LAVH: question for my Canadian sisters

Hi I am having a lavh-bmo on March 4th. Anyone from the HRM IN Nova Scotia. I have not had my pre-op yet and am wondering about home instructions. Should I buy a binder or other stuff. I would like to be prepared. Thanks

I had mine done at the IWK/Grace.

I wished for one of those soft rings to sit on post op. I didn't do a binder - think that's mainly for those with abdominal incisions. They sent me home on Tylenol, Advil, and Morphine plus stool softeners.... stock up! The sanitary pads they have at the hospital are the size of diapers - you'll be more comfortable if you bring your own. I wore their nighties/housecoat though - why bleed on your own? and make laundry you won't be able to wash.

I found the food was alright - you get to order from a menu - but post op I was very very dry and wanted hard candy to keep my mouth moist. Best jello and chicken broth I ever tasted that first night lol I found it warm in the hospital (and I'm usually cold).

I took my iphone so I had my own music - also helpful to block out other sounds but overall found the hospital mostly quiet - and staff mostly caring and respectful. I didn't watch tv or read - too tired from meds.

When you check in before your surgery they will take your suitcase to your room and 'check' your valuables - I left my purse at home and gave my iphone to dh to give back to me after surgery. Really wierd to walk into the OR....

Anything else?

I did not use a binder either. I had a LAVH as well. The 3 incisions in my tummy didn't bother me at all. I agree with strongone- bring some panty liners to hospital with you- the huge maternity pads are just that, HUGE. I did use them the first day but changed to a panty liner after my shower. I just used hospital gowns- hospital had earplugs but I'd bring some just in case. Chapstick was a lifesaver too. I was told I had to bring slippers and more importantly I had to wear them when I got out of bed.

For home, because my bedroom was upstairs, I got a mini fridge and put it beside my bed with water, gingerale and some light snacks in it. I loved that- that way I didn't have to bug anyone when I wanted something.

Make sure you are stocked up on Tylenol and advil- taken together they cover inflammation and pain- that's all I used from day 2 post op on. And don't forget something to keep your stool soft- whatever works for you...for me, it's dried apricots. I even took them to the hospital with me and as soon as I could, starting eating 5-6 per day. I was able to have a bowel movement 4 days post ops and every single day forward. Having a full bowel makes you feel just miserable so the sooner you get them moving and keep them moving, the better you feel. I ate those apricots everyday for about 3 -4 weeks.

Was trying to think what else...

loose clothes for afterwards - your belly will likely be sore and swollen - I stayed in my nightie for days - then yoga pants that I can fold the waistband just the right height.

Living in my slippers still.... had to buy a pair 'cause I don't usually wear them....

Library card has been the other essential - dh picks up and drops off items for me. You can go to the HalifaxPublicLibraries.ca site and browse and put holds on whatever you want to be brought in to your local branch for pick up.

Ladies you are great. Iam fortunate as I have a wife and I think she is able to foresee some of my needs. We have a two story so she has already rearranged the den and has the rollout planned. As well she is working from home that first week.
My surgery is at the VG in the cancer clinic. My hope is that my wife is allowed to stay with me. I am taking notes for my hospital stay. I have such a collection of pads of all sizes I figure I will be bringing a collection with me. I look forward to the day I never have them again. Lol
Anymore thoughts out there I will embrace.

I'm not in Nova Scotia, but I went through my lavh last week. Definitely agree with all the comments above. I found also cough candies good because my throat really hurt after surgery. Chap stick is a must. I bought a binder before surgery but haven't used it yet at all.
Definitely keep hydrated and do whatever you need to do to avoid constipation. This is day 5 for me and I finally had some success in that area today but I swear that's the biggest discomfort I have.
Your going to need to be moving a bit more each day, walking around a bit at a time is good, just don't push yourself. You'll know when you're done. My mom whose a nurse told me the smokers recover the fastest because they're motivated to go outside for a smoke and this gets them moving faster. LOL
Good luck, you'll do great. Keep us posted. Lorey.