Getting nervous!

Hi lancslass, I would just like to say good luck and send you a big hug for your operation. 

Hi Lancslass. Ironing bath towels is IMHO going a step too far!

It'll all be over before you know it!

Hugs, Barb xx

Hi Lancslass, 

All the best for your surgery. Hope it is all straight forward and problem free. Best wishes for a smooth recovery.

A x

Slippers and dressing gown? And some of your favourite sweets in case your throat is a bit dry after. 
Also, “listen to your body” is a good way of dealing with your recovery - because it doesn’t just mean rest when you need to, it also means that if you feel up to something, give it a try. For example, if you feel up to it, there’s no reason not to try a gentle short walk the day you get home. 
Re something you wrote above - I personally didn’t take just any pain relief offered, as I don’t like how morphine makes me feel in my head. After the initial anaesthetic etc had worn off, I just asked for paracetamol if I needed it. And when I got home I didn’t need anything - and just took paracetamol at bedtime just in case. Final tip - not just a few snacks but plenty of snacks! What time are you due at the hospital Monday?

Arriving at 11:30am for the afternoon theatre. Will add a few more bits to the snack bag, thank you! I have a nightshirt and dressing gown ready too. 

I am most anxious about a catheter and possible packing. I have a very low pain threshold, and am very nervous of examinations ( triggering ) Never had morphine but i don’t like the idea of feeling spacy so will make it a last resort. Thank you Marmite, you are so patient and kind x 

Forgot to ask, will i have a spinal anaesthesia, it it common with a GA for LAHV? X

I asked my consultant the same question pre op and was told no there was no need. 

What do you mean by packing? I hate catheters - I know some people barely feel them but I did. Felt the discomfort of it as soon as i came round from the op - even though they told me it couldn’t be that and was likely just my bladder feeling uncomfortable from being pushed around during the op. I had fully come round by about 4pm and felt it till 6am the next morning when it was taken out. Thankfully had managed to grab a couple of hours sleep. As soon as it was out, no more discomfort and I was out of my bed walking around the walk and up and down the corridors.

An extra suggestion that made all the difference to me - I took in my own pillow. Hospital pillows are typically quite flat and have a plastic cover underneath so they creak and can get sweaty under your head.