Question:
Will I be able to take care of my personal hygiene after surgery

As a follow up to the person who posted about what things to take to the hospital, I noticed that some of you suggest baby wipes or similar. How limited are you to take care of yourself after open RNY?<p>How long does the catheter stay in? Can I go to the bathroom myself and clean myself or am I like a baby while in the hospital. I realize I will hurt like the h_!!, but I am also pretty stubborn and will want to try. What should I expect?    — zoedogcbr (posted on December 1, 2002)

December 1, 2002
If you can easily reach now, you should be able to then. If you find it extremely hard now, you'll find it much worse later (if you have open) - with LAP I hear it's not nearly so bad. Best of luck to you!
   — [Deactivated Member]

December 1, 2002
After I had my surgery the catheter was in for 24 hours, after that my surgeon had it removed, she wanted me to get up and walk . She also wanted me to used the bathroom but I didn't have much pain because of the morphine, I tried to do as much walking as I could so I wouldn't develop any blood clots. Let the nurse assist you as much as you can, they are so nice, helpful and understanding.They will help you with your personal needs, such as washing you up and helping you out of bed. As a matter of fact they were so attentive that I was kind of tired of them,(made me walk all the time) but they were the most kindest, caring professional I ever met. Hope this helps. Good luck
   — Rebe W.

December 1, 2002
hi there chris :) the cathider will come out before you leave the hospital. i was able to take care of my hygene with ease but i got some baby wipes to cleanse myself for that first day home as i didnt want to get my incision wet. i was scared though because somone who had the same open rny as me couldnt because it just was too painful for her to bend over so she ended up placing wash cloths or wet wipes on the end of a long handle or stick typething so she could clean. im so greatful that didnt happen for me. best of luck to you.
   — carrie M.

December 1, 2002
Had surgery 11/26/02 Lap-RNY considered a lit weight here, thanks to pain medicne I have no problems so far. Good luck with your surgery. God will help when you can't. I will pray that you have a smooth uneventful recovery.
   — Debby M.

December 1, 2002
My catheter was removed as soon as I got to my private room. I would guess that your flexability or ability to reach certain places will depend on your size. I am 5'7" and weighted 278 at my surgery and I had no problem taking care of my needs within 12 hours of my surgery. The wipes are a good idea as your BM my be loose the first few days. Best of luck!
   — Heather S.

December 1, 2002
Baby wipes would probably be a good idea, because it will be difficult/painful to bend and twist. Many hospitals (especially those that specialize in RNY surgery) provide you with long utensils for personal hygiene (i.e. a long sponge on a stick and long curved tongs) -- I'd use baby wipes with the tongs if you need them. As for the catheter, I'm sure every surgeon and every facility is different. Where I work they keep the catheter in overnight because it's common for the bladder to spasm and not want to empty on it's own after abdominal surgery -- and since it's already in, it's much better to leave in overnight than having to put it back in when you are awake because you can't urinate. Good luck!
   — Lynette B.

December 1, 2002
Well, I guess I wasn't so lucky. I couldn't wipe my own rear for about two weeks or so. I had my husband do it most of the time or if he wasn't there I wrapped a wooden spoon with tp and did it that way. I was able to wipe after urination about a week and a half out? Or maybe I couldn't for two weeks and number two was three? Check my profile, I know I documented when I was self sufficiant. lol Good luck!
   — Paula Prichard

December 2, 2002
hi I HAD A PROMBLEM WIPPING MY SELF AFTER URINE AND I WOULD HAVE TO CALL THE NURSE TO COME AND HEP ME IT WAAS VERY EMBARSSING FOR ME BUT THEY ALL HELP EXCEPT ONE SHE REFUSE TO HELP SO AFTER I GOT HOME I REPORTED HER TO THE DIRECTOR OF NURSING AND THE HOSIPTAL SENT ME A BASKET OF FLOWERS TO SAY THEY WERE SORRY. I HAD A HARD TIME DOING THE OTHER PART AFTER I GOT HOME TH ONLY WAY I COULD RIPE IS TO LAY ON THE BED AND WIPE PUTTING MY HAD BACK THERE BUT IT WAS HARD FOR A WHILE YOU WILL BE OKAY HOPE YOU HAVE NICE NURSES GOOD LUCK
   — ROSEMARY A.

December 3, 2002
Nope could not wipe my own booty for a while, about 2 weeks I would say, maybe less. Worse then that I had suppositories I had to use (oh the images!!!) Anyway, I was lucky and had a very understanding mother who helped. I mean she had done it before right :) I just could not bring myself to ask husband to do it, sheesh how sad that is. There are tools you can purchase at amplestuff.com that allows some assistance in these areas, wish I woulda had one. Also, if you can afford it they have a wonderful little item that you sit on in the car and it swivels you around to get in and out. That would have been VERY nice. Baby wipes a must, also get the ones to clean yourself with, they really help those icky sticky areas like underarms, around your neck, legs, etc. Make you feel much better. TO ALL WOMEN do not use those cleaning wipes to ummm wipe yourself if ya know what I mean. BIG TIME yeast infection. yeee ouch Good luck :)
   — smedley200

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