Last Minute Questions...

Hi everyone!

Surgery on Saturday - TAH...keeping ovaries.

Have questions...

Am doing the epidural instead of general anesthesia. Will I still get the gassy stuff that I'm reading about?

Also, has anyone out there worked with any homeopathic remedies that worked post-op. It's been suggested that I take Arnica which will help with any swelling, etc.

Other than that...I think I may be ready to go!

Hi sept,

No matter what type of anesthesia you have, gas and bowel problems are quite common post-op. The combination of the anesthesia, pain meds, inactivity and the surgery itself all play a role. A healthy diet, frequent short and plenty of fluids should help. My Dr. also had me take stool softeners twice a day for the first few weeks.

As far as homeopathic remedies, please discuss with your Dr. anything that you may want to take. Some have hidden side effects and it's best to not jeopardize your recovery by taking things without your Drs. ok. Not to say that some of them may be fine; just be sure that your Dr. approves first.

Best wishes and s

My doc told me that any type of abdominal surgery will cause the gas and bloating post -op because once they make the incision, air gets into the abdomen. Your abdomen does not usually contain any air, so it has to get absorbed and processed by the system.

I had a SAH/BSO and ended up with a fairly bad neck and shoulder pain on the right side the evening after surgery. Although this pain is expected for persons who have a laparoscpic procedure, I didn't expect it with mine. Doc says that it is common regardless of the surgery because it is simply trapped air releasing itself.

Hope this helps,

O.

Ok about effects of the surgery on the bowels. I thought I would be able to circumvent some of that. I had my appendix out 15 years ago and had no problems whatsoever...however..let's face it, that was 15 years ago! I've certainly changed!

You're right, you're right, you're right about the homeopathic stuff. I needed a little wake up call on that. I had already figured that as of today I would stop everything....vitamins, cooking with lots of garlic, that type of thing. Overall I'm very, very healthy so I'll keep my fingers crossed!

4 days and counting! Yikes!