surgery tips

[lamblace]

i’m undergoing a surgery in december, my very first one actually. ><
 

any tips for the process? before, recovery, etc.? any ways to incorporate little things is much appreciated.

 

i don’t think i’m allowed to bring a stuffie during the surgery, even in the wake up recovery. i have to go home after an hour after waking up but i do have a ride. 

[MissAnna]

Ask if you can bring a stuffie for your surgery. Don't eat anything heavy the day before surgery. 

When you get home make sure rest, drink plenty of fluids, eat what they recommend or something light. The main thing is to rest, and don't push yourself to hard. 

I'm glad you have a ride and remember we are all here for you in your corner.

[NickyMoon]

Everything MissAnna said is exactly right. Also, make sure to dress comfortably for the day of. Getting dressed after surgery is already uncomfortable so comfy clothes are a necessity. 

[MissNMTX]

The main thing is just to try and relax before. Not being able to bring a stuffie makes sense... sterile environment and all.. maybe music or some sort of fidget device. Somewhere packed away I think I still have the hospital stuffies from when I had surgeries as a kid.

The main thing are too relax if you need pre op meds... ask for them,! And then a

After surgery follow the instructions explicitly. Not driving, pain meds, dietary instructions, follow ups, etc.

Basically, be a good girl, relax and do as your told.😂

[Lil_K47]

I had a hip replacement a few years ago. id recommend you make sure you wear something comfy, thats easy to get in and out of the day of surgery.  If there are any particular snacks and activities you like to do I would make sure that you put them in reach of where you're going to be camping out for your recovery, so that way you don't have to look for things! 

I have stairs at my house and I couldn't go up and down them right away,  so I bought myself a chair to put next to my bed so I'd have somewhere else to sit other than the bed. My brother came to stay with me for two months to help me out,  but I did make sure that I had like my favorite snacks that didn't need refrigerated close by. One of my girlfriends sent me a bunch of adult coloring books and stickers so I had those close by and some puzzle books. 

For me comfy jammies after I got home was a necessity! And any other creature comforts you like, make sure your stuffies are close, body lotions, etc

Definitely be sure to ask when it's OK to get in the shower after surgery.  not sure where your surgery is at but you may need to get yourself some like glad press and seal to put over your incision if you have one so you can shower.

Good luck with your surgery! 

[lamblace]

16 minutes ago, MissAnna said:

Ask if you can bring a stuffie for your surgery. Don't eat anything heavy the day before surgery. 

When you get home make sure rest, drink plenty of fluids, eat what they recommend or something light. The main thing is to rest, and don't push yourself to hard. 

I'm glad you have a ride and remember we are all here for you in your corner.

thank you!

 

i’ll stock up on some light foods before then. 

[lamblace]

7 minutes ago, NickyMoon said:

Everything MissAnna said is exactly right. Also, make sure to dress comfortably for the day of. Getting dressed after surgery is already uncomfortable so comfy clothes are a necessity. 

ahh, good point, thank you!

[lamblace]

3 minutes ago, MissNMTX said:

The main thing is just to try and relax before. Not being able to bring a stuffie makes sense... sterile environment and all.. maybe music or some sort of fidget device. Somewhere packed away I think I still have the hospital stuffies from when I had surgeries as a kid.

The main thing are too relax if you need pre op meds... ask for them,! And then a

After surgery follow the instructions explicitly. Not driving, pain meds, dietary instructions, follow ups, etc.

Basically, be a good girl, relax and do as your told.😂

haha, thank you and most definitely gotta listen to the docs. fidget toys are a good idea, especially on a long ride home.

[lamblace]

4 minutes ago, Lil_K47 said:

I had a hip replacement a few years ago. id recommend you make sure you wear something comfy, thats easy to get in and out of the day of surgery.  If there are any particular snacks and activities you like to do I would make sure that you put them in reach of where you're going to be camping out for your recovery, so that way you don't have to look for things! 

