is going to be a must.  I’ve read some pretty yucky things about what can happen if it’s over-used so it will only be used sparingly.

Having a haircut that isn’t going to look revolting as it grows out will be helpful and I’ve had a few more layers put in.   I’ve also booked in for highlights two weeks before my op as, realistically, the earliest I’ll get back in to a hairdressers is early October (in between ops 2 and 3).

Eyebrows and nails:

HD brows (tinting, waxing and threading) booked in for two weeks before as are my nails.  I have such pale brows and lashes that having these done will be great.

Coloured nail varnish isn’t allowed for an operation so I’ll be having a shellac base and top coat on these beauties only and having them as short as possible:

I’m so pleased about the length of my nails at the moment, this is my hand that had the nail beds crushed in a trampoline and, after some yucky tablets, they’ve grown back to this length (no acrylics).

Pierced ear:

A weird one to add in, but I wanted a third ear piercing and, as no metal jewellery can be worn during an op, I needed to factor in healing time so the earrings can be removed:

Medications:

I’ve got some tablets from the doctor to ward off any periods post-op until I’m walking fully again, after a pretty dreadful period which started the day after my October operation (not easy when you’ve just had both feet operated on) I was terrified of getting another whilst immobile.  Just knowing that all should be okay this time has made me feel a lot better.

I also had a pretty bad reaction to Codeine last time so alternative pain relief is needed.

And D’s medicine needs to be ordered so she doesn’t run out (that’s a hospital-only one, not available over the counter).

I didn’t get given any spare dressings last time after the initial bandages were taken off so need to stock up on those.

Clothes:

I’m going to need my wide legged trousers afterwards as there will be a lot of bandaging.   Best thing I found last time were plain black pyjama bottoms and tshirts so they’ll  be my staple items.  It was brilliant to pull on a pair of jeans after three months last time! 

Sock tops to keep my tootsies warm, especially after my third operation as the exposed toes do get cold (picture from last October):

I’ve looked out my horrible surgical boots from last time and washed them (urgh) and found my crutches. 
Never thought I’d be wearing the boots again but hey ho.

Household:

Stock up freezer

Recyclable plates, bowls and cutlery were a great help last time as I couldn’t stand up to wash up!

Bottled water 

We have PAYG energy meters so they’ll need to be “well fed” and checked by Hubbie regularly.

Scheduling online shopping for when Hubbie is home to answer the door will also be a must!

Schools:

D’s school are already aware of my upcoming operations and hopefully will be sympathetic if she arrives back in school in September a bit worried and emotional.   Luckily we have school transport for her to the end of December but that may have to be extended, depending on my recovery.

T’s new tutor will need an email, he’s very good at “masking” so am not anticipating issues with his emotions unless things go a bit wrong.

Will need to make sure I’m up-to-date with school letters/emails/after school clubs/fees for flute lessons and T’s football etc.

General:

I’m going to get bored not being able to be up and about, so magazines, books and crochet will be needed!

I might even watch a Once Upon A Time box set, did plan to last year but never got around to it!

My Hubbie will have to be Mocha delivery man occasionally as well as taking charge of the washing, vacuum, lawn mowing etc.  And going to work.  Poor Hubbie! 

And the moggies, I expect they’ll assist with making sure I have my feet up, one of them is attempting to get as close to me as possible at the moment! They’ll need food, cat litter, treats, worming and flea stuff organised.

Blog:

This will be a “as and when” I feel like it but I’ll try and schedule some posts, making sure why reviews are up to date.

Have I forgotten anything? Probably but it’s helped to write it all down.

Five weeks and four days to go! 

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