Pre-Op with PCP Today - Not Sleeping

Today I finally see my PCP for my pre-op physical, get my lab work ordered, EKG done, LOA paperwork completed, etc.

I have not slept well the last 3 nights. The days to my surgery (48 days to go!!) seems to just be flying by!!

I lay awake at night & worry that I haven't packed everything we'll need (Will they have peanut butter in Costa Rica - I'd better pack a couple of jars)

I worry about the pain - even though my PS told me he uses morphine & codiene . . .I worry about not being in control (I am a control FREAK!!)

So today - I have been up since 4 am - I have to work & I am not looking my best.

I plan on talking to my PCP about this anxiety & asking for something to help me sleep.

Any suggestions??

signed
cranky in California

Valium is invaluable. Ask for it!
You will do great - just make sure that if you are the type that gets nauseated easily with meds - to get a prescription filled and READY for that so you can get your water in (Ive said it many times and I should say it again for good measure DEHYDRATION = CONSTIPATION).

In fact share you list again and we will make sure you have everything you could possibly need on there - if that will make you feel comfortable.

A few things off the top of my head that I wished I had with me at hospital:

*breath mints, or other hard candy to suck on - pain meds give me cotton mouth something fierce!

*wet wipes - Cottonelle makes some that  are flushable for wiping after a BM or just freshening up. I know for me - the vitamins made my pee STINK.

*books, magazines

*Get all prescriptions filled and set on your bedside table for when you get home. Nothing sucks like having to wait an hour for meds...seriously yo....

*a little travel pillow to hold on your tummy when you cough. You NEED to cough to clear out your lungs and it sucks 8 million times more if you have no pillow. Plus it will keep your new belly button from flying off - I know - now....

I will ask about the Valium. Thanks.

I think part of the aniety is that we are flying to Costa Rica for the 3 procedures & staying there for 2 weeks post-op.

I am already packed (yes, I know I have 48 days to go - but I like to be prepared.

I have one small bag that is a little hospital. It has a thermometer, stool softeners, OTC pain pills, bendy straws, 2 paper back books, post-op vitamins that I got from Makemeheal.com, lip balm, etc.

Plus another bag of protein shakes, Gatoraide (I don't want to get dehydrated), cream for bruises, etc.

 

 

Pack 2 more books to be safe. 2 wks is a LONG time and maybe hubby will want to go see some of the area since yall are there. Books are <3

We are staying 2 weeks at a recovery inn - up in the foothills outside of San Jose. I have booked us a 2 bedroom cabin. Each bedroom has a flat screen & the inn has a DVD collection as well. They have free wi-fi so we're taking a lap top.

I am hoping towards the end of my 2 weeks I'll feel up to a drive to a volcano or a coffee plantation tour. Something with very little walkiing.

The inn sits on 80 acres of farm land - so lots to see. They even have monkeys!! On Sundays they do an Argentine BBQ - so that will be nice - we'll be there for 2 of those!!

I just did a 20 minute - 1 mile walk (on hills) so I'm feeling a littel better!! Plus the heavy breathing takes my mind off of surgery!!

 

 

 

SOUNDS BEAUTIFUL!! Make sure you take pics - even if it's just out the window! I wanna see!!!
Medical tourism would NEVER have worked for me. I would have been trying to go see everything about 1hr out of the operating room!

Send me your e-mail addy & I'll send you photos of the Chetica Ranch.

I have to tell you - my PCP totally ROCKS!! I saw her for an hour & she listened to my PS journey - my life journey - ordered all my pre-op lab work, EKG, mammo - gave me a tetnus shot (it was due) signed all my LOA & disability paper work for me AND gave me a RX for Xanax.

We chatted & she asked me to come & see her the week we get back from Costa Rica. I feel so much better!! A good nights sleep is a wonderful things!!
Thanks!