I have stairs at my house and I couldn't go up and down them right away,  so I bought myself a chair to put next to my bed so I'd have somewhere else to sit other than the bed. My brother came to stay with me for two months to help me out,  but I did make sure that I had like my favorite snacks that didn't need refrigerated close by. One of my girlfriends sent me a bunch of adult coloring books and stickers so I had those close by and some puzzle books. 

For me comfy jammies after I got home was a necessity! And any other creature comforts you like, make sure your stuffies are close, body lotions, etc

Definitely be sure to ask when it's OK to get in the shower after surgery.  not sure where your surgery is at but you may need to get yourself some like glad press and seal to put over your incision if you have one so you can shower.

Good luck with your surgery! 

i’m glad you had help during your recovery and a sweet friend. 🥹 lots of good advices, thank you! 

[NR_Daddy]

As a veteran of around 10 surgeries, I'd say a lot depends on the type of surgery and in what area of your body it's taking place. 

I've had key hole surgery as well as open surgery, and keyhole is less invasive and quicker to recover from. Follow the prohibitions of eating and drinking prior to your surgery as you would have been told.

Think about what limitations you will have after surgery. It may be that you are immobilised or unable to do some things for yourself following your surgery. I was unable to use one arm/hand following most of mine as I was in a sling for shoulder surgery, so was unable to open bottles and packets of food and shower and dress. I was lucky that I had a friend who came every day for a few weeks and helped me with these things. You're not supposed to get the incision area wet following surgery, so might have to wash at the bathroom sink until it's healed. It's to prevent wound infection.

You would usually need dressing changes and either to go to see your doctor for this, or might have home visits for that. Visits to a physiotherapist following surgery might be necessary, so you might need to go to those unless home visits are scheduled.

It would also be worth making sure your cupboards are stocked with groceries so you don't have to go for them for at least a week. You might not feel like going out even if you are not immobilised. It may be you might need a friend to get a few things for you if you are not up to it, so would be worth having a bit of cash at home if you need that. Easy to prepare or pre-prepared meals might be useful for you for the first few days, or longer if you are immobilised. I also made sure my home was clean and tidy, all my laundry was done, and that I had fresh bedding change before my surgery as it made life easier afterward.

I know some of these things might seem a little strange to consider before hand, but sometimes you just don't feel up to them after, and it also keeps you busy so reduces any anxieties you might have about your procedure.

I hope these help you, and I'm sure everything will be fine. Doctors and anaesthetists are highly trained and used to dealing with nervious patients. You should tell them if you are feeling like that so they can offer reassurances if needed.

Edited October 19 by NR_Daddy

[lamblace]

2 hours ago, NR_Daddy said:

As a veteran of around 10 surgeries, I'd say a lot depends on the type of surgery and in what area of your body it's taking place. 

I've had key hole surgery as well as open surgery, and keyhole is less invasive and quicker to recover from. Follow the prohibitions of eating and drinking prior to your surgery as you would have been told.

Think about what limitations you will have after surgery. It may be that you are immobilised or unable to do some things for yourself following your surgery. I was unable to use one arm/hand following most of mine as I was in a sling for shoulder surgery, so was unable to open bottles and packets of food and shower and dress. I was lucky that I had a friend who came every day for a few weeks and helped me with these things. You're not supposed to get the incision area wet following surgery, so might have to wash at the bathroom sink until it's healed. It's to prevent wound infection.

You would usually need dressing changes and either to go to see your doctor for this, or might have home visits for that. Visits to a physiotherapist following surgery might be necessary, so you might need to go to those unless home visits are scheduled.

It would also be worth making sure your cupboards are stocked with groceries so you don't have to go for them for at least a week. You might not feel like going out even if you are not immobilised. It may be you might need a friend to get a few things for you if you are not up to it, so would be worth having a bit of cash at home if you need that. Easy to prepare or pre-prepared meals might be useful for you for the first few days, or longer if you are immobilised. I also made sure my home was clean and tidy, all my laundry was done, and that I had fresh bedding change before my surgery as it made life easier afterward.

I know some of these things might seem a little strange to consider before hand, but sometimes you just don't feel up to them after, and it also keeps you busy so reduces any anxieties you might have about your procedure.

