Lessons from the Surgical Suite

I learned some lessons from my most recent surgical adventure:

1. Self-care is huge. I'm no longer 22 - nor are most of you
2. There are smart doctors who are kind. If the first specialist you see doesn't meet your needs, find someone else!
3. Take pain meds
4. Take naps
5. Plan for your surgery just like you plan for everything else
6. Let your friends help you
7. If you can tolerate orthopaedic surgery, you can tolerate anything. Hysterectomies are far less painful than fusing an ankle (big staples), or lengthening heel cords and hamstrings - not to mention the multiple casts that often accompany these procedures