Pre-op today!

update- got a call from salamehs office yesterday and my pre-ops are today @ 11. getting nervous now and surgery is scheduled for saturday (15) @ UMC. keep me in your pryaers and once again any info anyone wants to share im all ears. i do have a few questions tho myself- what do i need to expect when waking from surgery? i have had surgeries before but ive never been in icu or had any complications. wat tubes, devices, etc will i be on if any? how many days in icu before a regular room if im having lap rny? thanks for any help.

Congratulations on your upcoming surgery. I had mine open. I remember crying in the recovery room... I dont think I was in pain pain-- just uncomfortable. I had a tube in my side and a tube in down my nose. I didnt go to ICU--I went to recovery and then to my room. I was in and out. The most uncomfortable thing was the tube in my nose. It made my throat raw. It hurt to swallow. I was so happy when it came out the next day. Make sure you take some vaseline for your lips or some chapstick. Your mouth will be so dry and gross. Practice taking deep breaths. You will have to do this in the hosp with resp therapy. Be prepared to get up and walk the evening of surgery. THey made me get up THAT night and walk down to the nurses station. The physical therapist was a big black guy and he was wonderful. Kinda like Billy Blanks--makes you do it!! Which is good! My nurse told me about him before my surgery so I was expecting him. I see him at the YMCA every now and then and we talk and I tell him just how much him getting us up helps. He said all of Dr. Whiteheads patients have gotten up and never had a problem with getting moving. I think that says alot about our surgeon and the therapists at FG hosp. The quicker you can get up and get walking the better you will feel. I am excited for you! Christine 275/266/203/160 43 to goal

Becky, When waking up? Expect the best. If you're in pain, ask for more drugs. Tell the Dr. exactly how you feel. If the Dr. won't be around for awhile, Tell them to give him a call. And They Will! Pain management should be just that! If you have a problem with the Morphine Making you Nauseous, Tell them to try something else. It's your care. They're getting paid, So they are working for you. Have someone with you who can Be your advocate. You should be comfortable, calm and Get the rest you need to heal. We have the technology! As for waking up in the ICU? I did every time until my most recent surgery. No big deal. The great thing about ICU is that You have a dedicated nurse who is not Trying to look after a floor full of patients. They probably just have you And one other person - tops! The care and comfort in the ICU is the best! If you're put on a respirator, They generally keep the level Of drugs on up there so that you really don't mind. I was on one for over a week, and even When fully conscious, I was in no distress. I played Charades with my wife and friends In order to "speak." Many folks never even make a trip to the ICU and go Straight to a normal room. I hope this helps rather than makes you more anxious. I'll be keeping you in my prayers. Have the Greatest on the 15th! Best Wishes- Dx

Becky, I thought I posted this repy earlier this morning But it hasn't shown up- So ignore me if I've sent it twice- Becky, When waking up? Expect the best. If you're in pain, ask for more drugs. Tell the Dr. exactly how you feel. If the Dr. won't be around for awhile, Tell them to give him a call. Pain management should be just that! If you have a problem with the Morphine Making you Nauseous, Tell them to try something else. It's your care. They're getting paid, So they are working for you. Have someone with you who can Be your advocate. You should be comfortable, calm and Get the rest you need to heal. We have the technology! As for waking up in the ICU? I did every time until my most recent surgery. No big deal. The great thing about ICU is that You have a dedicated nurse who is not Trying to look after a floor full of patients. They probably just have you And one other person - tops! The care and comfort in the ICU is the best! If you're put on a respirator, They generally keep the level Of drugs on up there so that you really don't mind. I was on one for over a week, and even When fully conscious, I was in no distress. I played Charades with my wife and friends In order to "speak." Many folks never even make a trip to the ICU and go Straight to a normal room. I hope this helps rather than makes you more anxious. I'll be keeping you in my prayers. Have the Greatest on the 15th! Best Wishes- Dx

I think they Beez some programming glitches on this message board today....

thanks all of you. im home from pre-op and found out that i would not be in icu unless there were problems and he didnt expect there to be. he did say i would be up and walking the night of surgery also. im having it done lap and he will open if he needs to. im praying there wont be any complications and i know thats all that can be done. thanks you guys, i apreciate it alot

Becky, i'm so excited for you....i'm still going thru the testing stages and it seems to take forever....just think, in a few months, i'll be asking YOU these questions....lol.....You will be in all our prayers......Have someone to let us know how things are going please!!

Becky, how exciting! You are on your way now for sure. We will keep you in our prayers. Smiles, Jan

thanks so much all of you. i will have my mom post updates if she doesnt stay with me in the hospital. i think she may tho. feel free to call the hospital if anyone wants to. its UMC and i will post the number later. thanks again