Putting Together a Team to Help You Recover From Brain Surgery

Nobody likes the idea of having any kind of surgery, but it's perhaps brain surgery that provokes the most fear. Nonetheless, brain surgery is necessary for several conditions, most notably tumours, and if you're having surgery, know that you'll be in good hands.

Although forgetting about how scared you may be is easier said than done, it's important to try and look forward and think about recovery. Understanding how you'll be affected in the month after surgery helps you look after yourself and get better as quickly as possible. A key part of your recovery is other people, and you might need a small team to give you all the help you need. Here are the jobs you should give to friends and family, if possible.

Looking after your responsibilities

If you have children or pets, you'll need to make sure someone can look after them while you recover. The exact time it takes before you're able to go home can vary a lot depending on your progress, so you should choose someone who'll be in a position to help out indefinitely. You're likely to need help even after you get home, too.

Taking care of the practical stuff

While you're recovering in hospital, you're likely to run out of clean pyjamas, so it's helpful to have someone to do your laundry for you. They can also bring you anything you need from home or from the shops.

You should also arrange for someone to keep on top of your bills for you, and perhaps check on your house from time to time if there's nobody else at home.

Liaising with medical staff

After brain surgery, you should expect to have a few days where you're not awake often, and when you are, you're likely to feel confused. This is a normal part of recovery, but it makes it difficult to exchange information.

Have someone visit you regularly who can remember anything important the doctors tell them, and pass on information on your behalf.

Getting you home

When it's finally time to go home, you'll need someone who can help you in and out of a car and drive you back. 

Helping you rest properly

Even after returning home, you'll still be recovering for some time. It's important that there's someone available to assist with normal tasks like cooking and shopping so you can concentrate on resting.

Just being there

Brain surgery is often a difficult experience, so don't underestimate the power of a good friend. Even after the surgery, dealing with issues like having your hair shaved and being off your feet for a while can be upsetting. Having someone to talk to and keep you company helps immensely with your healing so you can make a good recovery.

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