Surgery in three days

 I was reading your post this evening and freaked out a little.  I am also having PS (BL with LBL) on Tues Jan 24th. I had a band, band revision to a sleeve gastrectomy, and B/L brachioplasty last January.  And get this, I am an RN!  Kinda weird.  I am a NICU 3 nurse so thats kinda strange too-get the babies that you help deliver.

Anyway, I am right there with ya.  I have been trying not to think too much about the surgery, but at this point I am at the freak out "what If" stage. Bargaining stage-'Just let me wake up from surgery and I will handle any pain that comes with it!"  My PS gave me 2 valium to take the couple of days prior and I am trying to decide how to strategically take them. lol

With the LBL and BL, I am going to have an onQ but I will be staying in the hospital 2 nights.

Here's to a calm next couple of days-yeah right! 

The onQ is the pain pump?  As a nurse, you feel confident this makes all the difference?  Dr. L is very proactive w/pain management.  How long did it take for you to have a surgery date once you had your initial consult?  I've also been meaning to ask how long is this surgery, generally for LBL.  I have high blood pressure, is that going to be that much of an issue if it is a long surgery?  I have a face lift consult again on Feb 8th, and one with Dr. L on the 2nd, so I am going to have to make a decision.  I know the face lift surgeon will offer to do the body work as well.

The onQ is a pump that releases a local anesthetic into your incisional area for a certain length of time. It is not the pain pump like a PCA, which is the one you press the button and administer pain meds through your IV. http://www.iflo.com/prod_onq_classic.php

I have not had an onQ pain pain pump in any of my prior surgeries, but have heard they are wonderful for pain management. My consult was in October and I scheduled my surgery for Jan 24 the day I had my consult. I probably could have had the surgery a little sooner, but this is actually the exact week that I wanted to have it. You pay for 7 hours of surgery, but I was told that it could last anywhere from 5 to 7 hours, usually about 5.5-6. That is for a LBL and BL. I am not sure about the high blood pressure issue, something definitely to discuss with Dr. L.

Good luck with your decisions!

Wow that is ironic! I TOTALLY get the bargaining stage!! Ha ha you read my mind. Are you on FB? Maybe we can follow each others progress there.

I am actually one of the only people on the planet who (by choice) does not have a FB page. Who knows though, maybe with all the time I will have after surgery I will finally give in!

How long are you taking off of work? Do you do 12s?

I took 8 days off, return to work on 2/01/12. I don't work in the hospital anymoe, I work for an insurance company doing case management for high risk OB. I get to work from home so I can return to work much sooner. Definitely a benefit.

Wishing you THE BEST and a speedy recovery.

I know what you mean.  It is getting harder and harder for me to have surgery the more I have.  I am struggling with PS.  I'm actually concerned after I have one round I will say NO MORE.  I have a high pain tolerance, but I seem to wake up from surgery whining and doing something because recovery nurses always get in my face and tell me where I am and what happened?  I guess that is normal, but I wake up whining like a baby.  Once awake, I usually remain very quiet, but the unknown on all these procedures scares me.  I know this is your post, I'm sorry to gush my complaints. 

I am very excited for you.

While it is GREAT to wake up, I always wake up weird also. last time I was still intubated and I remember them saying, "if you take deep breaths we will extubate" I took the deepest breaths of my life and they pulled it. Nothing to make you feel panicky like a tube down your throat.

 Good luck Heather!
I am just a little behind you. I had mynsurg on the 11th, I had an extended abdominalplasty and full back lipo....and I am also a RN. This board has been a high support for me...i came here to whine and cry when I needed it, and people get it.  
  I thought that I was prepared for surgery...and so excited but I Have to be honest it has been tough.  Keep your eye on the prize.....I love my results so just keep telling yourself that.  I also think my expectations for myself were too high......I am a busy working mom and not used to being in bed so much...but u need the rest....so just expect it.  
i would totally ask about the flexeril...my doc gives it every 8 hours for 3 days and it was a Hugh help...made my tummy muscles feel so much better.
I have had a csection.....and this PS doesn't even compare..it is much harder. I am not trying to scare you but you need to be prepared for it.  I thought I was but I don't think I was!  but having said all of that, I had a lot of lipo done at the same time and that has been much more painful than the others.  I am with on taking pain meds on time..don't be brave!
I am finding each day gets a little easier.  Really keep your eye on the prize and u will do fine.  
I also asked for something to relax me before going into or.  After my surgeon did the markings, the anesthesiologist gave me something so that was great.  
Good luck to you and we really r all here for you
Hugs
Patty