Trouble breathing, chest pain, or significant new weakness? Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.
It is very important to read this carefully, so you know what to expect in the post-operative period. During your hospital stay, the case manager at the hospital will visit with you. They will discuss your living arrangements, visiting nurse services, and how to best take care of yourself at home.
Living arrangements
It is important to plan for your recovery BEFORE you have your operation. You want to make everything as easy as possible for yourself while you recover. For example, several of the following tips may help:
- Clear away any clutter on the floor so you are not at risk of falling after surgery.
- If your bedroom is difficult to get to, you may consider sleeping in a different room during your recovery period so that it is easy to get to the restroom or kitchen.
- Buy necessary supplies (food, restroom supplies) before surgery so you do not have to go to the store.
- Have family or a friend available to assist you.
- You may use the NewYork-Presbyterian Queens Pharmacy (NYPQ) to get your prescriptions if your pharmacy doesn’t make deliveries.
- Arrange for an escort to transport you home, as many insurances do not cover non-emergent transport home.
Visiting nurse services (VNS)
It is important to understand how visiting nurse services work. During your hospital stay, the case manager will arrange a visiting nurse to come to your house to check in with you and look at your incision. For some insurances, this visit may not happen until 1–2 weeks after surgery (especially if you are requesting a home health aide). Many insurances will not approve a home health aide. Many will only allow a visiting nurse and physical therapy. Unfortunately, this is out of our control, and really is determined by the insurance company. If you live alone and have a friend or family member nearby, you may want to consider asking them to check in with you during this time so they can help you if needed.
Durable medical equipment (DME)
After surgery, you may need certain equipment to help you in the household. Therefore, if you are able, it is best to get this equipment ahead of time. Your physician can write a prescription for several of these items (see below). If you have a prescription, depending on your insurance, you can call the following DME providers in Queens to see if you can get it from them. Many insurances have a large co-pay for this equipment, and therefore it is often easier to get it online or at local pharmacies.
- J&K Medical Equipment, 158-23 Horace Harding Expwy, Flushing, NY 11365. (718) 358-6897
- Jones Surgical Co, LLC, 101-21 Metropolitan Ave, Forest Hills, NY 11375. (718) 261-9500
- Health Pro, 67-06 Roosevelt Ave, Woodside, NY 11377. (718) 476-2010
- Mannings Surgical Supplies, 43-23 Main St, Queens, NY 11355. (718) 886-9080
- Restoration Medical Supplies, 73-26 Yellowstone Blvd, Forest Hills, NY 11375. (718) 268-5505
Unfortunately, our office does not have control over home visiting nurse services or the delivery of any durable medical equipment. If you do have issues with either, please call the hospital and ask to be connected to case management.
Equipment to consider buying before surgery
Below are items you may consider purchasing BEFORE surgery. Often, it is cheaper to purchase these online than to get them through your insurance company.
Rolling walker
You may consider this to help you walk after surgery. Not every patient needs one. However, if you have any difficulty walking BEFORE surgery, it will be important to have this.
Options to purchase:
- Call your insurance and ask what the co-payment is on this item.
- Purchase at a local pharmacy (e.g. Walgreens/Duane Reade or CVS).
- Order online (Amazon.com).
3-in-1 commode
This commode can either be placed at your bedside (to decrease the distance to the bathroom) or placed over your toilet to decrease how far you need to lower yourself to sit down.
Options to purchase:
- Call your insurance and ask what the co-payment is on this item.
- Purchase at a local pharmacy (e.g. Walgreens/Duane Reade or CVS).
- Order online (Amazon.com).
Shower chair / tub bench
Navigating the shower can be difficult after surgery. Generally, it is recommended to have a shower chair or tub bench so that you have extra support and can sit comfortably while showering.
Options to purchase:
- Call your insurance and ask what the co-payment is on this item.
- Purchase at a local pharmacy (e.g. Walgreens/Duane Reade or CVS).
- Order online (Amazon.com).
Reacher / hip kit
A “reacher” will allow you to reach things on the floor without having to bend over. With a full “hip kit” you have additional tools to help you put on socks, clothes and shoes, and to wash yourself in the shower. A typical hip kit includes a sock aid, a reacher, a long shoehorn, a long-handled sponge, elastic shoelaces and a dressing stick.
Options to purchase:
- These are NOT COVERED by any insurance.
- Purchase at a local pharmacy (e.g. Walgreens/Duane Reade or CVS) – reacher only.
- Order online (Amazon.com).