what do I need?
Three weeks agoI was up pacing and nesting in my house as I left my house at 5 am for abdomenoplasty, inner thigh lift, and outer thigh lipo.
I am not sure what you are having done, but here are my ramblings of what has been helpful!
Food - 1) I purchased yogurt to help with the probiotic/antibiotic situation. 2) I purchased some ready to drink protein shakes because I would not be able to make them and would have to "train" someone. 3) The only food that I have REALLY wanted was Watermelon and fresh cut fruit. 4) Fresh tomatoes also became a craving for me. (I have not eaten tomatoes in quite a while so this was a surprise.
House Prep -
1) I cleaned top to bottom (scrubbing, etc.), but arrange to have someone come in every few days to dust, mop, and vacuum (I have a dog so she does shed.), but when all I could do was lay around I noticed all the things that needed to be cleaned. Knowing that someone was coming to do it made it easier
2) Arrange a few locations where you can recline and prop your feet up. (I used a recliner for the first week and a half with lots of pillows under my legs.) I had a really hard time raising my feet onto the pillows that first couple days.
3) Rent/Borrow/Purchase a raised toilet seat! It has been a lifesaver. (I had c. diff 2 days out from surgery and have had diarrehea for 8 days, so there were times that I fell asleep on the toilet and it was comfortable enough that I did! :-)
4) Rent/ BOrrow/Purchase a walker. I don't think I could have gotten out of my car without it when I came home. I still take it with me in case I can not get out of a chair somewhere I just needed something to lean on or pull against.
5) Arrange a location, near where you will sleep that you can set your pain meds. I slept a lot the first few days, but I would magically wake up every 4 hours for pain meds. The bad part was I was terrified to move b/c it hurt terribly badly so I would wake up and take my pain meds before trying to move. Then after 45 minutes I would get up go to the bathroom and walk around the house for a while.
6) Dog walks - I am 2 weeks out tomorrow and have not taken a dog for a walk on a leash b/c I am afraid they will pull (I have golden retrievers that I show in obedience and agility.) Yesterday was the first day I actually went for a walk (w. my dog but off lead on the farm). I am still bend over at the waist so long walks kill my back.
7) I still can't reach the floor so I count on using a grabber or salad tongs.
Supplies
1) I am living with Icy Hot b/c my back is killing me from being bent over. The spray was wonderful to start, but the patch is better now.
2) Maxi pads to go across incisions that are draining.
3) Drainage gauze (available through medical supply) - these are not required but they made it easier to change the dressing around the drains.
4) Paper Tape - Because the dressings were on for a while the transpore tape caused an allergic reaction.
5) Saltines - I know this is not recommended post RNY, but I needed something in my stomach with pain meds and other things made me nauseous.
6) If you happen to be someone who still struggles with nausea, it will rear its ugly head, so be prepared with whatever meds you take.
7****!!!! I have fallen in love with ice bags I got from Wal-mart $12. Ther are ACE reuseable and they freeze quickly, purchase a couple so you can trade them back and forth. I don't have an ice machine and I couldn't reach up to empty the ice trays so this was super easy.
Clothes - None - Just kidding! I would highly recommend satin nightgowns as it was cool, comfortable, and I could use it to slide into places!
Wow! I am sorry to have written so much. It is all still very fresh and I can't sleep!!!!!
Each day does get better (at least I am told)...I have some necrosis, which has lead to some large open areas and infection. (As my PS partner said when I say him because of the large amount of bleeding, "You are in it for the long haul!"
Here's hoping for a smooth juourney!
Best Wishes!
I am not sure what you are having done, but here are my ramblings of what has been helpful!
Food - 1) I purchased yogurt to help with the probiotic/antibiotic situation. 2) I purchased some ready to drink protein shakes because I would not be able to make them and would have to "train" someone. 3) The only food that I have REALLY wanted was Watermelon and fresh cut fruit. 4) Fresh tomatoes also became a craving for me. (I have not eaten tomatoes in quite a while so this was a surprise.
