pre-op suggestions

Can anyone give me pre-op suggestions on what to eat the day before, how to keep from catching the cold or flu, how to get my house ready?
Also, I have a little schnauzer that I am wondering if I need to put into some doggy daycare. I know DH will take the day off for my surgery, but I am not sure about the day after, and there won't be anyone home until DS and DD return at 3:30. I am not sure I will feel capable of walking her. When we aren't home, she can hold it until the kids get home, but if we are home, she wants to go outside. Any suggestions?
Ronda

Dear RRP,

I got back from the castle Nov 6. The following recommendations came from my GP, Surgeon, fellow Histersisters, and friends. It is not meant as medical advice, just a list of what worked for me. Everyone is different and can have different reactions.

My DH and I have been following a lo-carb eating plan for about a year and a half. We each have lost about 35 lbs, of course DH met his goal in about 3 months and I still have about 20 additional lbs to go, but am still making progress. I mention this only as a side line due to the extra fiber I needed.

I stopped eating red meat (a better description might be 4-legged meat, no pork, ect) a week before surgery. DH took me out to a steak house for a lovely dinner a week prior to surgery. The next 4 days I ate lots of salads, fish, chicken and turkey. For the next 2 days only liquid things, Atkins shakes (like Slim-fast shakes) pudding, soups and ice cream. For the 2 days prior to surgery only CLEAR liquids, broth, plain jello, tea.

I received literature from the hospital orientation to eat normally up to 24 hours prior to surgery and to have clear liquids up to 6 hours prior to surgery. My plan may have been a bit over board, but it worked for me. My surgery was at 3:30 in the afternoon, I was a little nauseous the next day and was able to take a shower after breakfast. The only down side was not halving a bowel movement with in 48 hours and my DD wanted me to have one before I left to make sure 'all was moving along'.. I tried to tell him that the gas (which was not as bad as I had feared) was moving just fine, but I ended up with some delicious milk of magnesia to get things going before I could get released. Then of course things got to moving a little too well, but enough said about that. You can use your imagination on that.

As for not catching a cold, I must have washed my hands about a hundred times a day. We have a a product called AIRborne it is like a fizzie table of vitimans, herbs and minerals. It is sold in drug stores usually in the cold medicine aisle. Everyone recommended extra vitiman C, Zinc and rest.

Good luck on your adventure and let us know how you do. Hugs, Kit831

Dear Kit,
Thanks for all of the help! I will check it all out.
Ronda

S

First off, don't take ANYTHING without checking with your DR first. Some herbs and supplements can have effects on blood clotting and other things, so please get the ok, or you could wind up having your surgery postponed, or worse.

Hand washing is the most effective way to prevent illness, also keep your hands away from you eyes and nose.

Unless your DR asks you to limit your diet the day before, eat nutritious food. Don't try to starve yourself thinking it will make bowel prep easier, or help with a BM after surgery. It won't, but it will make it tougher on your system by not having enough fuel.

The dog: hmmm, do you have a fenced yard? If not is there someone who can pop in in the middle of the day and take him out for you? Or do you have a chain for the dog that you can hook him to so he can get out and you don't have to worry about walking him or him running off? Otherwise, doggie day care may be a good option for a few days at least.

Best wishes!

The only pre-op advice I was given by the Dr was to do an enema the night before and to take the anti-emetic the night before and the morning of - and of course, nothing after midnight. I think that I will probably not eat anything too heavy the day before. Yes, I am worried about the bowel prep and about nausea and vomiting after surgery. The nausea and vomiting have made every day surgery I have had into an overnight stay. But, I have never had a drug the night before, so that might make a difference.
Concerning my dog, we live in an apt. But a friend did tell me today that she would be happy to check on me and the dog and the cat. So, I feel better about that. I reassured her that I would be fine. I really don't feel up to thinking I might have to entertain or even be polite to someone the day after.
Thanks, everyone!
Ronda