My top tip is to have a cushion to put on your tummy when you come home. I didn't have one and was quite uncomfortable on the way home. I couldn't bear the seat belt near me!!
The other one is to watch your bowels. My husband once had a nasty experience with codeine, and was told never to go more than 3 days without a bowel movement. He had gone 5 days. I learnt from that experience and bought some Movicol before I went in. I took a sachet on Day 2. It hurt the first time, but after that I didn't need any help, and it got easier.
On the site the ladies will tell you about wind, but I had no problems with that!!
I had keyhole surgery and was very surprised at how little I hurt, and how quickly I healed. If I started aching I just had a rest. I was well enough to go away in our motorhome after 3 weeks (taking it easy). I would say after 3 months I was more or less back to my usual fitness. It was not as bad a I had feared, and in my case easier than childbirth!
I would prepare some meals before you go in. I didn't want to stand for too long initially. Make sure your hoovering is done, then it can wait a while before you need to do it. I did ironing sitting down, but had to do that when pregnant, so it was almost second nature to me!! I'm sure others will be along soon with their tips. XXXXXX
I agree about pillows or cushions for the journey home, and for the first few nights at home I found a pillow under my knees helped.. My op went smoothly, just the one night in hospital, I managed the pain with only paracetamol and ibrouprofen I didn't have a morphine drip or a catheter after the op althought they said I would have one. We were encouraged to walk to the toilet after a few hours and down to the dining room for meals which I was able to do. After the first couple of days at home I started to take short walks outside, a little longer each day. I had injections in my stomach for two weeks after, my husband did this for me. Six weeks after the op I was booked on a walking holiday with friends I only see once a year, at first I wasn't going to go but I felt so well I decided to go. It was really a nice rest , all the meals were made for us, didn't even have to make my own bed and I easily managed two short walks and some sightseeing, it was only in the UK though, I wouldn't have wanted to go abroad. Tomorrow it will be 11 weeks since my op and I am more or less doing what I did before, except hoovering which my husband is still doing, I'm hoping for 6 month's!!!
my experience was much like the others, I'd add lozenges and ear plugs to your packing list, hospital was noisy and I woke up with a dry throat and coughing pulled at my belly.
2 pairs of high waisted big pants ! Worn together, hugely comfortable, just gives that little bit of extra support. Yes the dry throat was a problem, and wished I had taken some lozenges in with me !
Slip on shoes because you won't get down to reach laces or buckles and big loose dresses or soft leggings a couple of sizes bigger because your tummy will be very swollen and a big t shirt or top. Also a magazine or book of something to do and some snacks and drinks because either the food is horrible or it's not around when you are hungry...or it wasn't in my case and there's only so many nhs sandwiches one can eat (I didn't go on a ward..chronic bed shortage...so my three days were spent in the recovery unit!) Hope it all goes ok. God bless. Love lamb.x
The process was much better than I expected, only in hospital overnight. Obviously internal stitches but the external wounds were glued. Wind was awful so definitely windeze and mints. A small pillow is a must to hold and to sleep, along with larger knickers for comfort. Good luck x
