New Marcher

Hello all, I just received this site link today and I am scheduled to have surgery on the 30th. I was wondering if there was any advice anyone might have for me in the countdown and for the hospital stay. I have never been in the hospital before and even though the DRs have given me an idea of what to expect it lacks the smack of someone who has been there. Anything would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Welcome Meredith! I am 11 days post op. My surgery was different than what you're having, but I updated my profile and documented my hospital stay if you're interested. It's pretty much a blow by blow. It may help you get an understanding of what to expect. Best of luck to you! We'll be praying for you! -Wendy

I hated the hospital. They did a crummy job of managing my pain & I had to consistently complain, I couldnt breathe without pain. Once I complained enough and they got the pain control thing fixed, I still hated being there. I found the nurses very pushy & HESITANT TO GO THAT EXTRA STEP to help out. They did'nt even offer to help me sit up, they would just tell me take your time and then stare at me while I struggled to sit up. I never felt so big as when I was in the hospital after my surgery, losing the use of my stomach muscles was not fun at all. They are going to push you to get out of bed asap, don't push yourself, the first day I walked to my room door & that was it I turned around and went back to bed!! I had to constantly remind them to replace my "BOOTIES", in order to protect from blood clots. One of the nurses said to me, "You need to go pee by yourself or we are going to put the catheter back in, about 10 minutes later I called her and said, I think I can pee now, she said let me call the aide to take you because I just had surgery myself and if you are going to fall than I am going to have to let you go down because better you than me" Can you beleive that one?? Made me feel very confident! Did I mention that I was in one of the top teaching hospitals in Boston,Ma. I wish you luck, be your best advocate!!

Meredith, I am 24 days post-op and you will do fantastic. You, along with the rest of the 30ths, are in my prayers. Make sure you bring lip balm..thats all I know to say lol. Your lips get dry. Bethany AKA Da Offishal Riddler and Bertha 24 Days into NewPouch and feeling great! -28 lbs!!!! Yayyyy A riddle a day will keep the Marchers pounds AWAY!

Hi Meredith! I can't help you with your question as I am pre-op too..I am on the 30th too, so excited! WIsh you the best!!

Hi Meredith!!! Welcome to the Marchers!!!! I just got home last night and I couldn't wait to get away from the roommate from hell, but even that memory is fading and what I will remember is how wonderful the nursing staff was in taking care of me. I went in with no expectations, and Mr Mo was with me as much as they would allow which cut down on my needing to ring for them. He would go ask for my juice or water, or help me up to walk, he even helped me shower when I was ready for that. The staff at PRMC loves my doctor, so I think that goes a long way in how well they care for his patients. I think we have all had different hospital stays, or at least different expectations. My suggestion would be to go in not expecting to be waited on hand and foot, and to be pleasantly surprised when they are kind and helpful. Hugs, Mo doin' a very subdued happy Mo dance this evening

Not everyone, but a majority of us have had good experiences in the hospital. The one thing I would say is that when you get prepped for surgery ask if they are going to give you something for your nerves. It really makes a huge difference in how you feel going in. Don't let them wheel you into the OR without something to calm you down. That happened with my and my gallbladder surgery and I was a nervous wreck. Getting a little Valium ****tail into your IV is one sweeeeeeeet thing! Dina