Sicking up after Nissen - what happens?

I'm loving the little cheering smiley faces. lol


Thank you so much for all of that! I have indeed planned for the worst.... so here's to hoping it's much easier than what I'm picturing.

You must admit, reading stories of people being unable to swallow anything but thin trickles of water, etc gets you into a bit of a position to plan for the worst. I dont want to get caught unprepared! lol Perhaps, as you said, this means I'll end up being surprised at how much easier it will be than what I'm expecting.....and if that happens, it'll just be something else to be glad for.

My bed is 3 mattresses stacked on the floor rather than one.....so it does have a little height....just not as much as a regular bed.
I've got a couple of ideas for giving it some more height....as I think that's going to be my main issue....and I'm thinking if we lift it up then I wont have to worry about bending at the waist. I was concerned about it too once everyone described the way you need to move to deal with the first few weeks but then last night I had an idea....so I'll report back after I see if it's doable. *L*

Thanks again, so much for all of this....

Oh yes mam - I'm a Southern lady.... we've had the windows open day and night for weeks now.
I'd venture to say some people would be too warm that way during the day - but we love it. *L*
It's sure been beautiful....

I cant tell you what a comfort it is and has been to be repeatedly told by everyone here, even those who had problems that it's going to be okay, it's nothing I cant handle, the pain isnt as bad as you think it will be, you'll adjust to the wrap, things are going to get better - slowly - and you'll be so glad you did it....
Hearing positive things like that has made me FEEL so much better about the whole thing.
I really don't have anyone but my husband and my kids so to have stumbled on this forum, right when I needed it most - I don't even have the words to tell you. I guess the best way to pay it back is when it's over for me, to stick around and help other people.
This really is a wonderful and healing idea...reaching out to all kinds of folks who are going through what you've been through and I think that those of you who stuck around after you were better - you're just beautiful people.

I'm sure everyone is different, but I was making multiple laps around the nurse's desk several times during the night I was in the hospital. On one of the laps I met my GI doc! Seriously...it's not all that painful. I think you'll be very surprised.
Here's hoping you come through the surgery with flying colors, and are trotting around the hospital halls with a smile on your face!

Zhykitty you will do great I am at almost the 2 week mark and feel great I go out and walk everyday and doing most of the things I was doing before surgery. I still don't eat a whole lot just a little at each meal but I can eat just about anything I want excecpt sticky bread or solid meat. Believe me if you over eat your wrap will let you know it will start hurting. Good Luck too you.

just remember don't lift over five lbs right now

Hi ZhyKitty,
Super! Recliners are very popular around this forum. Many find it a helpful tool for a comfortable recovery. So glad you've got one!
You're getting everything ready! You'll do great.
Take care,
Denise

It's our pleasure. You're a wonderful addition to this forum!

Thank you SO MUCH ladies.... and yes, you know I did. LOL

I spent a couple of hours scrubbing it down with upholstery cleaner and lysol, let it dry in the hot sun, and then had the kids carry it into the house. I'm going to get a slipcover and then let them bring it into my room.... There is just enough space in here for it.

I cant think of anything left to get except some sore throat spray - just in case I need it.

Oh - do either of you know, should I stop drinking the mineral oil in my water before surgery? I did stop the omega3....

Hi Jayne!
You now, I'd like that. I made extensive preparations - including stepping down very slowly and gradually to a liquid diet....so I wouldnt feel like I was starving afterward, and because it actually helps with the reflux. Too bad it doesnt fix it. lol
From diet, to what to gather together for after (heating pad, neck massager, mineral oil, sore throat spray, foods and drinks, recliner, etc), the paperwork you want to make sure you have done, to having things set up for the day you come home before you leave for the hospital - you guys helped me add to what I'd planned for on my own to get ready so that this will go smoothly. I cant wait till it's over and I can help someone else.
As of today I have EXACTLY two weeks till the big day.
Next Tuesday is my pre-op! : )

I wont be able to hold this laptop, will I? I didnt think of that.
All my movies are in computer format.
We dont do tv here.
Ok so, call the surgeon's office and make sure of liquid meds.....my pharmasist said he needs 24 hour advanced notice to get those things, then get entertainment, and a soft pillow for my belly. Got it.
What about nightgown/pajamas....I dont like the hospital gowns...but I dont think my ankle length nightgowns are very practical for belly surgery assuming they're going to want to come in and lift it up to have a look at it ever so often. What did you wear? Could you handle pj bottoms with cuts on your stomach?
I got new socks for the hospital but it occurs to me that I may have trouble putting them on!

When you refer to "boots" do you mean the pressure stockings? They're like super tight thick nylons?
I had to wear those after bladder surgery in August.
I actually rather liked them once I was used to them. lol

HAHAHA!!! Well, I might be the first to be so well prepared - but here's to being just the first of many!
It's greatly comforting to go into any situation over prepared. At least to me. lol

Ok, so keep their gown but try to lay hands on a robe? I didnt think of my middle aged hiney hanging out for all to see....that's NOT going to happen. lol I dont own one, but I'll get one or borrow one. lol I just wrote it on the list.

The compression boots sound dreadful.
I dont think I'd like that.
I'd have to call the nurse every time I needed to pee which is pretty often considering my bladder problems.
I can barely make it to the potty as it is sometimes....so it ought to be interesting to see how that goes when I cant move fast or get up and down very easily. There'd be no time to ring a nurse - I can guarantee that. lol
Maybe they will let me wear the compression stockings instead since I saved and washed them?
You go into surgery with them on and wear them until you're up and around.

I was planning to take the laptop along.
I organized an electric cigarette from my sister who doesnt use hers and have been learning to use it - it plug into the laptop via usb...plus I've loaded up on movies and Enya music for the healing time. So nice to be able to take it along with you and as I am not a fan of tv I even loaded several e-books thinking it would ease my stomach not to have to hold anything - I figured this thing could sit on the pullout table - since I wont need it for food. My surgeon said I wouldnt even get anything to drink the first day.
That sounds dreadful as well - but maybe I'll be too drugged to cry about it?
I didnt know they had internet at the hospital! That'll be great!

You guys are telling me all kinds of things that are making me feel more cheerful about the stay!