As one of many to have surgery soon, I wish we had a book or guide to what it will be like. Such as 3-5 days in hospital : nausea, pain, hot flashes,etc. a week after no energy. I see so many posts asking about the experience of surgery. I and we could list helpful ideas on dealing with symptoms. Like I just read listening to music is suppose to help pain management.
~Mandee
surgery Tues Jan 15,2013
Hi Mandee! I completely agree with Emmaline, everyone’s experience is different. Please message me with any questions whatsoever. I am 4 weeks, 2 days postop. I wanted to share this, though.
I was diagnosed 4 1/2 years ago. I thought no way could I ever have surgery, way too scared of all that could go wrong. Well, this past year has been a disaster, so finally scheduled surgery, thinking things couldn’t get much worse. As soon as I scheduled it, I felt this complete calm come over me and was never nervous, not once, before surgery. Had the surgery, and for me, recovery has been much better than expected. Couple tiny bumps in the road, yes, but nothing anyone couldn’t handle.
For me, best way to manage my symptoms is to simply rest. Set up your “rest/tv” area before you leave for the hospital so it’s ready when you come home. Stock it with books, lotion, lip balm, Kleenex, the remote control, and (if applicable) your cell phone charger so you aren’t getting up every 5 minutes.
Good luck!
What surgery are you getting exactly?
I think it would be great to list helpful ideas. Even though every surgery is different, there are some things that can help anyone.
These are the things that made my surgery experience better:
1) Bring your own pillows to the hospital with old pillowcases. You can leave them in the car during surgery and have someone bring them in when you are settled.
2) Have one person in charge of handling the phone calls/texts.
3) After the recovery room stage, there is no reason for you to be in pain. If you are, ask for more or different meds. There isn't any reason you should be more than slightly uncomfortable. As a matter of fact, you should be kind of out of it.
4) Have a person designated as your advocate.
5) When you are uncomfortable, ask someone to flip or fluff your pillow. (or help you change positions) You won't believe how much this small thing can feel so good.
6) Keep paper and pen within reach. You will want to write down any questions you will have because you'll probably forget by the time you see someone to ask.
7) Typically, neurosurgeons make their rounds VERY early and you will not see them again during the day. If you were not able to get a question answered or your significant other has questions and wasn't in the room when the doctors came by, ask your nurse to contact your doctor, even if only for a quick phone call. You have to speak up for yourself if you have any questions.
8) At least for the first few days: Have a person in charge of giving you your pain meds at home and writing down every single pill you take and when. And tell them ahead of time to wake you up to give your dose to you, do not wait until you wake up in pain to take it. Trust me on this. And if you are one of the lucky ones who has a really high pain tolerance, you won't even need this advice lol.
9) Remember to ask about whether or not you can alternate tylenol or ibuprofen with your pain meds, in case you feel like you need something more. (like if you overdo it the first day home, like I did lol)
10) Have someone who lives with you to be in charge of knowing when you are 'done' and need visitors to leave.
These are just a few things I can think of. As far as what you should expect, like was mentioned before it's hard to say what any individual will experience.