Surgery: What do you know now that you wish you knew before?

[flyingdumbo127]

Prayers and hugs, Bsmcneil, thinking of youNot surgery but even for a few days hospital or rehab stay, my lightweight backpack has been an amazing help to me. Just make sure you are able to easily reach any bag or perhaps put a waist pack around table or chair legs to secure it and then place higher. I also used a shoelace to tie a bag to a hospital table. Wishing you a smooth surgery and recovery. Remember we all care

 

[JoanneAZ]

Never leave your phone or any other valuable (like glasses or a tablet) item in your bed, your gown pocket, or on your meal tray. If it isn’t caught before sheets/gowns/trays go down to linen and/or the kitchen it’s likely you’ll never see it again.

If you’re bad with questions have someone in your life (or even those of us here) help you. Write the questions down, start before you go in for your procedure. If you can’t bring yourself to ask them have your friend/family member ask for you. You can also hand the paper to the doctor or nurse. Doctors often come to see their patients early in the morning. I know I’m not well put together at 6 or 7am. Ask the basics: when can I shower, when can I drive, what activities are not okay, etc.

If you smoke or vape don’t do it on the day of surgery and try not to start up again afterwards, it really can affect your recovery after anesthesia.

Make sure you are given discharge instructions including info about your meds in writing. You may think you’ll remember but it’s best to have materials to reference for you and any care givers you may have.

As someone else said if physical therapy is ordered, do it. PT can be so beneficial to your recovery after anesthesia even if the exercises seem simple. Ask if you should or are allowed to do the exercises at home, too.

 

[Living42Day]

I've had two major surgeries this year, then one with twilight anesthesia. I had one where they gave me some type of anxiety medicine, the other they did not (different surgery, different surgeon).

I think I preferred the gyn surgery with the anxiety medicine, as the last thing I remember is going into the surgery suite and the surgeon rubbing my feet and telling me I'm in good hands and to relax. I had told him I was a bit nervous in my last appointment so they waited to prep me until I was completely out. He is such a nice guy.

The second one, they didn't wait until I was knocked out before my gown was partially disrobed from the bottom half. Kind of didn't appreciate that, at least let me peacefully pass out to feel like I maintained dignity! That one, I had pretty severe nausea afterwards so just keep in mind that is possible depending on how you respond to the meds they give.

I woke up from the twilight anesthesia and asked what they gave me, the nurse anesthetist responded they gave me fentanyl and propofol. I laughed and said I hope I don't do the fenty fold (an unfortunate effect of smoking blues). I think she thought I was serious lol!

 

[Tuffcookie]

HYDRATE before surgery! I had foot surgery in May of 2024. I have stage 3a kidney function. The anesthesia affects your kidneys if you are not hydrated enough, before going to surgery, It took my kidney numbers (egfr) approximately 9 months to get back up to where they were pre-surgery.

 

[irlandaise]

- Get yourself a package of lollipops. If you have a tube down your throat, which you probably will, you may have a sore throat afterward.

Or popsicles! They're even better at relieving sore throats. The hospital should have some for when you're there, but have a package at home, too.

 

[Jonnnyap]

There is some great advice above - taking pain meds on a regular schedule to keep ahead and let your body avoid stress, take time to recover and let yourself heal, be your own advocate and ask questions (and hopefully have someone there to assist on your behalf), etc. But I'll add that you should stay off work/email at least for a few days; with medication, you might not make the best decisions or be mentally ready, even if you feel like this would help pass the time. I made the mistake of thinking I was OK to return for some "light work emails" after surgery, and it caused more problems with misinterpretations and me not making complete sense. So take the time you need to recover and stay off email - work or personal. It'll all be there in a few days when the surgery/medication has abated a bit.

And since this is a Disney board, I'd recommend scheduling a Disney trip for post-recovery when you feel up for it. That'll give you something positive to look forward to!

Hope it goes well for you and you have peace and recover well.

 

[irlandaise]

And since this is a Disney board, I'd recommend scheduling a Disney trip for post-recovery when you feel up for it. That'll give you something positive to look forward to!

Best advice yet!

 

[easyas123]

I kept a pillow in the car, too, to hold under my chest.

This 100%. I had major surgery and a pillow in the car to help was a lifesaver. I've heard others say much the same about abdominal surgery. And I can't stress this enough, PT. Do the PT. Get up, walk around. Move as directed by your care team. The difference in doing or not doing the PT is night & day in terms of recovery (in my opinion).