No matter how much you read, you're never really prepared for this that's for sure. I am a lucky gal as my surgery was quick (the last thing I heard was move your butt right here - perfect then woke up a little over 3 hours later). In the spirit of sharing, I wanted to reinforce some things that helped me a lot.
1. When they say walk, they mean it. Yep, it hurt like the dickens to get up that first time but I did it. I also walked a little more a few times the second day. If not for that, there would not have been the happy gas passing event. Yay food the next day! I also never had to take GasX because I moved along.
2. Pillows are your friend. Holding them on your tummy for laughing, coughing, sneezing, etc. works well.
3. They aren't kidding about tons of fiber. I ate a large amount and have not had a single constipation problem since (and still do) day 5 post surgery. The nurse recommended Senekot in case I needed it. Some folks may need a stool softener just in case.
4. Make sure you or a loved on is OK with checking your incision daily. Make sure you aren't overdoing it or you'll get a tear. Thankfully I didn't but these sounded like good works from the doctors.
5. When they say don't do anything - don't! Especially the first couple of weeks. My doctor gave me permission to drive already because she said I really did a good job of lying low.
6. Realize that this healing will take a long time. I had a hard time with that the end of the first week but now I'm OK with doing nothing but reading and watching movies or mother nature out the window. I fully expect to need to go to bed early by the time I return to work in 4 weeks too.
7. It may sound trite but a positive attitude is key. It really does help the healing process.
That's all I can think of for now. Thanks again for the helpful tips.
18 days post - op and doing well
s....Deb
