Op postponed due to illness Ahhhh!

Well I had myself all psyched up got my head around the whole idea then whamo come down with the flu on thursday. The op was scheduled for friday and I'm sick as a dog. the Dr's surgery said go in anyway which was a complete waste of time the anethetist took one look at me and said no way go home. So now I am home again feeling much better now and have rescheduled to go in on 7th September. Its kind of good really it gives me a week at home to get ready not that I have much energy but might try to cook a few big meals to freeze. Down side is I have had 3 "friends" tell me that I should be looking at alternatives. (which of course I have done for the last 4 years I think thats long enough!) I'm sure they mean well but it is really begining to bug me.
Do people really think that anone would have major surgery without really thinking about it?
I have a couple of ?s not sure if here is the right place but will put them here anyway.

I see a lot of mention about pillows taking them to the bathroom with you etc I know I'm naive but what is the pillow for?

Will I need maternity type knickers after the op the hospital was useless when I asked them they went on some rant about wearing pads???????

I have bought a heap of xl PJs with drawstrings but one friend said I wouldnt be able to wear them and should get nighties????? some advice please

Thanks for the well wishes I will read them all again this time next week!

Hi Hollyhocks2, I am sorry to hear about your flu episode, but I really don't think you would have felt up to anything worse while you were sick. It will be hard enough without fighting your immune system already. I have a small pillow to take to the hospital with me, and I intend to use it to place over my belly and incision area when I have to cough, sneeze, giggle etc. The pressure will help with not ripping out stitches and just make it more comfortable. A friend of mine just had a breast lumpectomy and used her pillow to place over her incision area when we were traveling on a bumpy road while camping. It just stabilizes the area a little more.

I'm not sure about the knickers thing, but have been informed there will be some bleeding and to come prepared with some pads. Sometimes the hospitals do not provide the pads with the adhesive, so we should probably bring our own.

I have also heard that larger size gowns would be better. We may not feel like wearing anything across our bellies, thus a gown or lighter robe may be better. I have a little cotton duster-type robe that is short and has snaps, and now I am thinking of getting a couple more of those for the hospital and at home. They would be better than the ugly hospital gowns, but still serve the purpose of covering me up better and if they have to check on the surgical area we could just unsnap that portion and still remain covered up on the top half. I'm thinking those would work great even for visitors in the room. Since I haven't had my surgery yet either, that is just what I have read and heard. This site has lots of valuable information and the sisters here are all wonderful. Don't be afraid to ask and get the help you need. Where else would be better to go for help than where others have gone before us? Blessings to you. Sharon

Thanks Sharon,
That has cleared up the pillow thing I shall endevour to find one before I go in to the Castle.
I think I might also look for a nighty or 2 I hadn't thought about the Dr looking at the op site etc. could be easier.
I have been reading this site and links all afternoon and have made a list of all the things I need to do b4 friday. may not get there but at least I will be better prepared this time.
Thanks again
Holly

I'm sorry that you are ill, I hope that you get better soon and your surgery can proceed


I had a tah/bso and had no need for pads. I used a panty liner for awhile for "just in case".
I had a bikini line incision and bought undies that were 2 sizes larger than usual and went to the waist to avoid hitting my incision. They worked very well. I did wear gowns for the first couple of weeks ( nothing underneath at first :blush . After that drawstring or soft elastic waisted pants worked well.

S

Good luck Holly. I never thought about the underwear thing either, but thanks Jeanus for the information. I guess those sticky pads in the hospital will need something to adhere to, at least while we are in the castle. Buying them a little bigger is good advice too. Are we really gonna be that much bigger than we are now? YUKKK!

Holly,
As of this writing you have made your trip to the castle. Thinking of you and praying all went well. I could not reply sooner as our internet went out of whack and am just now able to get back on.

If you have any advice for me, please feel free to pass it on as well. I only have 3 days to go, am getting a little bit more nervous as each day passes, but I am SOOOOOO ready for this to happen. After the initial recovery period, no more pain, periods or swelly belly. I am looking forward to some relief.

Best wishes.
Sharon

Hi sharon,
Just remeber to keep breathing. It was better than the appendix op I had 6 week ago I am home and feeling better already tired and a bit sore but glad that its all over. The hospital staff were all fantastic and doctors brilliant. the Kitchen staff were even great making me special Gluten free meals.
The only advice I dont think I have seen is go for the nighties any pants are too tight even size xl on a sm body I didnt bother too much about the modesty for the first 4 days nighty and no nickers I had vertually no discharge so that was ok I bought some really high waisted knickers which are ok now I was hoping to wear the really low waisted ones but I think that was a bit optomistic.
Good luck I hope your op goes as well as mine did.