Last week, I had my sixth orthopedic surgery in 16 years, on an ankle (the others were on knees and a wrist). I'm required to be nonweightbearing for some period of time. I thought that by posting some coping strategies, both before and after surgeries, my experiences might help some others here.

I like being independent and am used to doing things for and by myself, and feeling more in control of my life, so it's been difficult to adjust to being in a wheelchair, unable to exit...