House Prep -
1) I cleaned top to bottom (scrubbing, etc.), but arrange to have someone come in every few days to dust, mop, and vacuum (I have a dog so she does shed.), but when all I could do was lay around I noticed all the things that needed to be cleaned. Knowing that someone was coming to do it made it easier
2) Arrange a few locations where you can recline and prop your feet up. (I used a recliner for the first week and a half with lots of pillows under my legs.) I had a really hard time raising my feet onto the pillows that first couple days.
3) Rent/Borrow/Purchase a raised toilet seat! It has been a lifesaver. (I had c. diff 2 days out from surgery and have had diarrehea for 8 days, so there were times that I fell asleep on the toilet and it was comfortable enough that I did! :-)
4) Rent/ BOrrow/Purchase a walker. I don't think I could have gotten out of my car without it when I came home. I still take it with me in case I can not get out of a chair somewhere I just needed something to lean on or pull against.
5) Arrange a location, near where you will sleep that you can set your pain meds. I slept a lot the first few days, but I would magically wake up every 4 hours for pain meds. The bad part was I was terrified to move b/c it hurt terribly badly so I would wake up and take my pain meds before trying to move. Then after 45 minutes I would get up go to the bathroom and walk around the house for a while.
6) Dog walks - I am 2 weeks out tomorrow and have not taken a dog for a walk on a leash b/c I am afraid they will pull (I have golden retrievers that I show in obedience and agility.) Yesterday was the first day I actually went for a walk (w. my dog but off lead on the farm). I am still bend over at the waist so long walks kill my back.
7) I still can't reach the floor so I count on using a grabber or salad tongs.
Supplies
1) I am living with Icy Hot b/c my back is killing me from being bent over. The spray was wonderful to start, but the patch is better now.
2) Maxi pads to go across incisions that are draining.
3) Drainage gauze (available through medical supply) - these are not required but they made it easier to change the dressing around the drains.
4) Paper Tape - Because the dressings were on for a while the transpore tape caused an allergic reaction.
5) Saltines - I know this is not recommended post RNY, but I needed something in my stomach with pain meds and other things made me nauseous.
6) If you happen to be someone who still struggles with nausea, it will rear its ugly head, so be prepared with whatever meds you take.
7****!!!! I have fallen in love with ice bags I got from Wal-mart $12. Ther are ACE reuseable and they freeze quickly, purchase a couple so you can trade them back and forth. I don't have an ice machine and I couldn't reach up to empty the ice trays so this was super easy.
Clothes - None - Just kidding! I would highly recommend satin nightgowns as it was cool, comfortable, and I could use it to slide into places!
Wow! I am sorry to have written so much. It is all still very fresh and I can't sleep!!!!!
Each day does get better (at least I am told)...I have some necrosis, which has lead to some large open areas and infection. (As my PS partner said when I say him because of the large amount of bleeding, "You are in it for the long haul!"Here's hoping for a smooth juourney!
Best Wishes!
Can you please send me your list too? I'm having mine in Oct.
Thanks.
Jan
Thanks.
Jan
Bay to Breakers 12K May 15, 2011 (1:54:40) First 5K 5/23/11 (41:22)
Half Marathons: Napa: 7/18/10 (4:11:21) 7/17/11 (3:30:58) 7/15/12 (3:13:11.5)
SJ Rock and Roll: 10/2/10 (3:58:22) Run Surf City: 2/6/11 (3:19:54)
Diva: 5/6/12 (3:35:00)
HW/SW/CW 349/326/176
"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds." - Albert Einstein
Half Marathons: Napa: 7/18/10 (4:11:21) 7/17/11 (3:30:58) 7/15/12 (3:13:11.5)
SJ Rock and Roll: 10/2/10 (3:58:22) Run Surf City: 2/6/11 (3:19:54)
Diva: 5/6/12 (3:35:00)
HW/SW/CW 349/326/176
"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds." - Albert Einstein
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