LSH: Had my pre-op today

Okay so I had my pre-op today. I have the blood ID arm band that I have to wear until the date of surgery.
They mentioned I would wake up with a folley cath. Okay that scares me a little bit because i've never been awake during a folley cath insertion or removal. So what to expect from that? anyone? lol
Other than that, they are keeping me for 24 hours which is the norm, they are giving me 6 weeks off work. So what to expect until date of surgery? Any hints for the day of surgery? Your not supposed to smoke before surgery or eat or drink anything after midnight. So any good advice?

Ok, here goes... They insert the cath while you are asleep. It will keep you from having to get up every few minutes, while being out of it on pain meds. I didn't even notice my cath much, except making sure I didn't catch it with my toes when I turned over. When it comes out, just take a deep breath & relax. For the next few days, when you need to use the bathroom, just sit & relax. It can take a little while to start with.

Getting ready for recovery, you want to make sure everything is situated to be easy to reach. You won't want to lift anything or do any twisting for the majority of the 6 weeks. Get some entertainment lined out. Have some books, DVD's, a light weight laptop, or small crafts within easy reach of your bed & recliner or sofa. Make sure you have Gas-X & Colace available.

Read through the forums, looking for lists of things to take to the castle, such as lip balm, peppermint candy, hugger pillow, and a few pads. The hospital will provide the lovely gowns, one of which can be worn backwards as a robe. For a 24 hour stay, stick with those instead of taking a chance of ruining your good ones with stains or having issues with IV's. Pack light because anything you take also goes home. Not nearly as much fun to take stuff home.

Make sure you have some easy fix foods in the freezer, or fast food restaurants on speed dial. Have some snacks like fresh fruit & juice, yogurt, pudding cups, or whatever you like handy. Most ladies don't have much of an appetite for a little while, but lots of small meals work well. I tend to dump water, so also had sports drinks waiting for me.

Plan to rest lots & walk often. You will be told by many that you only have one chance to heal properly. That is sound advice. Dust bunnies will wait for you.

Everyone here is super supportive, so feel free to ask anything & vent as needed. The only silly questions are the ones not asked.

All good advice from drafter29 so I'll just say God Bless you and send hugs and prayers your way from South Georgia.

Just had my surgery 4/18, and they've given you perfect advice! Dont worry about the Foley...when its time to come out you'll be ready- one deep breath and its all done. My recovery was longer - 4 total days in the hospital for my lsh bso, nut i had severe adenomyosis, lg cantalope size fibroids, and a 20 week size uterus. My surgery took 4.5 hours, and required 3 units of blood, but even with all of that my hospitalization was smooth and went quickly. Everyone will tell you to take it easy, rest, and don't overdo it. Believe them! It really does make all the difference! God bless you!