top surgery

[Thinker]

Originally Posted by The Oopster

Did you take just arnica or was it mixed with anything? I have traumeel which has arnica in it but am wondering if it would be better to get just arnica.

Just Arnica...

I think I started about two weeks out if I remember correctly.

I'm thrilled for you!!

[theoddz]

Originally Posted by Thinker

Just Arnica...

I think I started about two weeks out if I remember correctly.

I'm thrilled for you!!

A little comment here on (anti) scar creams.

My doctor advised me to use Nivea cream, which I did. He said that so many of those other creams are just nothing but added expense and certainly no better or less than Nivea, which is really good. My scars are just about faded out, btw, and it's only been a year later, almost to the date.

Just my .02 and advice to ME from MY doctor.

~Theo~

[Thinker]

Originally Posted by theoddz

A little comment here on (anti) scar creams.

My doctor advised me to use Nivea cream, which I did. He said that so many of those other creams are just nothing but added expense and certainly no better or less than Nivea, which is really good. My scars are just about faded out, btw, and it's only been a year later, almost to the date.

Just my .02 and advice to ME from MY doctor.

~Theo~

I agree with that for sure.

Just a note, though... The Arnica I took was in a pellet form and prior to surgery. Its intended purpose was to minimize bruising and bleeding.

I've seen some post-op pictures that made me kinda queasy because of the severe bruising. Mine was very minimal.....almost nil, honestly. And I didn't have the excessive drainage issues either.

Not saying all who use Arnica as a pre-surgical supplement will get the same results, but I don't think it'll hurt to try.

[Soon]

http://www.transgenderflorida.com/

great surgeon/great results

[The Oopster]

Originally Posted by Thinker

Just Arnica...

I think I started about two weeks out if I remember correctly.

I'm thrilled for you!!

i just got some pellets tonight. How much did you take? I won't be able to take it as long as you did but can still take it for a week. Did you take any after surgery?

[Thinker]

Originally Posted by The Oopster

i just got some pellets tonight. How much did you take? I won't be able to take it as long as you did but can still take it for a week. Did you take any after surgery?

Oh gosh, dude... I couldn't possibly remember. Does it have a recommendation on the bottle?

And I remember something about not touching the pellet.....like you drop one out on something and pop it in your mouth. Is that right?

And I'm pretty sure I took it for another 3 or 4 days after surgery.

[Thinker]

Originally Posted by The Oopster

i just got some pellets tonight. How much did you take? I won't be able to take it as long as you did but can still take it for a week. Did you take any after surgery?

I did some searching and looking at the packaging of the pellets jogged my memory some. I remember the deal about not touching the pellets, and I think the top of the container had a deep enough space that you could pop out a pellet and it would stay in that little space??? Then I'd pop it in my mouth.

I'm pretty sure that I took one pellet three times a day. That sounds right to me. Since I was taking it over an extended period of time and wanting it to remain in my system, I didn't take a very high dosage.......low but constant.

Make sure you are drinking lots and lots of water every day. Do a lot of stretching, pushups, etc... And start looking at things in your home that require you to reach up for them..........and move 'em down.

I'm excited for you!

[The Oopster]

Originally Posted by Thinker

I did some searching and looking at the packaging of the pellets jogged my memory some. I remember the deal about not touching the pellets, and I think the top of the container had a deep enough space that you could pop out a pellet and it would stay in that little space??? Then I'd pop it in my mouth.

I'm pretty sure that I took one pellet three times a day. That sounds right to me. Since I was taking it over an extended period of time and wanting it to remain in my system, I didn't take a very high dosage.......low but constant.

Make sure you are drinking lots and lots of water every day. Do a lot of stretching, pushups, etc... And start looking at things in your home that require you to reach up for them..........and move 'em down.

I'm excited for you!

thanks

yeah if you turn it upside with the cap on and twist they come out. I've taken sublinguals before.

