Surgery

[Bridgesofmaddison]

After a long wait I have suddenly been told pre op is on Wednesday 9th September and surgery on 15th in Edinburgh a 3.5 hour drive away .

I am now in a complete panic and wonder does anyone have any tips about what I should pack to help after surgery. And what should I look out for and prepare myself for. For example how bad will my eye be affected and what should I be asking doctors?

Many thanks.

[SJa2020]

Hi there all the v best. I am presuming the op is for AN to be removed or for some surgical procedure. Will let others who have had these, reply with the specifics.

I’ve had a no of ops & from that can suggest the following:

1. Take a deep breath! Going calmer will help you & your body. Maybe just words but say to yourself - “you’ve got the date now, ALL will be fine - We are getting it sorted!

Now the practical bits

2. Take easy night shirts or pyjamas to wear in the hospital. It helps to have two separates & possibly shirt type for ease of changes. Oh & a medium dressing gown.

3. Knowing UK weather (& you are in beautiful but colder Scotland) pack warm socks & zip jacket/sweaters.

But with hospitals some are v . Warm so if you feel the heat more a lighter pyjama/ nightshirt version too.

4. Towels, toiletries etc

5. Writing material - pen & paper.

6. Easily wearable but sturdy slippers

7. Water bottle, straws - helps in sipping drinks when you are in bed!

8. Facial wipes, creams to pamper yourself after surgery ?

9. With current Covid - antiseptic gels, sprays & masks

All the v best. The above is possibly v basic & I may have misunderstood. For Hints on things more specific to the op will let others respond!

I maybe a bit jealous as I don’t know as yet the cause for my Intense pain, dizziness, odd walk etc - over 2 months now! Getting seen, the diagnosis, the treatment - all stages in this journey. You have gone through most! So bravo & all the best! TC

[Bridgesofmaddison in reply to SJa2020]

Thank you so much for taking time to reply. Your suggestions are really helpful and have helped me focus and get on with my own list. Wouldn’t have thought about a water bottle. Yes surgery is for AN removal .

All the very best to you for your next steps. The symptoms all sound very familiar. Hope all goes well and you get sorted soon.

[ism20]

Of course it is natural to be nervous and anxious ahead the procedure, but the most important thing to do now that your surgery date has been confirmed, is to keep calm (I’m a real fan of meditation apps such as Headspace and Calm) and to keep yourself busy and distracted until then. Lean on family and friends when you feel the need to speak to someone - don’t bottle up emotions and let them fester. I have every faith that your procedure will go smoothly and it will mark the beginning of your next chapter - AN free (yay!).

Wishing you all the best for the procedure and your recovery. Keep us posted with how it goes.

[Stevie1888]

Congratulations, I've been waiting on my surgery for 3 yrs now, live in Elgin so if was chosen for Edinburgh travel time would be similar. I agree with what others say.... Good luck and best wishes.... 👍👍

[Bridgesofmaddison in reply to Stevie1888]

Thank you. Hope you get something done soon too

[Teashop]

Hi there l to had phone yesterday to say pre op on 18 sept operation on 1st October .my op was cancelled for march 19.just chill and put you trust in the surgeon all will be well.l will just go with the flow.sending you love and peace

[Bridgesofmaddison]

Good you got your date after being cancelled. I think that’s the best way just go with the flow and put ourselves in their hands. Wishing you all the very best with your op

[Teashop in reply to Bridgesofmaddison]

Thanks you to 👍