Pre-op appointment questions

Good evening princesses! OK, I guess this is going to sound dumb, but I'm having issues coming up with my list of questions for my pre-op appointment. My pre-op appointment is May 18, and surgery scheduled for May 20. I read the suggestions on the pre-op section on this website, but feel like I should have more questions. I'm so nervous about the upcoming surgery, and every time I sit down to write out my questions, I go COMPLETELY blank. If anyone could please give me some suggestions it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

One thing I forgot to ask was how long my hospital stay would be and if my surgery was considered "day surgery" or out patient. It's just good to know. I also asked about post op pain meds. I wanted to have the Ibruprofen or whatever already at home and not have to send someone to the RX. I am allergic to some pain medications. Also ask about NAUSEA prevention. Wish I had. Most of my questions were answered at Pre op but I didn't take anyone with me. Not a good idea. Take a second person with you to hear all the things you miss. Ask about what you need on hand for bowel regulation also. Just a few things.

Have you looked at the list of questions on the pre-op? Here is the link.

In addition to those questions, here are a few more based on your status of TAH/SAH:

Ask if they are going to keep the ovaries and/or cervix.
Ask how they are going to close your incision (staples, stitches, glue).
Ask if it will be a bikini or vertical incision.
Ask them to center the incision (mine isn't quite centered)
Ask how they plan to manage your pain.
Ask how long you will be in the hospital.
Ask how they will deal with nausea if you end up with it.
Ask how long they leave the catheter in.
Ask how they will help you deal with constipation.
Ask how they will help you deal with gas pains.
Ask when you get to eat and what you get to eat after surgery.
Ask how much walking to they expect you to do.
Ask if they will take pictures or a video of the surgery.
Ask what kind of anesthesia are they considering (spinal, epidural, or general)
Ask what how they are going to proceed with the anesthesia (Are they going to knock you out without telling you or walking you through it).
Ask if they plan to give you anti-anxiety meds if you need them.
Ask if you can bank your blood if you need a transfusion.
Ask how long the surgery might be and when you can expect to be in your room.
Ask what they plan to do if they encounter complications such as endometriosis or other tumours.
Make sure you ask about the list of restrictions (lifting, housework, cooking, driving, exercising, bathing, taking care of your incision) that you will have.
Ask about what pain meds they will give you for home and if you can get a refill if you run out.
Ask if you need to do breathing/coughing exercises after surgery.
Ask if they are going to give you those funny stockings during and after surgery and how long you need to keep them if you end up with them.
Ask them about a bowel prep and or diet before surgery.
Ask about washing with antibacterial soap the day before and the day of surgery.
Ask about shaving or any other necessary prep.
Ask what the hospital provides in terms of soap, shampoo, gowns, slippers, binders, housecoats, ect.

That is all I can think of right now. I am the question queen ha ha! Hope this helps.

HI SSB..

I have been there..I had my surgery on May 2nd. Knowing what I know now, I would ask:

What should I have at home for my return..do you suggest a heating pad or cold pac to help with recovery (I have used both) also, what stool softeners would they suggest and if things don't move quick is a fleet enema allowed. A friend of mine stopped by and told me she brought me a fleet instead of lunch because when she had her surgery this was the miracle worker for her and I can tell you while not fun, it did the trick..and I was feeling much better, but I was worried if it was okay. I was fine, but best to check with the doctor.
Also, I wish I would have asked for a prescription for nausea meds just in case, I had to get one after the fact, but a friend had one waiting just in case.
I am not sure what kind of surgery you are having but my little incisions are getting better by the day..what kind of cream and when can I start putting it on there..
Last but by far not least, I know how you feel, surgery is scary! I did not listen and did too much early this week..but took a step back and chilled, and today I feel better than ever! I hope you have a quick recovery and please let us know how you are doing..GOOD LUCK..you have a great life waiting for you on the other side this moment in time!

Thank you ladies!! All of these suggestions were wonderful. Guess I'll try to write out my questions now for my appt Wednesday.