The bottle says 5 3 times a day but I think I'll lower it. Except I already have 5 in my mouth

I'm exctied. The week will go fast .... want the place really clean and as much food prepared as possible but i should get it all done. Have tomorrow off so i'll see how much I get to .. tomorrows paper work ... billls type of such figuring out my money for this. I have the money but I need to follow through on some stuff.

I'm starting to get food ready and everything. Fortunately or unfortunately I have had 3 surgeries in the past 10 years so a lot of stuff is pretty routine for me... already drink lots of water and already taking vitamin C.

Okay i'm getting sleppy and i'm babbling.

[Thinker]

Originally Posted by The Oopster

thanks

yeah if you turn it upside with the cap on and twist they come out. I've taken sublinguals before.

The bottle says 5 3 times a day but I think I'll lower it. Except I already have 5 in my mouth

I'm exctied. The week will go fast .... want the place really clean and as much food prepared as possible but i should get it all done. Have tomorrow off so i'll see how much I get to .. tomorrows paper work ... billls type of such figuring out my money for this. I have the money but I need to follow through on some stuff.

I'm starting to get food ready and everything. Fortunately or unfortunately I have had 3 surgeries in the past 10 years so a lot of stuff is pretty routine for me... already drink lots of water and already taking vitamin C.

Okay i'm getting sleppy and i'm babbling.

Another thing... If you don't already have some over-sized button-front shirts and/or zip-front jackets, get yourself a few. You want something big enough to give clearance over the bandages and (maybe) the drains. Plus, you want the front closure deal so you don't have to pull things over your head.

I bought a few cheapie zip-front sweat jackets from Target or Walmart and wore those for a while.

[The Oopster]

Originally Posted by Thinker

Another thing... If you don't already have some over-sized button-front shirts and/or zip-front jackets, get yourself a few. You want something big enough to give clearance over the bandages and (maybe) the drains. Plus, you want the front closure deal so you don't have to pull things over your head.

I bought a few cheapie zip-front sweat jackets from Target or Walmart and wore those for a while.

Thanks

One of the advantages to having had neck and back surgery is that all of that stuff is already in my wardrobe.

Most of myself isalready fairly low for the same reason and I hope to set anything I can think i need out on the table.

OK Weird question time. I read on Transbucket that one guy had troubles wiping his butt. Is this an issue i need to be concerned with? any other wierd stuff like that?

I'm assuming i'll be able to deal with it hell i've had several spine surgeries and have always figured out how to do most things. Although one time I couldn't pull my pants up but i figured out the process the next time!

[Thinker]

Originally Posted by The Oopster

Thanks

One of the advantages to having had neck and back surgery is that all of that stuff is already in my wardrobe.

Most of myself isalready fairly low for the same reason and I hope to set anything I can think i need out on the table.

OK Weird question time. I read on Transbucket that one guy had troubles wiping his butt. Is this an issue i need to be concerned with? any other wierd stuff like that?

I'm assuming i'll be able to deal with it hell i've had several spine surgeries and have always figured out how to do most things. Although one time I couldn't pull my pants up but i figured out the process the next time!

Heh... Well, I don't recall having that trouble; but it's probably a good idea to get some wet wipes to have on hand. Those will certainly help with the cleaning process without having to work *quite* as hard.

I also wore big fleece sweatpants that pulled right up and right down. Easy stuff like that.

[theoddz]

Originally Posted by The Oopster

Thanks

One of the advantages to having had neck and back surgery is that all of that stuff is already in my wardrobe.

Most of myself isalready fairly low for the same reason and I hope to set anything I can think i need out on the table.

OK Weird question time. I read on Transbucket that one guy had troubles wiping his butt. Is this an issue i need to be concerned with? any other wierd stuff like that?

I'm assuming i'll be able to deal with it hell i've had several spine surgeries and have always figured out how to do most things. Although one time I couldn't pull my pants up but i figured out the process the next time!

Oh Koop......yes.

