Preparing for your cheilectomy surgery

If you don't want to send your loved ones on multiple trips to the pharmacy post surgery, here is a list of things to have ready pre-surgery:

• Pillows or devices to prop legs (practice in advance).
• "Cast covers" that envelop and seal your foot/feet for bathing.**
• Shower chair for bathing (optional; I just took baths).
• Crutches or walker (optional; will help in first week).
• Ice packs that wrap around with velcro.
• Aspirin (take daily post surgery to avoid blood clots).
• Stool softeners and/or laxatives (painkillers cause constipation).
• Laptop and e-reader/books (you'll spend a lot of time in bed).

**  The "adult" cast covers come up over the knee and the rubber only seals at your thigh (they will not seal around calfs, which are too narrow).  I would check out "child" covers; I guess that they would fit better for just covering the feet.

Also, check out this great list of ways to prepare psychologically and emotionally for the surgery.

Have I forgot anything?  Please add to the comments.