Having surgery 9/14/05 w/ Dr. James Baker...

Hi everyone, My surgery is scheduled 9/14/05. This surgery is something that I've prayed about and find myself ready for. I was just curious if someone out there could give me so information on what to expect the first few days after surgery......please be honest. I will be having surgery at Baptist Med Center in Little Rock. Just curious what to expect.

I had surgery with Dr. Baker January 3, 2005. Let me see if I can give you some information on what to expect. Now, let me tell you to begin with that I had a bit of a cold the morning of surgery and that made it a bit rougher for me that first day. The first 24 hours is the hardest part of the surgery, at least it was for me. Not being able to have anything to drink, not even ice, was difficult. But you just have to make up your mind that you can do it and that it will all be worth it. Let me tell you, the last hour, you will be counting the minutes until that first ice chip! As far as pain...just make sure you get up out of bed as soon as possible and get moving. That helps most. You have the typical pain of coughing with your belly split open but just keep a pillow handy for that. Walking helps with everything, especially gas. Let me tell you right now, that gas pain is a killer! But walking will help and will get the bowels working again (sorry, but it just has to be discussed!) One warning....my tailbone was killing me a few days after surgery. I had an epidural and I thought that maybe it was related to that. But I STILL have pain in my tailbone. No real explanation...just be ready for it. I spent about 2 weeks sleeping in a recliner once home...just could not get comfortable in the bed. I had a burning sensation right over my sternum...thought it was infection or something wrong, but it was just the healing. Don't panic! One other word of caution: don't shave your legs unless you can do it without nicking your skin. I did that and ended up back in the hospital with cellulitis. Not much fun. Just be careful. If you have any questions, please email me at [email protected] or call me at 501-221-6907...I'll be happy to answer any other questions you might have. Good luck! You will love your life after this surgery. I've lost about 120 pounds since my surgery and have went from a size 34W to a size 24W and from a 5X top to a 2X top. Life is beautiful!!! Karen

Thank you Karen. It helps to hear you. How was your experience in the hospital?

For the most part, my experience at Baptist was okay. My care overnight was much better than my care during the day. I don't know if they were just too busy or what, but my nursing care during the day was a bit lacking. All in all, not bad. Just make sure if you ask for something and don't get it...keep asking! I asked for some tylenol and finally got it after 5 hours and asking for it 5 times. Just be persistant. Karen

Karen, You look GREAT!! Keep up the great job you are doing! MOM 237/-77

Congrats on your upcoming surgery!! I get my surgery in 2 weeks with Dr Clay Wellborn.

Thank you. I hope you do well with your surgery. God bless you!!!