Found out what the tongs were for....

Ok, I had my class today, and I had heard something about maybe bringing tongs to the hospital when you go in to have surgery. I wasn't sure what they were for, the person said you'll find out. So I mentioned it at the class, and the nurse didn't know why anyone would need tongs...of all things....Well I went on the other site...University Surgical Associates....and someone said why we would need them... Here is her post.... Ok all i have been toying with the idea of sharing this. I know its not a nicely discussed subject but i wish someone would have shared with me. Please look into way to be able to take care of the hygine needs after you use the restroom. I know i was LAP RNY and they take you down for the leak test and have you drink this stuff. Well many will dump from it me being one. And well you dont think about how you are going to do it till it happens. I could not REACH from the swelling and soreness i was so embarressed and ashamed i had to ask for help and the one nurse just walked out of the room. Next one came in and said we don't want to hear it hurts you need to learn how to do this on your own. I was humiliated to say the least I WAS IN PAIN and swollen short armed and could not do it . i cried and she did help but after that i found a way i wont share on this board TMI. But just be sure to think about it and have a plan so you don't end up how i did with total embarressment. It took about a week before i was able to reach again. I hear there are supplies you can purchase for this but i did not even know prior to having my surgery. GOOD LUCK ALL I don't want this to happen to any of us, that's why I wanted to share this with you guys...I know I'm bringing 'TONGS" Teri

what is this University Surgical Associates website? Is there a message board or something ? k.

K, its https://usasurg.remedymd.com/index.php didn't you have to fill out the whole thingie before you got your appointment with Dr Roye? It's the same website...they have bullitan boards...its where I first went and started talking to people. Try it...you'll like it...but its much better here... T

no.. i didn't have to do anything online! maybe this was started after i began seeing him.. it's been almost 2 years now! cool. i'm going to go check it out. thank you!!! kristen

Teri: I'm on that site and I saw that post. I can't remember if I made a comment or not (being the clown that I am). I was actually gonna put some tongs in your goodie basket, but now I see I don't have to do that. LOL. Good to know! Shel

I can truely say that I had wonderful care after my surgery at Miami Valley, in Dayton Ohio....I got the back door trots , and I too was too sore, and short armed to reach to clean myself up...This one nurses aide, that I will remember forever, named Ilene was such a sweetheart....She was on the evening shift, and was so loving , compassionate and gentle...Bless her heart....I felt kinda embarassed because a couple times I didnt make it to the bathroom in time....She said, dont worry hon, this doesnt bother me one bit to help you....She said, Youve seen one bottom, Youve seen them all....She filled the bathroom sink full of water and soap, and had me hold onto a walker while she bathed me...Then she powdered me up, and helped me into my panties, and pj bottoms....She was such an adorable young lady....She really deserves a raise.... Just curious...but why do nurses get paid more on the hour, than aides, when its the aides that do the majority of the work...Yes, I realize they have more schooling, but fair is fair in my book....I commend each and everyone of the aides that took care of me....Am not saying that the nurses didnt give me good care, because they did.... Ive found out that putting one leg up on the toilet seat, helps to lean over to clean the bum / tushie area....also I bought some diaper wipes, and beings they are moistened, the get between the area easier...and feels better....Dont mean to sound gross, but its a part of life that we all / most of us have to deal with...

Tammy, Thank you so much for sharing this. I know it's not the kind of thing everyone likes to talk about, but I'm so modest...I like to do things for myself....I guess I will have to get over that...My heart started pounding when the doc asked me to pull up my shirt to show him my stomach lol....but I got over it...I had too..This is my first operation, I have never been exposed to someone having to help me do things...but I have so much help here, people are so kind and understanding that I am just going to let what happens happen...Ya know? Thanks again, Teri