My experience has been so positive

I was really drowsy, weak, out of it. So preparing a head to where you don't have to do anything is key especially if you choose to go by yourself and hire a CNA.

*** meal prep ahead*** if you're not with a friend/family member make sure you do this!
- You want to eat healthy low salt,
-I made salmon and mash potatoes
-if you make chicken, shred/blend the chicken fine as if to give to a near baby - you not going to want to chew
- make low effort swallowable food.
- you can make low sodium chicken soup-add some potatoes, squash, short noodles
-oatmeal,
-SMOOTHIES
Smoothies I prepped ahead- that was the most helpful, useful, enjoyable
smoothies prepping and meal prepping was the best thing I have ever done- I would've been miserable without.

-Have water and Gatorades by/in your bed ready when you come home
-A couple apple sauces, salted crackers, soft snacks on the night stand
-Humidifier - I WISH I had bought one!!

U-shaped pillow was helpful.
-Choose an Air bnb with alot of pillows to prop yourself up. Don't worry about sleeping up- you will be so tired. If you have sleep apnea and your cleared to get the surgery, make sure you're sleeping youre sleeping up as if you were in a chair. I put a pillow under my butt and arms,(looked like I was floating) and I slept very well ( I am a stomach/ side/ semi wild sleeper.
GATORADE -electrotyles, to feel better

-Wear something very comfortable and warm, slip on shoes - I wore a zip up onsie but it wasn't nightclothes. - you could just make sure whatever it is button/zip up

-Cough drops/candy - I believe my throat was sore also helps moisten your mouth
-Chapstick
-Tissue box- most definitely- also can use to replace your nasal drip pad

Have someone walk with you -holding your arm, opening the door -after I was extremely tired, off and on faintish -my CNA was terrible at this, and I almost blacked out walking back to the Air bnb by myself.
Always go to the bathroom the first day/night with a CNA/RN even if you feel ok enough to make it. Trust me you might feel ok then feel like fainting very fast.
- be careful taking a shower even on the 2nd and 3rd day - that standing even for a couple minutes can make you feel lightheaded fast- I had a bench in my shower

- maybe a Blanket in the car
Heated blanket ready - I was really cold especially after surgery.

Its good to have a conversation with the CNA/RN before surgery - it sounds ridiculous but for the best experience tell them your expectations for them. I had a morning and night nurse. the morning CNA was the worst and she just watched tv, never checked on me, didn't really do anything but drive me home. - they don't understand how you feel and may not see you as handicapped enough to help.
The night CNA was a little more attentive.

Least helpful
- Arica Cream and pills. by time you get the cast off I think the cream is useless- it didn't help decrease my swelling/bruising. just use Ice when you're able to get the cast off

pills- did absolutely nothing for me... I used before surgery and after
-mouth lubricant didn't help

My experience has been so positive from the day I picked up the phone and called. The receptionist is kind and very helpful. Everything I needed or any questions were answered. Dr. Toledo is very honest and he cares about being on the same page. I felt very safe in his care. We talked about the cons and the pros. He really takes the time to explain and go through things. I never felt rushed or pushed. It felt right.

I also have to give acknowledgement to a realself member. Without her review I'm not sure if I would have come across Dr. Toledo. Unfortunately she is no longer a member here But Thank you and to people who write reviews.