1 day away
I think we've ALL done some sort of prep - and it affects everyone differently.
I understand your apprehension, but it's going to be great and you'll be on the bench here with us in no time.
The morning of, you'll check in, and when they call you back, they'll have you change into a fashionable hospital gown, slippers, etc., they'll start an IV for surgery (NOTE: IF YOU'RE REALLY UPTIGHT, TELL THEM, THEY CAN GIVE YOU SOME XANAX OR SOMETHING SIMILAR - DON'T BE A HERO!), the nurses will talk to you, the anesthesiologist will talk to you, and probably pretty close to surgery time, your surgeon will probably pop in to say hello and let whomever is with you know that he/she will be out to talk to them once you're in recovery. You'll stay in recovery for a while as you awaken, I'm guessing you'll be on a pain pump, and once you're awake enough, the recovery room nurse will tell you to either tell them if you're experiencing pain, or again, if you're on a pain pump, they'll tell you how to operate it - it's simple.
Again, don't be a hero - use the pain meds. Once they have you up and walking around, walk as much as you possibly can. It will help with any gas you have - again, that differs with everyone. Once they start you on ice chips, liquids, etc., you'll think you've died and gone to heaven.
The experience is different for everyone, but I can't think of anyone who didn't survive the first six weeks, which are generally the worst period, and gone on to say it was the best thing they ever did and how they wish they'd done it sooner!!!
Hang in there and good luck! Good thoughts and prayers coming your way!!
Hugs,
Tia
I understand your apprehension, but it's going to be great and you'll be on the bench here with us in no time.
The morning of, you'll check in, and when they call you back, they'll have you change into a fashionable hospital gown, slippers, etc., they'll start an IV for surgery (NOTE: IF YOU'RE REALLY UPTIGHT, TELL THEM, THEY CAN GIVE YOU SOME XANAX OR SOMETHING SIMILAR - DON'T BE A HERO!), the nurses will talk to you, the anesthesiologist will talk to you, and probably pretty close to surgery time, your surgeon will probably pop in to say hello and let whomever is with you know that he/she will be out to talk to them once you're in recovery. You'll stay in recovery for a while as you awaken, I'm guessing you'll be on a pain pump, and once you're awake enough, the recovery room nurse will tell you to either tell them if you're experiencing pain, or again, if you're on a pain pump, they'll tell you how to operate it - it's simple.
Again, don't be a hero - use the pain meds. Once they have you up and walking around, walk as much as you possibly can. It will help with any gas you have - again, that differs with everyone. Once they start you on ice chips, liquids, etc., you'll think you've died and gone to heaven.
The experience is different for everyone, but I can't think of anyone who didn't survive the first six weeks, which are generally the worst period, and gone on to say it was the best thing they ever did and how they wish they'd done it sooner!!!
Hang in there and good luck! Good thoughts and prayers coming your way!!
Hugs,
Tia