I want to share an idea that I had that was very well received by my caregivers.

I wrote thank you notes for the doctors, the anesthesiologist, and the nurses and gave them out BEFORE the surgery. As I saw each one before going under, I gave them the homemade cards.

Each card thanked them in advance for their care, their help in improving my health, and their assistance in helping me through the big change. The anesthesiologist teared up. He had never received such a thing and was so grateful. It felt so good to make a connection with the whole "team" and see ourselves as being in it together!

This was not sucking up or striving for special care - but it sincerely shared my feelings of appreciation. I saw my cards in pockets and at the nurses station so I know it made a difference.

That is a wonderful idea! I am having surgery today and I ordered a flower basket to be delivered today to my surgeon's office to his team as a thank you.

That is a great idea!!

What a lovely idea. I'm sure they all really appreciated the thoughtfulness.