Transplant surgery

[horsie63]

I know the meds post transplant could/will be something I haven't yet experienced.

That said, I've had 2 c-sections, the last 30 years ago so for the women out there who have had c-sections AND a transplant ...how did they compare? I assume the surgery and immediate recovery will be similar barring any weird disasters during surgery, so I know to walk as soon as possible but have no idea what else to expect.

[Blackmidnight]

Sorry horsie63 can't help you with this one

[Blue-Quilter]

I never had a C-section, but birthed three nine-pounders, which certainly wasn't fun. I honestly feel the pain of labor and recovery from a huge episiotomy was way worse than the transplant.

My surgery started late in the day (roughly 3:30) so I wasn't back in my room until close to midnight. I slept great that night. I was up walking the next day and did about .75 of a mile. (University of Washington has LONG hallways that are ideal for walking, and a great view of the Canal at about the halfway point.) I kept that up my entire stay. I used the pain pump ONCE that first day, didn't like the way it made me feel, and didn't do it again. I took ONE Tylenol with codeine, to show them oral meds could manage my pain.

When I was discharged, I was given 30 tabs of oxycodone, which I didn't open for two weeks. That's when I was discharged after a three day readmittance, after the surgeon opened me back up in his office because the incision had gotten infected 10 days post release. I had a wound vac put on, and the dressings were changed every other day by a home health nurse. THAT hurt. I took the pain meds 30-45 minutes before he or she was due to arrive, to take the edge of of removing the bandage and cleaning out anything that didn't belong there. After they left, I slept.

I've had shoulder surgery, a hysterectomy, and a couple more. This wasn't exactly a walk in the park, but it doesn't even make the top three most painful surgeries I've had. Use the pain meds you're given if you need them -- that's what they're for! Use a pillow to support your belly when you cough or sneeze. Take it slow. Accept the help family and friends offer. You'll get through this and then on with your new life!

[BabyTee]

I haven't had a c section, but the lifting restrictions last for 6 months, at least my transplant center kept me at 10 lbs for 3 months and 15 lbs from 3 to 6 months.

You will probably have swelling on your abdomen (I have seen it is about 5 lbs) for about a year. This is due to the fact the surgery displaces the intestines, so until the intestines find a new happy home, the peritoneal cavity keeps extra fluid so they can move around. I think from your posts you are petite, so consider extra waist dimension in any new clothes you get. 5 lbs on you might be an extra size or two. One gal posted recently that she is 10 months post-transplant and still cannot wear jeans or pants with a waistband.

First, I was told to walk as much as possible and to walk at least 30 min a day by the time I hit 3 months. At 12 weeks, I was walking 90 min once or twice a day. Doc said that was too much, so I was given walking maximums. I was told no more than 45 min at a time for the first 3 months. Then I was told I could do that up to 3 times a day from 3 to 6 months. Doc said more than that much walking can inflame the tissues trying to heal and slow healing.