Help!

HIya Everyone!!

My surgery date is almost here (wed) and im getting super nervous!! Im trying to prepare everything this weekend so i dont stress out before hand, LOL.

Im looking though all my paperwork, the notes I took at Elizabeths house, and im curious as to those of you who are post op, what was your first week like? What should i expect after surgery?  I went grocery shopping today for after my surgery and i wish they had more broths than beef and chicken, LOL maybe im wrong but that would seem like it would get old, :-)

Also, what did everyone take to the hospital? Ive had people tell me to make sure i take something to do, and others tell me not to bother im so confused!!!!!

Any and all advice is appericated thanks again!!

Hang in there! You will make it through. More people will post it is always kinda slow on the weekend. I talk to you soon.

Hi Susan~
I haven't had my surgery yet but just wanted you to know I will be thinking of you on Wednesday and praying that everything turns out well for you. I'm a big fan of Suduko puzzles so that is what I would take but as I understand it, they make you do a lot of walking right away.
Just remember when you get nervous and stressed........ breathe!  LOL

Good Wishes.... 
Marie

Ok, so calm down, although you won't.  It is natural to be nervous.  So let's address some of your issues.

The first week after surgery, assuming you are having laproscopic, you will be sore.  Although people's pain levels differ.  I had very little pain, but I took my pain meds until I realized, that it was the pain meds that were making me nauseous.  Basically that first week after surgery I was very tired and I had what most of us go through.  It is called "buyers remorse".  Basically I was like, what the heck did I do.  The liquids can be very difficult for people. I was missing food.  But you must stick to it and keep reminding yourself it's not  forever.  You will move on to soft foods very quickly.

Alot of people have found that sleeping in a recliner was more comfortable.  I personally did not.  I was thrilled to be in my own bed.  I couldn't sleep on my sides, however, for a couple of weeks.  You just have to see how you feel.

Don't be surprised if your menstrual cycle gets whacky.  I hadn't had a period for quite awhile before surgery and the day I got home, wham.  There it was.  Additionally your bowel movements might be strange.  I got a bit of diarrhea, while other people get terribly constipated.  Either way, if anything seems excessive, call your surgeon for instructions of what to do.

As for the broths, I highly recommend you buy soups like chicken noodle or vegetable or soups from a chinese restaurant.  Strain out all the noodles, veggies, etc in the soup and just eat the broth.  They have much more flavor and will satisfy you much more.

You really don't need to bring much to the hospital.  If you like a special pillow,that is a good idea.  You will definitely want chapstick.  Your lips will get very dry.  Some non-slip slippers are important.  While it may not feel too good to get up and walk, you will want to do that. Walking will help you heal quicker, move the gas out of you faster and get you home sooner.

So that is about all I can think of for now.  Again, just relax as much as you can.  You'll be fine.

Stephanie

did you get popsicles? jello cups? yougurts?
The popsicles were easier to get in than drinking water etc.
an the broth felt good, there is veggie broth too, in the cartons now. pour a cup an microwave it.

Congrats on your surgery, time will fly by. I slept most of my hospital stay, don't rmember much not even tv. except for the walks in the hall, it's all a blur!

what hospital are you in?

I took a book, but didn't read it much.  Good luck!

....yeah...what everyone else said with one more thing.........make sure you get an abdominal binder in the hospital.  My hospital provided mine but not until I asked.  Made it so much easier to get up and walk.  Don't leave the hospital until you can pass gas!  I got so bloated I had to go back to the hospital which for me was an hour long drive..........no fun.  Walking will diminish the gas.

Deb