That and ----->>

I'm not trying to scare you here, but this is, and should be, a real concern for you. You need to have a system of support/help lined up before you do this thing. At least for the first couple of days following surgery.

Tabs was a huge help to me, emotionally and medically. She's a trained Paramedic/EMT, and has been for over 20 years, so she knew just how to help me with everything, including the dressings, drains, etc. I am truly a very lucky guy to have her beside me, then and now. Thank G-D for these Ladies who love and stand by us like they do!!!

Do you have someone to help you with this "stuff"??

I'm no "Nurse Jack(ie)", but Tabs and I would most certainly help you out if we were closer.

Come to think of it, Dr. V's office can also refer you to a temporary (like 2/3 days) post op care place if you don't have someone to help you for the first couple of days. This is something to seriously think about, brother.

You can always call me to talk, if you like. I think you still have my number, but if you don't, just PM me. You always have a shoulder here.

~Theo~

[Kosmo]

Originally Posted by Thinker

Another thing... If you don't already have some over-sized button-front shirts and/or zip-front jackets, get yourself a few. You want something big enough to give clearance over the bandages and (maybe) the drains. Plus, you want the front closure deal so you don't have to pull things over your head.

I bought a few cheapie zip-front sweat jackets from Target or Walmart and wore those for a while.

You can also check out Goodwill, Salvation Army stores for shirts, jackets, sweats, etc.

[The Oopster]

Originally Posted by theoddz

Oh Koop......yes.

That and ----->>

I'm not trying to scare you here, but this is, and should be, a real concern for you. You need to have a system of support/help lined up before you do this thing. At least for the first couple of days following surgery.

Do you have someone to help you with this "stuff"??

You can always call me to talk, if you like. I think you still have my number, but if you don't, just PM me. You always have a shoulder here.

~Theo~

I don't think I have your number so it would be great if you'd pm it to me, I really appreciate it.

Actually I was talking to a friend who had his done a year ago with Alter and if I need help with he has offered to help.

One of the reasons I wanted to stay close is I do have a huge support system... and I am getting things in place. I know a couple of nurses/ex nurses and i'm hopin to talk to them in the next few days to see if they can help if needed.

My room mate can help with some stuff but umm not the shower stuff.

Originally Posted by Thinker

Heh... Well, I don't recall having that trouble; but it's probably a good idea to get some wet wipes to have on hand. Those will certainly help with the cleaning process without having to work *quite* as hard.

I also wore big fleece sweatpants that pulled right up and right down. Easy stuff like that.

Thanks just bought a couple more knit pants. Plan to make sure any ironing is done and will put the clothes i want to use in easy accessible places.

Originally Posted by theoddz

Heh.....same here.......I had lightweight knit loungepants and my infamous risque boxer shorts collection.

It's the "reaching" part that will be troublesome at first. Like reaching for your drawers and stuff.

I had a lot of experience "making things work" when I had my knee surgeries. In my physical therapy classes following my knee replacements, I was showing the therapists (and other patients) how I got around and did things for and by myself. When you have to do that sort of stuff, you get a "system" that you work with to be able to take care of yourself.

Ever see one of those "reachers" that some older folks use to reach things?? They look like this:



I have 2 of these. It helped me a GRUNCH!!! (It also doubles for both a "pincher" and ass-grabber)

Holy shit that's a huge ol' picture, isn't it??

~Theo~

Fortunately or unfortunately I"ve had 5 spine surgeries so I actually do know how to figure things out. I could put my slippers on just a few days after my first lower lumbar fusion. Fortunately i'm flexible and could sit and lift my leg up to my hand.

I have two of those grabbers also but thanks for mentioning them so I can make sure they are accessible.

When placing stuff out in preparation ... i put my arms against the sides of my ribs and just bend from the elbows. If I can't reach it then I don't place it there.

I assume i'll be able to bend down though and get stuff ... just lower my self to that level?