Hey all! I am preparing for my first surgery on Nov 7th. For those of you who had laparoscopic/robotic surgeries, what tubes did you wake up with connected to your body? I know a catheter is a given and I’m assuming maybe some drains? Just curious what to expect and I want to prepare my husband.
Thanks!
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I had a catheter and a drain. I had the laparoscopic/robotic surgery. The catheter was no big deal when it was removed, but the drain was more painful to take out. They do it quickly!
I had a drain and a nasal gastric tube (tube that went through nose to stomach) for most of my many surgeries. There were a few where I didn't have the tube. I always get nauseous after surgery and one time I didn't have the tube I was vomiting like crazy . Not too fun or even good after our surgeries! They use these during surgery, and the surgeon had it removed. But sadly, they had to put a tube back IN when I was conscious and I wouldn't wish that on anybody.
On subsequent surgeries I learned a bit. (This is just for me.) I tell them to please not remove the tube after surgery until I've past the worst of the vomiting. Yes that means having an NG tube in your nose for a while. BUT IMHO, way better than vomiting and have it put back in. Not an easy thing for the nurses or the patient to go through
One of the reasons I think I was extra nauseous was because of caffeine withdrawals! I was drinking about three cups a day and the withdrawals caused me pretty bad headaches which made me nauseous. I'd highly recommending tapering off from caffeine for weeks before a surgery for those that may have an issue. Literally, Cleveland Clinic gave me caffeine in my IV to help.
Best wishes!
