want ideas for 1st wk after OR- scheduled 12-14-05

I'm finally scheduled for open surgery Dec 14 after a long wait and insurance change. I'm most concerned about my first week home, as I will have to enlist help for needs. I'm eager to hear ideas to make my first week home easiest and most comfortable.

First I want to preface this with, I had an extremely easy time post-op. What I found most helpful was being able to nap when I wanted/needed to. I have three young children, so my mom came and stayed through my hospital stay and during the first week. The pain medicine knocked me on my butt, so I loved being able to take a nap every day. Some people have trouble wiping themselves, but that wasn't an issue for me. I know Dixie recommends using a wooden spoon. That visual still makes me laugh! But hey, whatever works! Oh, and I kept a bottle of water with me at all times. Still do. Good luck! Amy 265/206/?

Hey, that wooden spoon saved my life & probably my marriage beause I know how my husband of 34 years would have reacted if I asked him to wipe for me! It really helps. The other thing I found that really helped me get my liquids in was an ice shaver/crusher. I would shave a glass full of ice & pour over it whatever liquid I was going to drink, crystal lite, watered down juice, even just plain water. It just seemed to go down better. You can buy them at Walmart quite cheaply & they also sell snowcone syrups (sugar free) that taste very good but would probably have to be watered down because they are very sweet. I bought mine online as I wanted one that would shave ice directly from my freezer. Most of the cheaper ones require you to freeze water in a special container so it is the right size & shape. I got mine here http://www.hawaiianshavedice.com/ Unfortunately, they no longer sell sugar free syrups, I believe. I had my surgery in Dec also & even though it is winter the shaved ice was very soothing for me. At first my pouch didn't like water at all but it would tolerate shaved ice very well & I never had trouble getting in my required amount. It has been 2 years & my machine still is used regularly. Dixie

Hi Susan! I am pre-op so I dont really know how to answer your question. I just wanted to tell you congrats. My surgery is the day after yours. I also see you are from Davenport. My best friend lives there! good luck! billie jo