just a few note for those going into surgery

Thanks to all of you and your wonderful support and words of encouragement. today is better than yesterday defiantly. Feeling a little stronger and took off the bandages today it looks really good. Have a hard time being away from the chair for very long but trying really hard to get up more often. Of course the gas comes with stuff and it feels great to be passing it all (TMI) but there are a few points that we don't talk about on here that although unpleasant we should add to the list of things to expect after surgery 1 wiping after going to the potty is almost impossible it was hard before surgery and really hard after wards. Thank god for the hand held sprayer on the shower which saved me (thanks patty) we need to expect this and prepare. The hospital gave these great wipes called comfort wipes they not only make cleaning easier they also coat your skin so if you by chance don't get it all off it doesn't do so much damage. And you get to throw them away they are much thicker than baby wipes and are ph balanced for that area. I only came home with a small pack but my daughter found them at the store for me and I am believer now 2 know someone you trust and schedule them to come and help you shower. And dry there are allot of the body I can reach but the ones that really need cleaning I needed help. And I tell you it's not the most comfortable thing to ask someone to do. But I feel good to get really clean, 3 crushing the tablets for pain meds is not easy and really really hard when you are in pain and standing in the kitchen shaky. crush a few dose's ahead of time and place the dose in the little cups the hospital give you to eat your portions of food or drink that way if you oversleep your pain meds and wake up in pain you can just fill with some liquid and take it before you get up. It only take about 15 mins for the meds to start taking the pain down but its really hard to get the stuff ready with you are in pain. 4 take a back scratchier to the hospital with you and keep it on hand when you come home. Wow I had some major itching from pain meds and when they have those leg squeezers on it itches so bad. Trust me you can't bend over to scratch, I wanted a back scratchier so bad to itch my legs and back I have had one by my side since I came home and there are times when no one can help you its nice to have. 5 a small cervical pillow would have been a good thing to have. I couldn't believe the hospital didn't have anything but rolled up wash cloth to support my neck and I sprained it trying not to use my stomach muscles getting up. It would have been a good thing to have even before the sprain just because the hard pillows didn't give support. Oh yea and have the nurses give you a pillow under each arm takes some pressure off the shoulders. I am so glad to be on the loosing end of this surgery and more than ever have loved all the support and wonderful word from all of you. ok I am about out of steem and need to lay down again. you all Rock Ke

Thanks for the tips Kelly. I have a great pillow with neck support I will take with me. I know the backscratcher thing because I thought I would die of the itching when I had my hysterectomy! Linda

linda ask them to give you benadril it really helped the itching. i add one to every 3rd dose of pain meds now,, makes me sleep but who cares right

Only those with weight issues would understand the potty thing. I was talking to a friend I work with today who is considering surgery and I mentioned the wiping problem to her and how it is now resolved. I could tell by her face that she new exactly what I was talking about but didn't comment! Only someone who has been where we were and are, would understand all the issues. I must add that you should also take carmex or other lip goo with you as you will get dry. I had liquid pain medication which was wonderful---no crushing. Julia

Julia i brought chap stick and the recovery nurse gave me some chap stick she had allready put some on me before I woke up it was taged with my name and everything. I have to say that I had the most incredable nurses at Good Sam. the one that just came into the shower with me washed all my private placed dryed me off and helped me dress was so sweet, I had not let anyone see some of the rolls I have in years, she not only was gracious she incouraged me on how much better they would get I felt so cared about, I wish I could have had the liquid pain killers but I am alergic to everything but per****t and it dose not come in liquid,, its hasent been so bad to crush taste nasty but i know what relife it will bring so i dont mind it you are right those of us who have been there know

Kelly, That was really nice, having the chap stick for you. I know what you mean about having someone help with personal care. I am a nurse and have helped a lot of people with personal care and then some!! When it came to me being on the other end of the care it was still not what I wanted to happen, but like you said they were very nice and helpful. I think when you work with bariatric patients a lot, they are used to what they see, just embarrasing for us!! Julia

Hi, Thanks for the surgery suggestions. I was wondering if you were suggesting a pillow with good neck support, or a small little pillow for just the base of your neck? I have been thinking I might like one of those pillows that form to the curve of your neck, they look comfortable. This might be a good excuse to buy one? Christina

you go shopping girl they are great

Hi Christina, I had a fusion in my neck about 4 years ago and I have used one of those contour pillows since....it is heaven sent and I took mine to the hospital with me. It was all I needed to keep my neck very comfortable for the few days I was in that hospital bed for sure. Once you have it, you will probably never stop using them. Darla

I've been in a couple of car wrecks and got a great pillow from my chiropractor. Depending on which way you turn it, there are different levels of support for your neck. It's also fatter on the sides in case you want to sleep on your side. They sell them at the Vermont Country Store. Check this out: http://www.vermontcountrystore.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=5763&itemType=PR ODUCT&iMainCat=48&iSubCat=195&iProductID=5763