Pre Op Done, A few lingering questions

My preop was done on Friday, surgery next friday. They took a few vials of blood and sat with me for an hour to explain the pre & post information. I have to use a douche the morning of surgery. When I get there I go to my PRIVATE SUITE. This hospital has a woman's center that is just for gyn stuff and each room is a private suite. Very happy to hear that! They want me there at 5:30am for a 7:30 surgery. I will change and get an enema and be shaved. NOT looking forward to that!

Ok, questions. I am having a TVH and leaving ovaries. Will I still have a swelly belly? Will I need a pillow for my belly even though there will be no external incision? I have two places that I can setup for my recovery. Would you suggest spending my time in bed or in my lazyboy recliner? I have no headboard right now so I am thinking it would be easier in the recliner. I am not too worried about the time spent in the hospital because I talked to my insurance company and they said there is no time limit, just however long the doctor thinks I need to be there.

I have to thank you all for helping me and answering questions. Most of the questions I had have been answered somewhere here and I think thats GREAT!

Thanks!!!
Keri

Hi!

Swelly belly - yes you will still probably have some. This is caused by the cutting and stitching that is done internally. Think sprained ankle - the body has to heal and some swelling just happens.

Tummy pillow - I never got the hang of one, I used my hands. Just place one on your abdomen and the other one over that one and press. Yes, your tummy is going to be tender, even with a TVH.

You're not going to be bedridden - yes you need to take it easy, and you're going to want to take naps, but you will be up and about everyday. I preferred to spend my days in the living room on the couch so I could be where the action was. I tried the recliner a couple of times but I had a problem getting the foot part down and hurt myself.

Best wishes!

I have to admit that I had very little problems at all. I had a TVH on 11-13-2002 and never had a swelly belly and didn't even spend one day in bed except the one in the hospital (less than 23 hours total). Now I agree the recliner didn't work, pushing in that foot part would hurt! I liked the couch but didn't spend much time there either. Anathesia and I don't get along, it wires me to the ceiling, so no napping for me! I walked, A LOT, and drank even more. Keep positive thoughts and do what is comfortable and you'll do great! Hope your recovery is as wonderful as mine has been...plus now I can plan vacations without looking at a calendar and counting and praying...

Good Luck...see you on the other side!