Questions to ask before surgery

I'm trying to write a list of questions to ask my dr. on my visit on the 18th. My surgery is scheduled for the 22nd and I'm really wishing it was already here!!! I hate waiting and I hate being in pain! So if you any of you could give me any advise on what questions to ask my doctor I would really appreciate it. I just want to be prepared.

Thanks a bunch!!!!

I got these under the Checkpoint are, got to the first one and scroll down the checkpoints have a great timeline that will help with questions and fears!

1. How long will surgery take?
2. Exactly what will be removed? Uterus, ovaries, tubes, cervix, appendix? (How will these organs be removed? Through abdomnial incision? Through the vagina? With the help of a laparoscope?
3. How long will I be in the hospital?
4. How long will I be on bed rest?
5. Will a pathology report be done of all the organs removed? I do want one done.
6. How long for the results of the pathology report to come in? (If cancer is suspected, when will I begin cancer treatments and what options are there?)
7. If I'm taking BC pills or HRT, do I stop taking them prior to surgery? If so, how long before?
8. What medication will I be on for pain in the hospital and when I am home?
9. Will the doctor make a bladder tack? What is a bladder tack? (If you have incontinence, this is the time to bring it up as this is the best time for bladder and/or rectum repair)
10. Will the doctor use a tummy binder on me? Will I need one?
11. If my ovaries are being removed, when will I start hormones (HRT)? Most important: will the doctor help me to adjust if needed or should I see my family doctor to help with this?
12. If I am keeping my ovaries, how will I know if they are working post-op? if they shut down temporarily and I experience hot flashes, how long will I endure menopause symptoms before the ovaries kick back in?
13. Will I need any preparation before surgery? (enema, stool softener, liquid diet, etc)
14. When will I be able to resume driving?
15. How long will I be off work?
16. Will I be able to lift my baby? If not, how much can I lift safely at 4 weeks, at 6 weeks?
17. When can I return to the gym?
18. I take certain meds regularly (list your meds, including over-the-counter meds and supplements), will I be allowed to take these to the hospital with me?
19. I've heard that there is a problem with gas after surgery and have been told that Over-the-Counter medicines such as Gas-X can help. Is it OK if I take some along to the hospital with me?
20. What kind of anesthesia will I have?

You can find a list of questions for you pre-op appointment on the Pre-Op Checkpoints. Just scroll down a bit. Like Checkpoints, be sure to check out the Pre-Op tab at the top of the page for even more great info to help you prepare!

Hope this helps!

s, Deb