Last Minute Advice
Hello everyone!! My surgery is in 3 days. I am nervous as can be and worry that I have not done everything I should be doing. Could you please give me any last minute advice? Also, I worry about bloodclots. I do not have a filter in place---and worry that with my large calves they won't be able to use the boots on me? Are they large one? Thanks
Christa
Christa
You will be fine! The compression things are like big heating pads. At least that's what mine reminded me of. They velcro over your legs. The size of your calves should not be an issue.
My advice to you is to go do something for yourself like get a pedicure or manicure to relax yourself. I cleaned like there was no tomorrow to keep my mind off of the surgery. When I got done with all that cleaning, I went and got the pedicure. Wonderful!
Don't take too much with you to the hospital because you definitely won't need it. One of the best things that I took with me was my own gown. It was a satin, floral gown with a robe. As soon as I got my drain out, I showered and put on my own gown and changed out of the the hospital gown. Made me feel really good.
My advice to you is to go do something for yourself like get a pedicure or manicure to relax yourself. I cleaned like there was no tomorrow to keep my mind off of the surgery. When I got done with all that cleaning, I went and got the pedicure. Wonderful!
Don't take too much with you to the hospital because you definitely won't need it. One of the best things that I took with me was my own gown. It was a satin, floral gown with a robe. As soon as I got my drain out, I showered and put on my own gown and changed out of the the hospital gown. Made me feel really good.
kathsum
My calves were huge too, nothing to worry about!!!.. The other thing I would recommed is a pair of crocs. I wore mine to the hospital and then was able to use them to walk in, didn't have to worry about carrying more than that one pair of shoes/slippers!!!
Good luck, here's to a speedy recovery for you!!
Caroline
Good luck, here's to a speedy recovery for you!!
Caroline
MY JOURNEY BEGINS...
Christa -
The crocs are a good idea. I happened to have Clarks clogs. Something stable (and easy to put on) with support for walking. At my hospital they had your butt up walking asap. And I agree, don't worry about those compression boots. They will fit. They will also keep you awake during the night, but the sacrifice of 2 nights of sleep in order to not get a clot was worth it.
It really is easy to sit here and tell you not to worry once you are on this side, so I hope I don't sound too flip. I know I was scared s(&*less at the time. Do try to do things that bring you peace and joy.
One thing I never saw on the 'to buy' list was a timer. I had my husband bring me the digital kitchen timer (cheapo thing from Walgreens) for doing my water. Once I was cleared for water, I had to sip every 2 minutes and get down 1/2 a med cup every 15 minutes. The timer allowed me to enjoy my braindead state in between sips without having to try to remember what time I sipped last. Of course, you may have a better memory and state of concentration than I do (most people do).
Oh yea, I also brought a little photo book with pictures of my family and dogs and cats. The dogs in particular brought me great comfort.
Wishing you peace and great success. Will see you on the losing side!!
-Dawn
The crocs are a good idea. I happened to have Clarks clogs. Something stable (and easy to put on) with support for walking. At my hospital they had your butt up walking asap. And I agree, don't worry about those compression boots. They will fit. They will also keep you awake during the night, but the sacrifice of 2 nights of sleep in order to not get a clot was worth it.
It really is easy to sit here and tell you not to worry once you are on this side, so I hope I don't sound too flip. I know I was scared s(&*less at the time. Do try to do things that bring you peace and joy.
One thing I never saw on the 'to buy' list was a timer. I had my husband bring me the digital kitchen timer (cheapo thing from Walgreens) for doing my water. Once I was cleared for water, I had to sip every 2 minutes and get down 1/2 a med cup every 15 minutes. The timer allowed me to enjoy my braindead state in between sips without having to try to remember what time I sipped last. Of course, you may have a better memory and state of concentration than I do (most people do).
Oh yea, I also brought a little photo book with pictures of my family and dogs and cats. The dogs in particular brought me great comfort.
Wishing you peace and great success. Will see you on the losing side!!
-Dawn
(deactivated member)
on 11/18/08 8:57 pm - San Antonio, TX
on 11/18/08 8:57 pm - San Antonio, TX
I agree with the people who mentioned comfortable footwear. My first time in the hospital I just used their booties and I walked a ton, so I ended up with sore feet and blisters. I had complications 2 weeks later and went back for a week. The first thing I asked my husband to bring me were my slip on walking shoes. Nothin hard to put on, but something with some padding!
Other than that, chap-stick and maybe one thing for entertainment, like a book, magazine, IPOD, or whatever entertains you best. You won't have much time or inclination but you may have some. I read a book each time I was in the hospital, but I am a reader.
Don't worry about clothes, just wear something comfy to the hospital that will be easy to put on when you leave. They'll give you gowns for front and back while you roam the halls.
For home, a timer is not a bad idea if you like the structure. I wouldn't stock up on much food because you don't know what you will like. An ice pack and a heating pad are not bad ideas - the ice for swelling and the heat for random back pain from laying weird.
Your calves will be fine, the compression things they use are very large and accomodate many sizes.
Good luck and all the best!
Other than that, chap-stick and maybe one thing for entertainment, like a book, magazine, IPOD, or whatever entertains you best. You won't have much time or inclination but you may have some. I read a book each time I was in the hospital, but I am a reader.
Don't worry about clothes, just wear something comfy to the hospital that will be easy to put on when you leave. They'll give you gowns for front and back while you roam the halls.
For home, a timer is not a bad idea if you like the structure. I wouldn't stock up on much food because you don't know what you will like. An ice pack and a heating pad are not bad ideas - the ice for swelling and the heat for random back pain from laying weird.
Your calves will be fine, the compression things they use are very large and accomodate many sizes.
Good luck and all the best!
Hi Christa,
I had huge calves, and they had these these boots that fit over my feet and pumped that way.
The other ones that fit around the calves did not fit on me. believe me they are ready for anything at the hospital. I agree about bring the capstick... My mom ended up having to buy me some in the giftshop at the hospital.. (expensive) Good luck and get ready for a wild ride..
Lynn
Well I don't know that I can add much to the many fabulous ideas already listed. I personally vote for not bringing any extra unnecessary stuff. I was fine with hospital gowns and the booties. I also slept or walked most of the time off so I didn't feel up to reading magazines. The time will really go by fast.
I hope you have a smooth surgery! Good luck!
I hope you have a smooth surgery! Good luck!
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