Getting Ready for Surgery

No matter what chronic illness you have, chances are surgery is a big part of your life. Two weeks from today I will be going in for a laparoscopy and hydrodistension of the bladder, and although I am not too nervous, it is perfectly normal to be a little bit worried. I think my biggest fear at this point is that they won't be able to remove any of the endometriosis on my organs, rendering the surgery useless. It's been 5 years since my last laparoscopy and the recovery for that (since they didn't even touch the endometriosis) was a little over a week, so I was a little nervous for how this recovery would go. I did some research and have decided to share with you some tips I've learned for recovering from a laparoscopy, or any surgery really. I will probably have to update it after the surgery, but here's what I have so far:


Pre-surgery: 

• Drink lots of water: This can make it easier to put the IV in, which is obviously a good thing, plus water is good for you no matter what. 
• Tell the doctor to remove as much air as they can: During a laparoscopy, the doctors inflate your abdomen with gas, which can cause a ton of pain after surgery if it isn't all removed. They won't be able to get it all out, but they might try harder if you request it. I remember from my last laparoscopy, the pain from the air was worse than the actual surgery.  
• Reduce stress: Stress can actually make recovery longer and lead to more complications during surgery, plus being stressed for an event like this is no fun. Now I'm not trying to make you stressed about being stressed, so just relax. Take some time to destress by exercising or taking a bath (not too close to your surgery date; follow your doctors rules about this!) or spending a little extra time with your pets. If you are very stressed, talk to your doctor, and they may be able to help a little more. 
• Make sure everything is in place before your surgery: Find someone to drive you home and stay with you for a few days if needed. Also make sure you have quick meals to make and clean laundry and your bed is ready for you to spend the next few days recovering. For me, this means I will have my books and heating pads by my bed, as well as my laptop and charger and anything else I may need. I will also make sure I have my post-surgery meds filled so I can have them immediately and not need someone to go get them for me. If everything is ready when you get home, you won't have to strain yourself more than necessary. 

Post surgery: 

• Follow instructions: Obviously this should be a given, but if not, make sure you follow your doctor's orders! They know what they are talking about, and the rules are there to keep you healthy, so don't stray from their instructions. 
• Super comfy clothes: For a laparoscopy, they enter through your abdomen, therefore a nightgown may be a good option. Anything with a waist band can interfere with your incisions. 
• Pillows, pillows, pillows: After surgery it may be harder to move around, and sleeping in the same position may be very uncomfortable. If you have pillows, you can prop yourself up in different positions. I also was told to take a pillow in the car to put between my seatbelt and my stomach to keep the belt away from my incisions. 
• Chapstick and cough drops: I have had so many women tell me that I need these two essentials. After intubation (during surgery they insert a tube down your throat to help you breathe), your throat can hurt and your lips may be really dry from the air. I never would have thought of this, but it's kind of a great idea!
• Miralax, stool softener, etc.: The less straining, the better... enough said.
• Ice packs and heating pads: It is not recommended that you put heat on your incision sites as heat promotes bleeding, but you can use that for your back, shoulder, or any other sore spot that is not an incision site. Ice packs can be used on incision sites, and will even help swelling go down.
  
• Peppermint Tea: this is not only a delicious drink, but it also helps with the bloating that can occur after surgery
  

It feels silly that I am excited for my surgery, but it really is something I have been wanting for a few years now. In order to treat the endometriosis we should at least have an idea of where it is and how bad it is, and after being in and out of menopause twice since we last looked 5 years ago, I have a feeling it has changed. 

P.S. I HAVEN'T FORGOTTEN ABOUT YOU
I haven't posted a blog in a while, but that is mainly because of school. Plus, I have a few big events coming up which will help me conjure some new ideas for blogs. As always, thanks for reading, and if you or someone you know are having surgery soon, share this list with them!