Less Than 2 Weeks And Counting

Hello ladies, well its less than two weeks for my SAH for 7cm growing fibroid, extreamly heavy periods and lower back pain. And, I hope its not bad to say this, but Im kinda excited about my surgery. Ofcourse, there is a part of me that is scared. But, I know that after its all over with, I will feel much better. I will be so glad when its over and I can be a "new woman" as my Dr says! I have read so many posts that have helped me so much with becoming comfortable with my surgery. I have just a couple of quick questions. When taking sleepwear to the Castle, which is best, a gown or will it be ok to take a pajamas? I really do not feel comfortable in a gown, I prefer a t-shirt and shorts. I have already gotten my robe, slippers and all the other goodies that I got from one of the posts "What to take to the Castle". Also, should I expect any vaginal bleeding after the sugery? Im taking some pads just in case. Also, do I get to get up the second day? Im really not one to lay around, but I know I will have to do alot of it during my recovery period. I guess Im just looking for some words for encourgement. Although Im at peace with my decision and I have come to terms with most of my fears. But, Im 37 and have never been in the castle before, never had a surgery, never had stitches before, never even been in the emergency room before, so you can understand a bit of my history and concerns. But since I have found this site have found that there are so many women having the same problems I am having and who are facing the same decision I am facing. And, I am so much more comfortable with the days to come. Any support you can offer will be greatly appreciated!

Thank you,
Dana AKA Beaniegal

((((Dana)))))))),

I bet you will do just fine !!!!!!!

I just used the hospital gowns while there, let them do the laundry. P.J. s will be hard until you get your catheter out. Mine was removed the next day,along with the I.V.

I got up the next A.M. as soon as they took the catheter out.Some get you up the night of surgery but I was rolling so well in the bed they didn't bother getting me up. Have a nurse there when you get up the first time.

Yes bring some pads just in case. The ones at the hospital are HUGE!!!!!!!I never bled a drop but used a minipad a few days just in case.

Best wishes,

Pamcat

Dana,

I purchased some new night shirts that are knee length to wear at the castle and at home. I am still a LIW, so I am relying on the wisdom of others, but I have been told that the pulling shorts up and down to go potty is something that pulls on the abdominal muscles and some ladies find their tummy is extra sensitive.

Tough call on that. I plan on wearing my nightshirt and robe home from the castle, I really don't see much point in getting dressed to leave and then changing to climb right back into bed or the recliner. Hopefully you will be home quickly and then you can wear whatever makes your feel good!!

Hugs....Joan

Dana,

I wore the hospital gown for the first night. The following morning I had my overalls on! I just find it makes me feel better rather than wearing PJ's all day! BUT you may very well have a cath. there until the 2nd day - I had mine removed the first evening. - It was driving me crazy! I too had only ever been in the castle to have children. The last two I was d/c'd from Labour and delivery = Can you tell I don't like the Castle? - They are for sick people!
Of course that was not me! Anyway you will be fine - What ever you are most comfortable in go for that!

Good Luck!
Jules

hi beaniegal! I'm 5 days post op, so hopefully i can give you some good hints.

I, like you, was excited about the upcoming surgery. Keep your positive attitude, it will help immensely in recovery. I never did get terribly nervous... there will always be worries, but keep thinking about the eventual outcome - all will be fine!

As far as pajamas - unless the bottoms are VERY loose, i wouldnt advise it in the castle. you will have a catheter at first, but once it's gone, you will be peeing ALL the time, and it gets uncomfortable to keep pulling them up and down over your incision. Buy very loose underwear also. I bought 2 sizes too big, and as funny as they looked, i was glad to have them so loose.

As for bleeding, everyone is different. I had bleeding immediaetely after surgery which lasted 2 additional days. Some people don't like the huge pads they supply at the castle.. I loved them! (go figure) they also give you these large stretchy net-like panties to use with they pads, and they are great.

I actually used the hospital gowns for most of my stay... they routinely gave 2 gowns, one to wear with the opening in the back, and one to wear over that like a robe.... i was very comfortable in those, especially becausse i was always spilling juice and stuff on me and i didnt have to worry about staining my own pjs!\

They got me up in a chair at 8:00 the evening of my surgery. Cathether and all. I couldnt believe it... but I sat up for about an hour (ok I fell asleep in the chair)...

Took a shower at 10 am the day after surgery. I really couldnt believe how fast they were pushing me. I didnt want to shower, but the nurse was there with me the whole time... i was VERY shaky, but it felt good to be clean.


Oh.. my castle supplied us with sock-slippers with the no-skid stuff on the bottoms... i used those instead of my own slippers because they were so easy and i kept them on all the time.

Tips for things to bring.... LIP MOISTURIZER!!!! and Pre-moistened wash cloths... i don't remember what they are called... but Dove and Calgon and some others make them. They are great for a quick sponge bath... just to wash your face ..... and the ones i brought smelled soooooo good.

I thought this castle experience in general was excellent. The nurses were all wonderful... and I never was in serious pain... the morphine pump for the first 24 hours was great.... They are very supportive with pain management...

I'm sure you will have a positive experience too. A good part of it has to do with your attitude going in...
s and best wishes for an easy time