Getting Closer

Well, with surgery a week from tomorrow I can't believe I'm almost there. Took yesterday off and went to the hospital in the morning for my pre-admit clearance, blood work, ekg, etc.  In the afternoon I went to the surgeons office for my nutrition class to explain in detail what the do's and don't's are for the first 4 weeks. Tomorrow I see the psych again and then Monday morning my Primary for clearance and then "Git R Done". People ask me if I'm getting scared or nervous. Not really but I'm getting very anxious, just can't wait for it to be over with. Probably not the best week to switch to De-Caf and reduce the dosage on my Effexor (g)

Hey Don, congrats on the final countdown!!  I'm 6 weeks post-op today, and the time is just flying by.  I had such an easy, simple recovery, that it's still hard to believe I had my stomach/intestines re-arranged just 6 weeks ago.   Just follow the doc's orders and you'll do great.  For me the waiting was the hardest part (that's a song - I would sing it for ya, but it's still early!!!!) - and, I wasn't scared either - just anxious to get it done and get on with life.    Keep us posted, and best of luck on having a super easy recovery, Chuck

Know what you mean Don.  My surgery is 2 weeks from tomorrow.  Need to go to class today, then my pre-admit next WEd, along with an appt with the surgeon.  Today, I'm driving up to DC for a meeting.  Day 2 of the liquid diet. Not sure what I'll do tomorrow night as I have to take the team out to dinner. Hmmm, beer is a liquid. Bobby

I hear ya Don.  My surgery is 6 days away and like you I am just more anxious to be done with it.  I go in today for my final check up.  Good Luck to you. Alan

Don, It is an anxious period.  Sedation would be good but unavailable.  What I found helpful in that area 6 months ago,... 1)  Surf the blockbuster or some related video website and make a list of the DVDs you'd like to see if you have the energy and time during your recovery.  You can reference it as can your family and friends if they want to bring you something. 2) Spend anxious time looking at the before and after pictues and reading some of the hords of profiles on OH.com.  I found them very informative and inspirational.   3) Post any questions and/or concerns on the Men's Board.  You'll get some good advice and some humorous jabs but its all good reading. 4) Get yourself some cases of water and plan your protein intake strategy.   5) Don't forget to get yourself some Sugar Free (SF) popcicles so you have some variety and treats between the water, ice, protein drinks, and broth those first 2-3 weeks post op. 6)  Include some liquid B-complex in addtiton to your B12 on your vitiamins and supplements list.  It helps with the energy loss after surgery.   7)  Oh,...and arrange your collection of clothes from largest to smallest.  Get some extra boxes for the large clothes as you shrink (for shipping them out).   8)  Find a local Goodwill or Salvation army store tha has a good slection of clothes at CHEAP prices.  You will have periods where a pair or two of pants or some causual clothes could be handy and by the time you war them, you've changes sizes again.  Its a wild experience at first but it does slow down so enjoy it when it is happening. 9)  Investigate some extra cushioning for where ever you enjoy sitting at home during your first 2 weeks of recovery.  I found my butt hurt so extra cushions in my desk chair and corner of the sofa helped.  Now my family uses them as pillows for passing out on the sofa. 10)  Measure some routes from your home or recovery loccation for distance so you know when you've walked .5 mile, 1 mile, 1.5 miles, 2 miles etc.  I started just walking, with a bottle water and  my cell phone (incase I had to call for backup).  first to the corner and back, then out for 10 -15 then turn around and come back. once I got to 30 minutes at a time, I got curious about the distance I was covering,...and its something to do. 11) try to get things taken care of in advance or covered so at least the first 2 weeks, if not 4 weeks, you can focus on recovery and rest.  It is alot of pills, water wait, protein, sleep, pills, water, protein.  Sipping at 1 oz per five minutes take some time to get you protien drinks doewn, wait 20-30 minutes and start getting your water in.  TV and movies during water and protein consumption make it easier to pass the time between sips,....not gulps.  Gulps will be painful and your insides are swollen and tender. You are having to relearn how to eat and your body is having to relearn how to digest. Hope this helps tp passs some pre-op time.  Best of luck to you and Congratulation on your decision and choice.  If yours is anything like mind, you will only wish you had done this sooner. Joe

Don, You are doing all the right leg work.  The day will be here before you know it.  I was VERY nervous until I spoke with my surgeon in pro-op.  Then I calmed down.  Good luck and we will see you on the other side. Kent

Good luck to all you guys with looming surgery dates.  I found that the waiting sucked, the surgery was not nearly as bad as I excpected, and the 4 weeks of recovery were harder than I thought in terms of discomfort and getting the bowels working right again.  I am happy for you guys and look forward to reading about your successes.