Well, 2 days til my first surgery (colon removal). Getting nervous. Not sure what to expect. Therefore I thought I would keep a count of my experience. Anyone having any advice or anything to add, let me know.
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Yes, good luck and Breath! Long, deep breaths...relax as best you can and enjoy some cherished moments with friends and loved ones.
Not sure of your personal situation but if you are alone make sure that when you come home everything is eaisily accessible, on counter tops and easy to reach.
No bending, stretching, climbing up step-stools to reach the soup, no pulling or pushing things or twisting behind you.
Velcro shoes or slip-ons. Jogging pants, warm sweaters, frozen soups and healthy foods...Stock up on peanut butter and bananas, rice and soup.
Have your pharmacist on speed dial with delivery set up.
Say yes to everyone who wants to bring you food and do errands for you.
Call in all of your chits if no one is offering.
Put an extra underpad on your mattress and steal a couple of those blue pads from the hospital to put under you when sleeping just in case (and change your sheets before going to the hospital..Too difficult afterwards.
Do laundry.
Just some random thoughts for you.
In my day it was record music, buy books and magazines and write letters...now it is bring your ipad with you.
so I wish you great luck and a quick recovery.
Sharon
Expect the unexpected! And get up and move.. Walk as soon as they let you. No matter how bad you feel. If you do.
Walk.. Walk... Walk....
Ask don't steal the pads. They gave me plenty when I had it done.
Sharon.... I know you meant it that way.
Good luck on your journey.
I've been there. Scarey before it happens.
Richard.
Yes, you are right Richard...ask nicely...
Sharon
Hahaha... I know what you meant Sharon. I borrowed all I knew they were going to throw away anyways. No use wasting the stuff. If there are pads in the room when you are fixing to leave and you don't take them they will just throw them away. That's a waste.
You give good advice. We all appreciate it.
Richard.
Ask for all the pain meds you can get and then some! Breath is the best advise and sleep. Make a pot of chicken soup. The Barefoot Contessa has a great one. I even bought a 24 quart pot to make it. Let it cook down and it's rich and tasty. My son loves it! Go food shopping now! Take a yoga class and relax. Worrying is not going to make it any better. Gook luck!
dianne
Those hospital issue bed pads are a godsend. I mean the ones made of padded fabric with a waterproof side. Before leaving the hospital I found out where the hospital got them. I went to the source, which was a mega laundry, and I purchased about 6 of them. It is thirteen years later and I still use them. They wash and dry beautifully and maintain their shape. They must have sold them to me at cost. They weren't very expensive at all! Best wishes!