So much to consider! If you posted this a month out I would’ve said do lots of chair squats if your legs weren’t already strong. You can’t push to get yourself up for a while.

If they offer you one of those cool heart-shaped pillows, take one! If not make sure you have a pillow to hold against you for rolling over and getting up. Be prepared to sleep on your back for a while.

Button front shirts are easier to deal with since you can’t lift your arms over your head for a while. Baggy shirts work, too.

Especially when you are in the hospital don’t be a hero and turn down the pain medications! I started to do that my first time around and had a very funny nurse lecture me at three in the morning! I was thinking opioids bad. He pointed out being in pain and having it take longer to heal is worse. He was right! And they may send you home with strong drugs. Since you likely will have someone with you if you are worried you can have them hold them for you. I ended up splitting mine in half and only took half of what they sent me home with. And it’s not because I love pain!

Even if you don’t want to get up and move, get up anyway. I had OT and PT people in right away. I was blessed that I am in good physical condition for someone who needed two heart surgeries that is! If you are one who does not want to move the professionals and the nurse who will come see you will encourage you! I’m pretty competitive so each suggestion was something to win for me 😉

You will not be able to drive or lift much for a while. Doing laundry and making beds was off for me. I don’t like doing those anyway! I was able to find housekeepers and laundry services.

Be kind to yourself. Healing is a process and it takes time. I had to dig for that level of patience! I know lots of others will have suggestions too so I’m going to stop hogging all the space here! Best of luck and keep us all apprised as to progress. And questions!