halbert said...
Another thing: For most of us, opiates cause constipation, and the last thing you want to do after abdominal surgery is strain to poop. Dulcolax stool softener or it's generic version is your friend. So are fiber supplements and LOTS of water.
The last thing is this: It's shocking how much the surgery takes out of you. Don't be surprised if it takes several months to get your physical condition back. Just walking around the block will exhaust you. It IS vital to get out of the chair at least every hour and walk around the house.
Halbert is right. Do not let yourself get constipated. I made that mistake and was miserable for a few days.
My wife got me an elastic abdominal surgery belt to put around my abdomen. I thought it might be painful or uncomfortable but it wasn't at all. I found it especially helpful when sitting down or standing up.
One of the posters here mentioned the need for a recliner which I agree with. We did not own a recliner after my surgery so I used a very cushy reclining desk chair instead. I even slept in that the first two nights. Whatever you sit in, a higher seat will be easier, and less painful, to get in and out of than a low chair or couch.
Something that I was never told was how painful urination would be immediately after the catheter was removed. That first night, I only peed a few drops at a time, but each time I did I almost jumped through the ceiling with pain. Each drop felt like I was peeing shards of glass. The pain gradually subsided over the next day. Unfortunately, you need to drink fluids so that you urinate to make sure the urine is flowing as it should. I don't really have any advice on how to alleviate this issue, just giving you a heads up to be ready