Help with surgery preparations

[DevAsha]

Hi lovely ladies,

I’ll try keeping my story short. I have stage 4 endometriosis , fibroids, adenomyosis within the uterus lining, bilateral ovarian cysts. I’m 39 now. I was diagnosed in 2018 for fibroids first and in 2020 with endometriosis but been suffering from it from a number of years.I had a laparoscopic intervention in August 2020 for fibroid removal as I had been experiencing problems in urination and lower abdominal pain but due to the extensive nature of endometriosis I was referred to Bristol. I had frequent discussions with my consultant regarding surgical aspects and have also seen fertility specialist who have mentioned that prospects of fertility are not good at all as my egg reserves are next to nil. The consultants have been understanding and supportive. I have decided to have excision of lesions, cyst removal instead of drainage and fibroid removal. I have finally got the date for my surgery which is in beginning of July. It’s a multidisciplinary team approach for my surgery. I’m on my own as I got divorced a while back and I don’t have any children. I’ve got supportive friends who have offered to help in whichever way possible.

I would really appreciate any tips or preparations that I should bear in mind around my surgery time/ before and after?

Any suggestions would be helpful 😊

[AlexaMac]

Hi, l see you may have concerns. But, l had a partial hysterectomy in December followed by the completion in March.

It was laparoscopy so first time 3 small incisions the second time 4 incisions to complete as they found a tumour in my womb lining at the first procedure.

Preparation is not difficult, if you are working l would say give yourself 3 or say days off before you go in, pack what you would normally have for a casual holiday plus bathroom necessities. Sanitary towels are necessary as you may have a slight bleed when you wake for a few days. Do not use talcum powder or lotions on your skin the day you go in, and no spray perfumes or deodorants. 2 nightdresses, slippers, lightweight dressing gown. If you are a light sleeper you might like an eye mask as lights are on 24 hours.

You can also take an iPad and phone and their chargers as there will be electric points above your bedside cabinet, do remember your chargers 🤗

If you would like anymore tips don’t hesitate to reply, wishing you well on your journey to health

Alexa 🌸🌸🌸

[DevAsha in reply to AlexaMac]

Hi Alexa, that’s very kind of you. Your tips are really helpful and i shall bear those things in mind. I shall be in touch if I need any further guidance.

Thankyou😊

[Bepatient22 in reply to AlexaMac]

Take care I wish you speedy recovery best wishes

[Cailleach]

Re preparing for surgery - I live on my own and have had surgery a number of times. I would say, get your house clean, clean sheets on the bed and laundry done in advance. Taking a day or two off work in advance might be a good idea.

Shop for easy to cook stuff that can go in the freezer like ready meals, or if you are into batch cooking do that. Anything that will be tasty and quick to prepare for after your surgery. A few treats can help. Personally I find that after surgery I am not very hungry for a few days, so tasty snacks are good.

If you have helpful friends, don’t be afraid to ask for the help you really need, not just what they suggest. They want to help but they can’t always guess what you need!

In hospital - take comfy clothes that will be easy to put on after surgery, for coming home. Nighties and knickers for on the ward, with a lightweight dressing gown or even a cardigan to go over the nightie. I find hospital food unappetising so taking a few snack bars or something like that can help if you didn’t fancy the meal.

I hope you have a good result from your surgery x

[DevAsha in reply to Cailleach]

Thankyou Cailleach, that’s very thoughtful of you to share. 👍

[Amyrebecca246]

Also I would make sure you stock up on painkillers (just paracetamol/ibuprofen) for post op, possibly some dressings too (they only gave me one change and I needed them a bit after). I brought some jogging bottoms and loose clothes for the weeks after as I found my usual go to jeans sat across my incisions. I also brought some drinks into hospital as well as nibbles to keep me going. I had lots of things to keep me amused whilst recovering - music, games, colouring, wordsearches, cross stitch kits, etc. And got everything I needed on a side table next to the sofa so I wasn't constantly getting up and down.

[DevAsha in reply to Amyrebecca246]

Thankyou Amyrebecca for the tips. I shall ensure bearing these things in mind😊.How long do they usually let you stay in hospital post surgery?

[Amyrebecca246 in reply to DevAsha]

I just had cysts removed and then they had a bit of a look round inside me, I was booked in as a day case however I didn't get taken down until late afternoon so they kept me in overnight and went home mid-morning once the doctor did his rounds. For me it was keeping amused after as due to my job/incisions getting infected I was off work for 5 and a half weeks.

[DevAsha in reply to Amyrebecca246]

Good to know. Thankyou so much👍😊

[Camodo_Cat]

Hello, I hope your surgery is successful. I would add to what others have suggested that you have knickers which are high waisted or bigger sized (whichever your preference) and that you take peppermint pills or drink peppermint tea to help relieve the gas pain. I also have windeze which I take after each meal to help with this too. Lastly a pillow to wear under your seatbelt for the journey home. Good luck x

[DevAsha in reply to Camodo_Cat]

Thankyou, I appreciate your inputs.😊