Items Needed Pre-Op & Tasks Per My Surgeon

The only pre-operative item that I needed was the CLn BodyWash. This used to come as a prescription but I was told that it was cheaper to buy it from my surgeon but I did find the same product on the internet a little cheaper.  I was instructed to shower the two nights preceding surgery and the morning of surgery using the foam cleanser.  Its purpose is to help thoroughly clean the skin to help eliminate bacteria which will minimize the chance of getting an infection following surgery.  Obviously, it's a preventative measure.

 

Other pre-operative tasks included:

• Purchase all post-operative items before surgery including all prescriptions
• Put clean sheets on the bed the night before
• Nothing to eat/drink after 9 PM the night prior
• Wear clean clothes to surgery - I don't  know why someone would shower with a body cleanser for three days only to put on dirty clothes the final day but I guess there are those exceptions.
• Take the prescribed anti-nausea pill an hour prior to surgery with a minimal amount of water
• Robe - to put on following surgery along with the T.E.D hose (compression stockings) I brought a button up shirt, robe and slippers even though I wore a T-shirt, shorts and flip flops to the surgeon's clinic.
• Men's t-shirts - to wear under the binder following surgery
• Bring the other prescriptions along with the person who will be driving you home and caring for you the first 2 days following surgery so directions of those meds can be discussed as well as the care regarding the bulb and drainage tube along with discussion of the removal of the Foley catheter that will be worn home and need to be removed the morning following surgery.
• No tea for 2 weeks prior - Since I'm posting the blog after the fact, I literally drank nothing but water for a month.
• No hormone pills for 2 weeks prior along with a list of medicine OTC or RX to avoid for two weeks because they could cause clotting although I was told I could still take my BP RX

Of course each patient's tasks will heavily depend on your surgeon and his or her quirks.  The above were my to-dos.  Some TT patients will have their surgery performed on an out-patient basis, others will have an overnight stay in the hospital following.  I had my surgery performed at my surgeon's clinic which had a surgical wing to include a surgical room as well as a recovery room for an overnight stay if needed. Typically the recovery room is utilized when there are several procedures being performed.

Other things I did to prepare for recovery included cleaning house like a mad woman. I made sure to have plenty of groceries to last for some time. I put a chair in my bathroom to sit on when needed. A TV tray was purchased to place by the couch to put the remotes, my Kindle, my cell phone, my prescriptions and bottled water to take said meds along with any other items I might need within arm's reach. I also plugged my computer in near the couch I would be making my nest in the upcoming weeks.  

I literally only slept in my bed less than a handful of times within the first 4 weeks. You don't realize how much you use your abdominal muscles until you're unable to use them.  I probably could have returned back to the bedroom after a couple weeks but it was more comfortable getting up from the couch than trying to rotate, shift and lift my body from the bed.  Now, 5 weeks (today) into the healing process I prefer the bed because it elongates my body and I feel it encourages the whole walking upright position.  

This morning walking to the office from the car was the first day that I actually felt like I was at 100% walking with my shoulders back and with good posture. Yes, finally! 

Even with the tightness, I'm able to do it without effort.  I really thought this day was never going to get here. So much so, I'd have some minimal anxiety when I couldn't straighten my torso or struggled to take a good deep breath.

Just to give you an idea of the feeling, take a 6 inch piece of material and pull each end, one away from the other, until the material is taut.  Good.  Now, pull it even tighter.  If you could actually imagine the material as your belly at it's tightest, that's how it feels following surgery and remains as you try to walk erect. I found it very frustrating to say the least.