Help, going to surgery!

Yes it is okay to be scared

Yes it is okay to be scared and uncertain, but DO NOT do not dwell on this. You WILl get through this time. 

First surgery? Things no one tells you:

Surgeon uses this GAS to raise your abdominal wall so he/she can SEE.  It gets trapped in places in your body, like in your shoulder. Its not pathological, just trapped and that hurts. For me, ( I have had 4 abm surgeries) its painful, but knowing its benign and not that something is wrong helps.

ICE incisions/esp over the largest one which still is relatively small if you have a laproscopic surgery. i had to BEG to get ice, so the only person who got me ice was the PT therapist who took a glove and packed ice cubes in it.

ICE reduces the swelling=less pain!! I used dry ice packs once home and put it inside my lumbar wrap but over my underwear. It helped tremendously.

LUMBAR WRAP used for back pain. I have used it for any area I have sore, or spasming muscles. It helps you get UP from sitting or laying down. Wore it to be first week. Helped a lot!

Yes, you will be tiried, your insides are healing. DO NOT RUSH this healing.

You may start to feel better week 2 or after, and may want to do more than you are ready for.

Told NOT to exercise, even on my Gazelle, for 30 days. YOU ARE HEALING inside.

Pain meds constipate you. So drink water and foods with fiber and wean off best you can as soon as you can. 

You may end up anemic. i had to beg my surgeon to test me and sure enough I was anemic. (not all will be though) SLOW FE is found over the counter. Built up my system helped me regain strength and fight fatigue. 

Any other questions, I will be glad to help. 

Again, we're here for you. And.. you WILL GET through this like a trooper!

Sending you calm, serenity with healing hugs, 

Jan

Best wishes Amber

The first few weeks post-op were the worst for me, more because of the weakness than the pain in my case.  Follow Jan's advice about the lumbar wrap.  It really helped me a lot (altho I wasn't on this site till a few years after my surgery).  Wish I'd found this site much sooner, it's been such a source of inspiration and knowledge.  I had hauntings after my surgery with every ache & pain, especially around the anniversary of the finding.  By the third year my husband had suggested finding a blog or seeking counseling.  I did both, although I only went to a counselor twice but this site has been  the best therapy I could ask for.  Everyone here knows firsthand exactly what I'm talking about or feeling or experiencing and that's invaluable.

I'll keep you in my prayers and please keep us posted on your outcome.  God Bless,

Donna~