I hope these help you, and I'm sure everything will be fine. Doctors and anaesthetists are highly trained and used to dealing with nervious patients. You should tell them if you are feeling like that so they can offer reassurances if needed.

thank you for the advices! 

cleaning beforehand is a really good idea. i’ll definitely consult the medical team about every worry during the pre-op appointment too. 

[Faelin]

I've only had 2, but they were both in the last year, everything here that others have said are 100% good advice.  Just know that your job after the surgery is to just rest and heal. Listen and follow what the surgeon says. They've done this a million times. You've got this and we're here for you too! 

[shadowrider]

 A lot of solid advice so far.

 I've had my share plus over the years and the one thing doctors tend to forget to mention was told to me by a physical therapist. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine products, including vaping. Good advice anyway but they can reduce the body's ability to heal effectively. If you need coffee or tea go decaf. If you need a coke grab a sprite instead. 

 Take it easy and don't try to rush the healing process.

[lillizzie24]

Bring a stuffie friend with u. If u are staying in the hospital bring a special blankie to cover up with. When I had my thyroid removed I brought a small quilt my mom used that her friends quilted and had encouraging messages. It was well used but comforting. Put your favorite music on a tablet or phone to listen before going in. 

[lamblace]

4 hours ago, Faelin said:

I've only had 2, but they were both in the last year, everything here that others have said are 100% good advice.  Just know that your job after the surgery is to just rest and heal. Listen and follow what the surgeon says. They've done this a million times. You've got this and we're here for you too! 

i appreciate it, thank you!

[lamblace]

3 hours ago, shadowrider said:

 A lot of solid advice so far.

 I've had my share plus over the years and the one thing doctors tend to forget to mention was told to me by a physical therapist. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine products, including vaping. Good advice anyway but they can reduce the body's ability to heal effectively. If you need coffee or tea go decaf. If you need a coke grab a sprite instead. 

 Take it easy and don't try to rush the healing process.

thank you! giving up caffeine will be hard but it makes sense to drop it. i never knew sprite would be better for you caffeine wise than coke!

[lamblace]

25 minutes ago, lillizzie24 said:

Bring a stuffie friend with u. If u are staying in the hospital bring a special blankie to cover up with. When I had my thyroid removed I brought a small quilt my mom used that her friends quilted and had encouraging messages. It was well used but comforting. Put your favorite music on a tablet or phone to listen before going in. 

aww, the quilt with the nice messages is so sweet. ❤️ definitely gonna have some uplifting music on before going. 

[sheepie uwu]

Looking back, these are things I wish I'd known;

When staff is giving you directions during transport, trust them and do it. If you're having a panic attack, let them know- but this could delay treatment if you're not already where needed. Be easy on yourself if you have a breakdown and just have it. Hospital staff has seen it all, so as long as you're compliant/polite, you're not causing them extra stress by being there or asking things. If you're able to have a visitor, phone, stuffie afterwards, have them.

Wishing you a speedy, safe recovery~

[lamblace]

9 hours ago, sheepie uwu said:

Looking back, these are things I wish I'd known;

When staff is giving you directions during transport, trust them and do it. If you're having a panic attack, let them know- but this could delay treatment if you're not already where needed. Be easy on yourself if you have a breakdown and just have it. Hospital staff has seen it all, so as long as you're compliant/polite, you're not causing them extra stress by being there or asking things. If you're able to have a visitor, phone, stuffie afterwards, have them.

Wishing you a speedy, safe recovery~

thank you so much! agreed that communication is important with the staff.

[Faelin]

after my gallbladder surgery and they kept me in the hospital I was allowed to have my stuffy and iPad and there was a tv in the room, it was playing cartoons the entire time 

[lamblace]

1 hour ago, Faelin said:

after my gallbladder surgery and they kept me in the hospital I was allowed to have my stuffy and iPad and there was a tv in the room, it was playing cartoons the entire time 

that sounds like a good time! i love when hospitals have cartoons up, they just know it helps with recovery!