Getting My House—and Myself—Ready for My D&C ❤️
Well, friends, the closer I get to October 15th, the more real this whole surgery thing is starting to feel.
I’ve been trying to get everything in order—my FMLA paperwork, things around the house, and now I’m even thinking about what I might need for the actual recovery.
And if I’m being completely honest…
I’m a little scared.
I’ve heard women talk about their experiences with a D&C, and I’ve heard everything from, “It wasn’t bad at all,” to women saying they had quite a bit of cramping and pain afterward. Since I don’t know exactly how I’m going to feel, I decided that instead of worrying about it, I’m going to prepare for it.
So I’m making myself a little D&C Recovery Nest! 😂
I’m thinking about having everything I might need right here at home so I don’t have to worry about running to the store afterward.
Here’s What’s Going on My Recovery Checklist:
Maxi pads.
This one is definitely a must. I’m planning on having plenty of pads on hand because there can be some bleeding or spotting afterward. No need to discover that I forgot them when I’m already home recovering!
A heating pad.
I’m going to have one ready because if I do have those period-like cramps everyone talks about, hopefully a little heat will make me more comfortable.
Comfy pajamas and loose clothes.
This is my excuse to live in pajamas for a few days! I’m going to have some soft, loose clothes and comfortable underwear ready to go.
Easy food.
I’m stocking up on things that don’t require a lot of effort. Crackers, soup, toast, yogurt, applesauce and other easy foods are going to be much better than trying to stand in the kitchen cooking a big meal.
Luckily, I have Mr. C. And we all know he is pretty good about taking care of the cooking department anyway!
Plenty of water and drinks.
I want to make sure I’m staying hydrated, so I’m going to keep a water bottle nearby. I’m thinking my little recovery station will have everything within arm’s reach.
My medications and a thermometer.
I’m going to ask my doctor exactly what I’m allowed to take for pain and have everything ready before surgery. I’m also going to keep a thermometer handy so I can check my temperature if I don’t feel well.
And Then There’s the Cozy Part…
I’m planning on making myself a little recovery spot with extra pillows, blankets, the television remote, my phone charger, my water bottle and probably a few snacks.
Basically, I’m going to make it so I don’t have to get up unless I absolutely want to!
I’m also going to try to get some housework and laundry done before surgery. Not because everything has to be perfect—but because I know myself. If I see a basket of laundry sitting there, I’ll want to do it.
And that’s exactly what I don’t need to be doing.
I’m going to give myself permission to rest.
I’m Also Going to Have Some Help
Mr. C will be around, and I’m very thankful for that.
After anesthesia, I’ll need someone to drive me home, and I’ll want someone around while I’m getting settled. I’m sure he’ll be making sure I have what I need and probably reminding me that I don’t need to be doing housework.
He’s good about that.
What Am I Expecting?
From everything I’ve been told, some cramping and light bleeding or spotting can happen after a D&C. Some women recover very quickly, while others need a few more days before they feel completely normal.
So I’m planning for about three or four slower days, but I’m going to listen to my body instead of putting a deadline on my recovery.
If I feel good, that’s great.
If I need another day in bed, that’s okay, too.
I’m learning that rest isn’t being lazy. Rest is part of healing.
And I’m definitely going to follow the instructions my doctor gives me about when I can return to normal activities, drive, work, use tampons, have sex, take baths and everything else. Everybody’s recovery is different, so I’m not going to compare mine to somebody else’s.
And Then There’s the Part I Don’t Want to Think About…
There are certain symptoms that I won’t ignore.
Heavy bleeding, severe or worsening pain, fever or chills, foul-smelling discharge, fainting or feeling like I’m getting progressively worse are things I’ll contact my doctor about. If something feels seriously wrong, I’ll get help rather than trying to tough it out.
I’m not going into this surgery expecting something bad to happen.
I’m simply going to be prepared.
There’s a difference.
So That’s Where I Am Right Now…
I’m making lists.
I’m getting paperwork done.
I’m getting the house ready.
I’m trying to get my head ready.
And I’m reminding myself that I don’t know what the next few weeks are going to look like yet—and that’s okay.
The D&C is the next step.
We’ll deal with the results when we get them.
And if something more needs to be done after that, I’ll cross that bridge when I get there.
Right now, I’m choosing faith over fear.
I’m going to prepare for my recovery, listen to my doctors, let Mr. C take care of me, and give myself permission to rest.
And maybe I’ll even take advantage of this whole situation and watch a few movies, read a book, work on some crafts and just be still for a little while.
Who knows?
Maybe my body is going to surprise me and I’ll be back on my feet quicker than I think.
But just in case…
The D&C Recovery Nest is officially under construction! 😂❤️
Hey, have a great day, and thanks for stopping by my blog!
Cheers, Karen ❤️
