Home Recovery From Gender-Affirming Surgery
After gender-affirming procedures, most patients wish to recover from surgery at home. A short hospital stay is usually required to assess vitals and address any complications, but home is the preferred place for gender-affirming surgery recovery. While home may be the most comfortable place to recover, it may not always be the most practical. With proper planning, your home can become a safe sanctuary to rest and heal. Learn how to set your home up for a safe and healthy recovery process.
Home Modifications Before Surgery
Before surgery, assess your current home. Understand that your mobility may be limited. You may not be able to move around as freely as you normally would. Consider factors like:
- How many stairs do you have to get into your home?
- Are there several flights of stairs to get to and from the bedroom, kitchen and bathroom?
- Are there any hard-to-reach cabinets?
- Is your bathroom safe?
Daily tasks such as walking, reaching, or lifting may be impacted depending on the type of surgery. Making simple, temporary changes can help set you up for success. In the days after surgery, your mobility may be limited. This may make it difficult to get around. If your space allows, you may wish to temporarily relocate your bed or make sleeping arrangements in a more easily accessible location in your home. This may include your living room. Keep pathways clear to avoid tripping hazards and prevent falls or injuries. Install temporary grab bars in the bathroom to help with showering and avoid slips. A shower chair may also be a solution if standing for prolonged periods is uncomfortable following surgery.
In the kitchen, using nonslip mats can prevent fall hazards and injuries. Use a claw grabber tool to help reach high cabinets and items. Try and keep items at a comfortable level that does not require too much bending or reaching. This avoids straining healing body parts.
Post-Surgery Home Recovery Care
Before surgery, clean your house so your space is spotless upon discharge. Clear any clutter that can be a tripping hazard as you navigate around your home post-op. Stock up on canned sauces, legumes and frozen vegetables for easy meals as you recover. Meal prepping food before surgery is an easy way to have nutritious meals lined up, without having to cook while you rest and heal. Consider setting up a meal kit delivery service or grocery delivery service for yourself during recovery too.
Set up a cart next to your bed with all your essentials. These might include medications, water, bandages, healthy snacks, hygiene products, extra towels, linens, chargers and more. This cart can help keep all your recovery essentials within reach so you can focus on healing.
Settling at Home After Surgery
Once you’re home after surgery, it’s vital to get plenty of rest to aid in the healing process. If you live alone, coordinate post-surgery home recovery care ahead of time to help you get settled. Ask family, friends or other loved ones for help. They can assist with tasks such as washing dishes, laundry and changing bandages. If family or friends are unable to help, you can also leverage third-party home health aides for assistance. There are at-home nursing services that can come to your home and assist you with daily tasks while you recover. You can also set up virtual appointments with a therapist or counselor while you recover to provide emotional support and manage any post-surgical depression.
Post Op Follow-Up
Planning for your hospital discharge is the first step towards having a successful home recovery. Cleaning and decluttering your home and space will set you up for success and prevent tripping and fall hazards. Other home modifications, such as grab bars and shower seats, can help make daily tasks easier. When planning for your surgery, choose a surgical team that provides personalized care. ART Surgical is with you every step of the way; from the initial consultation, through surgery and after. Contact our care team today to get started.