ITS ALMOST TIME!

HI TO ALL!
   I JUST GOT THE "CALL" AND MY SURGERY DTE IS JUNE 23!!!....EXCITED BUT SO VERY NERVOUS AS WELL...ANYONE WHO HAS ADVICE OR HELP???

 Congrats on the date.  Do you have any specific questions?  Do you have someone to be at the hospital with you?  What about when you come home?  How long do you plan to be off work?  Sorry for the numerous questions but all of these things are very important to the recovery process.   Just remember to get your fluids in when you come home and walk as much as you can.  Walking helps with the gas that you have in your system.  The first week will be very important for fluids but then start to focus on protein/fluids.  Let me know if you have specific question.  I am sure you will do great!!

Terri

 HI Terri

   Well my big day is almost a week away and i am getting so nervous...i guess that is normal isnt 
it?

 To answer your questions:

i have lots of questions!...just dont know where or what to ask
i have been disabled for 12 years now so work is not an option for me.
my daughter who is 29 will be staying with me while my hubby comes back to KY after surgery to take care of our 4 year old daughter.

I guess my biggest thing is how bad is that first week after surgery?,,,i have read comments on here that compare it to a living hell:  that worries me i think:

well write soon thursday will be here before i know it!

thanks
kim edwards

 Wonderful question.  Remember you are having major surgery and everyone response different to surgery.  That being said, I can tell you how things were for me after surgery and some things to keep in mind.  Since you are having major surgery it is very important to blood clots are form from lack of moving of blood in your body.  Thus, it is important to move around as move as possible but continue to get rest.  There was some minor discomfort for me during the first week, however, it was mainly gas not the actual surgery.  I got up and moved around at least every 2 hours.  I would get up and move more frequently as the week went on.  Now, things have changed a little since I have had my surgery, I came home on liquid diet.  I am a firm believer in making sure that proper liquid intake is considered first then work in protein each day.  Work closely with the staff about recommended amounts of liquid and protein at certain phases of the recovery.  READ THE PACKET THE STAFF PROVIDES YOU.  Remember you have major surgery and you will feel full quickly.  It gets better each day just don't over do it.  I am sure you both will do great.  Let me know if you have any additional questions.

Thanks
Terri Troup