Why not take this time to learn a little of ASL? American Sign Language... and fingerspelling. Of course, a good notepad or white board and markers are good too! Maybe just copy some of the pictures with the signs for them... and cut them out for flashing (water, toilet, book...etc)

I used signing after my jaw surgeries (bilateral TMJ orthoscopic surgery.)

One precaution to REMEMBER: make sure as soon as she is put into her recovery room and private room, that the nurse set up and show you and her how to use the suction tubing!!! They forgot with me and I became nauseated after the surgery and ongoing from the pain medicine... and feared dying from asphyxiation! The suction tubing allows you to suction anything that she might barf up to be evacuated from her mouth. Sorry it's gross, but necessary.

TC!