Surgery for the First Time

Where is your Crohn's and what part do they want to take out?

I have had 3 resections at the joint of the small and large intestines, so basically the same area. Overall I have had about 4 feet taken out, not sure how much of each though. As far as the surgery goes, my last one was about 12 years ago and things may be a bit different. Things had changed from my first to my last and that was only a matter of 5 years or so. But basically after you are put out, you will get a N/G tube, this may be taken out before you wake up, but don't be surprised if it is still in when you wake up. Also you will get a catheter, that probably will stay in for a day or so. You should ask your doctor about how your pain will be treated. I had a patient controlled pain pump, so that I was getting a consistent dose of med but I could give myself a boost if I needed it. Some people here have had epidural pain meds. You don't want to let the pain get out of control because then it is much harder and takes more medicine to get it back to a reasonable level. The catheter and N/G tube(if you have one) will come out in a day or so.

At some point, the nurses will want you to get up and walk. This is when you want to give your self a boost of pain med because walking is the best thing to get your bowels moving again and you can't go home until they do. So walk as much as you feel you can. Small amounts at a time, working your way up to longer amounts. It also helps to have a small pillow to hold over your incision when you move or cough. Some nurses are really good about helping you get yourself comfy, others not so much. If you are a side sleeper and you can get a nurse to wedge a pillow behind your back it helps to easy your tummy muscles because you can lean back and rest that way.

Personally I always bring my own pillow (have someone bring it to you after the surgery) and a few pretty/bright pillow cases. Its just nice to have the smell of home and something cheery. Bring all the usual distractions, books, mags, mp3, cards. You won't feel much like doing anything for a day or so, but things will improve gradually and when you look back on it in a few months you will much happier because you will feel better. The one thing I think is truly important and has kept me of the operating table for the last 12 years is maintenance medication.

Best of luck and as you think of specific questions just post them.

I brought my Spiderman blanket. Soft and smelled like home!