upcoming surgery questions

I just found out yesterday that I got a cancellation date and I have surgery scheduled for September 30th. What do I need to know? Are there items I need to have at home? Can I go down to the beach 3 days after my surgery, 10 days, what? Oh, and my big question, if I have my period next week can they still do my surgery?

This is the one thing in life that your period will not interrupt, so no worries there.

I'd avoid the beach like the plague - you don't want sand in your incisions, and as we all know, that sand gets EVERYWHERE! You also would not be able to submerge into even a bath, let alone dirty ocean water.

Also, walking on the loose sand is hard enough on the best of days, when you are sore from surgery you won't even want to do that.

I'd wait for the beach until your doctor releases you for all physical activities, but ask him or her to be sure!

I would say bring an mp3 player to the hospital, very helpful and relaxing.
A bed tray at home was helpful for me, not having to bend or sit up so much to get a drink or food. Make sure you have comfy pjs to wear that dont press on your belly.
Loading up on favorite movies or TV shows on your DVR is helpful to pass the time in bed.
I agree with above post, you definitly dont want to go to the beach. It will hurt to walk on uneven sand and you really dont want sand in your incisions and you cant swim or bathe for usually six weeks.
There is so much helpful info here on website...
best wishes

722 tigger -

Glad you find us and you have your date. Since it is so close you might find it helpful to go to the pre-op chat tomorrow night (thursda 9/24) at 9pm eastern. On the right you'll see a link and it might help to get you up to speed quickly.

Also check out the Pre-Op Checkpoints - https://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/mycheckpoint.php


As others have said I would avoid the beach, also you don't want sun on the incisions they can burn easily.

As for your period check with your doctor but usually the answer is that having your period will not affect the surgery.



G.

hi tiger and tagish. we all have the same surgery date. u guys getting nervous? i'm excited and nervous all at the same time. 1 more week!

Oh, please be careful with the sand at the beach, I agree! One thing I always found helpful at the beach was scrap the beach towel to lie on. Take a king-sized flat sheet. It's cooler, bigger, and easy to weight down on the corners. Best of luck and good vibes to you!

--
Fatimaner, Cedar Park, TX
TVH or LAVH on 11/16/09, keeping my ovaries
Stoopid @#$#%% fibroids!

Hi Babs,

Yeah, getting nervous now a bit. But, I've done everything I can think of to get ready. I'm expecting a 23 hour stay at the hospital, so I don't think I'll need half the stuff I'm preparing.

But, I'm an electronics junkie, and if I didn't have my iPhone in my hand I'd feel naked, even if I don't use it. So, I have one of those things that makes 1 outlet into 3, and an extension cord along with the charger - I don't think most people think about that, but who knows where the closest outlet I can use will be. I'd be the freak that unplugs the IV just to charge my phone. But, if I have that, I have the internet, email, books to read, books to listen to, music, TV shows and movies all in my hand, so it's essential to me.

I also got a robe that snaps up the front. It's a totally "girlie" style, which is SO not me. (Why can't they make that stuff in grey or something neutral even - why does it HAVE to have flowered patterns???) But, having had a couple of abdominal surgeries in the past, I know something that I can fasten myself and that can go over the IV is going to be important, just in case the 23 hours turn into more, or for when you get to walk around and don't want the booty hanging out the end of the gown.

Other than that, I'm just trying to get my house cleaned, cause my mom is coming this weekend, so she will be here for the "big day" and to help out after. Thank goodness she comes once in awhile - I don't think my house would ever get this clean unless she did!

Thank you all so much. Babs, I too am nervous and excited. I had to wait 6 weeks just to get the appointment with this particular surgeon and had already asked how far out surgeries were being scheduled. (It was my 3rd opinion, so I expected to need to have the surgery.) They told me to expect it to take 2 months to get a surgery date. I asked to be put on the cancelation list and got the call yesterday that it's a go for the 30th. Hope we all do great.

Thanks so much for that info.