Yikes - Tomorrow!!!

After beginning this process in February and thankfully being able to put the surgery off until after I finished my college degree (at age 55 after 38 years off and on study), I am now preparing for tomorrow. I'm having a TAH BSO with a bladder sling and, to be honest, am more concerned with my (please excuse) bowels than anything else. I had cereal and coffee this morning and will now start my clear liquid diet. After losing 20 pounds recently, I'm hoping to get a good bit more off over the next week or two. My doctor told me to use the Mag Citrate but, when informed of my spectacularly active gagging reflex, told me not to worry if I wasn't able to use it. I will give it my best try, but you know... Bearing that in mind, I asked the pharmacist yesterday what my best "pill" alternative would be, she said to use Dulcolax, but to give it 8 hours to work. So I've got that too. Has anyone used the Dulcolax and, also, should I take a stool softener to the hospital to make sure I can go as easily as possible and thus get discharged on schedule?

When my neighbor took me to the hospital to begin being induced for the birth of my son almost 22 years ago, she smiled indulgently when she saw the book I was bringing. I'm not going to do that this time - just bring my chapstick, robe, and slippers - not even PJs. Also packing toothbrush/paste, moisturizer, mints - the bare essentials - is there anything indispensable I'm forgetting?

I'm scheduled to go home on Thursday (hopefully) if all looks good, which I fully anticipate. I've got my pillow ready, and my husband taking off on Thursday and Friday. He's home for the weekend as well, and I hope to wave him bye-bye on Monday so he can go to work. I'm thinking I'll be doing better then, and as long as he leaves a gallon of water for the dog and puts her food on the floor, I should be okay.

Thanks for all your help!

Lois

Hi Lois!

You sound really prepared -- I'm impressed! I wish you the very best with your "Castle experience!" And, by the way, I love your user name...it brought a smile to my face to begin my day!

Good Luck to You!

Hi Lois,
You sound "good to go." Please bring ear plugs to the hospital. It will get so noisy in the hallways! I brought an eye mask too.

I was more concerned about the bowel stuff too. Drink a lot of water, as much as you can before you have to stop everything.
Now that I am home, I am having at least one orange every day, plus a nice cereal like FiberAll, and am drinking loads of water.

Good luck with your surgery, and prayers for a smooth recovery. You can check out my Castle Story, "Textbook TAH/BSO - Not Quite"

Nancym

Congratulations on your awesome achievement! I was a late bloomer when I got my degree too. It's great feeling, isn't it?

Sounds like smart packing to me. Don't forget something to pull your hair up if it's long.

Ask them to give you stool softeners at the castle. They gave them to me. Drink lots of water and walk often.

Good luck and let us know when you are home again!