I am SO not prepared.....HELP!!!

[cathy]

Help help help! I know I have read lists of things to get to prepare for surgery - but thought I would have time to search for them and read thru them leisurely!!! Now I'm freaking out just a little!!!

Please - - what are the BARE MINIMUM things I should do? I meet with the surgeon in 2 hours, have pre-op at the hospital tomorrow, and surgery around 10:30am Thursday.

My husband will be with me - - and my mom and dad will probably insist on coming up (they love me, what can I say?)

ARG - wouldn't you know it? I started this morning - - - what a time for TOM! (Boys, cover your ears if you are easily embarrassed - -- can you wear tampons into surgery?)

[Idahobeauty]

Cathy, I guess first things first. I would suspect that they would want you to wear a pad in for surgery. I don't know the reason but that is usually the requirement. I would also stock up on liquids, liquid tylenol, a pillow for the ride home, some dvd's for entertainment while you are down and make sure you get some popcicles, sugar free of course. I am still eating popcicles today...LOL. If I can think of anything else I will post again. Best of luck to you.

[Tricia K.]

Here's a great thread by Sara that helps people prepare for surgery.

Preparation suggestions for surgery (http://www.band2gether.net/showthread.php?t=37)

[Alicia521]

Get some gas-x because you may be pretty gassy after surgery. I sure was. I also had to wear lose clothing and things with elastic waist because my incision sites were pretty sore. You may want to make sure you have enough comfy stuff to wear. Good luck!

[Mrs Sabre]

Cathy, congratulations! Did you get insurance approval?

I found that a heating pad on my tummy after surgery felt very soothing. Please keep us posted! I'm excited for you! :D

[Kathy]

A flat pillow to lay over your tummy in the hospital, on the way home, and at home. Very comfy. Comfy clothes, chicken broth, popsicles, jello to melt and sip all warm and liquidy (yummm), let's see...you'll be fine!!!!! Don't panic! You have us! :)

[cathy]

Thanks guys!

And Kathy - your comment gave me a warm fuzzy! It is so nice to know I have this great group to turn to!!!

Surgery is a go!!! Thursday Feb 8th at 10:30am!

[Kathy]

awwww, warm fuzzies! :love:

No tampons in surgery. I forgot to mention that. I heard about one girl who wore a tampon anyway and when she woke up, the tampon was out and she had a pad on. They aren't kidding. So if you don't want some poor nurse taking out your tampon while you are under anesthesia, wear a pad. :) Did that distract you from your panic?! :lol:

[Diva]

Cathy,
You'll do great! Do not worry. About anything. I'm sure your doc or hospital gave you some info on what not to eat and that sort of stuff. When in doubt call your doc and ask his staff.
Other than that, bring the pillow, wear sweats and have liquids ready for you at home. Anything that you may usually drink cold, keep at room temp.
Let us know how you feel. And yes, you do have us to turn to. We will be thinking of you.

[JudyBellyBand]

:cheer2: Cathy,
I am so-o-o happy for you. It's going to be fine. But read Sara's great list that Trisia K referenced above. The link is: Preparation suggestions for surgery (http://www.band2gether.net/showthread.php?t=37)

THURSDAY . . super, super news!
:jaw:

[kebsa]

:whoo: :whoo: :whoo: :whoo: :whoo: Congratulations Cathy- My first thought was to suggest that You "take a deep breath" and don't panic- the others have all made great suggestions, try and calm down a bit! you are where you wanted to be. Where you have jumped through so many hoops to be!!- try and enjoy it at least a bit- It is a big victory. It is natural to be nervous before any surgery and to feel "i'm not ready for this" that is the the minds self preservation/fear of the unkown kicking in. Just take more deep breaths and think of your longer term goals now
<<Hugs>>

one more thing, remember 503's post of mantra "sip sip sip, walk, sip sip sip, walk, sip sip sip walk"

[cathy]

Ok - - question - - - people saying "wear a pad" - - - do you get to wear panties to surgery?!?!?!?!

[Kathy]

Tell the nurse, she'll get you those lovely mesh things to wear. :rolleyes:

[kebsa]

they used to say "nothing under the gown" but these days it is ok to keep panties on for most surgeries.

[Stitchy]

I think the bare necessities are covered here.

Wear super soft comfy clothes. Think sweats, here. And forget the bra.
Get your prescription filled ahead of time.
Some liquids to drink for a day or two. You'll be able to get the store quickly.
Heating pad was a comfort.
Pillow for the ride home, but you may not need it.
Liquid tylenol and gas-x but you may not need them
Lots of pillow to prop around you at night.Good luck.