top surgery

[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?

[Thinker]

Originally Posted by The Oopster

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

By squatting, yes.........and if the item is light enough. You definitely won't want to bend over at the waist for a while. The pressure on the incisions would be pretty uncomfortable.

There are a lot of people who talk about being up and around and out and about right after surgery. While I believe this is obviously possible, I'm a big advocate of being still and sleeping as often as possible.

Our body heals lost and damaged tissues during sleep, as you already know I'm sure. Give yourself permission to rest and do nothing. I know it's hard for a lot of people who are used to being on the move, but it's the best thing you can do for yourself.

[The Oopster]

Originally Posted by Thinker

By squatting, yes.........and if the item is light enough. You definitely won't want to bend over at the waist for a while. The pressure on the incisions would be pretty uncomfortable.

There are a lot of people who talk about being up and around and out and about right after surgery. While I believe this is obviously possible, I'm a big advocate of being still and sleeping as often as possible.

Our body heals lost and damaged tissues during sleep, as you already know I'm sure. Give yourself permission to rest and do nothing. I know it's hard for a lot of people who are used to being on the move, but it's the best thing you can do for yourself.

My dr explained that I might even feel like I can do stuff but only light activity for the first two weeks, nothing that will get my heart going. Because you want to keep the blood flow down or more bruising and swelling can develop.

I'll probably do a little light walking because i know you need some movement also. I've had 5 surgeries and they also have you up walking within 24 hours.

[Arwen]

When I stayed with Conner for his surgery, we found that a ribbon tied around his waist to support the drainage tubes was the ideal thing for showering (since we aren't close enough for me to help him shower. LOL)

You do need someone who can drain your tubes for you, honey. Line up help now because you are going to need it. Promise.

[The Oopster]

Originally Posted by Arwen

When I stayed with Conner for his surgery, we found that a ribbon tied around his waist to support the drainage tubes was the ideal thing for showering (since we aren't close enough for me to help him shower. LOL)

You do need someone who can drain your tubes for you, honey. Line up help now because you are going to need it. Promise.

i will line some one up but there is a 50/50 chance i won't have tubes.

[Tommi]

Originally Posted by The Oopster

i will line some one up but there is a 50/50 chance i won't have tubes.

Koop,
I know early on there were questions and answers in the thread, and wanted to pop in here to add a comment.

Being in recovery I had to clarify with my Doc's before I had a total radical hysterctomy for endometrial cancer that I may have a problem with certain meds. pre and post op.

My Doc and the anesthesiologist were aware I was in recovery and provided meds that left me safe and sane. Propofol is the recomended anesthesia, and no lidocaine in the drips, no benzodiazapines, no verced, etc. Just sayin' it can be a slippery slope.

Best wishes to you, and I'm south of you in OC and if I can do anything holler.

Tommi

[The Oopster]

Originally Posted by theoddz

Walking helps to prevent blood clots, lung problems (pneumonia, particularly after general anesthesia) and constipation from narcotic painkillers, and ya, that's why they get you up and moving so quickly after surgery.

After my first knee surgery, I developed an anxiety disorder. I can't figure out where that came from because I've never had a nervous bone in my entire body, but I got one. Probably because that kind of surgery was so traumatic, debillitating and painful and all of the drugs (a lot of Percocet, mainly) I was on made it even worse. Percocet doesn't agree with me.

For some reason, when that panicky feeling starts, walking helps me. I was afraid of having problems with this anxiety attack business when I had my chest done. Just the surgery thing and all happening again, you know. Well, I did have it for one night following surgery. I got up in the middle of the night and walked around the hotel lobby, which was absolutely beautiful. They had all of these tall ship models in glass cases and you know how I adore tall ships!! It calmed me down right away. I did a lot of walking, though, and on one of the days post op, that Tabs and I were there, we drove down to the beach at Camp Pendleton and walked around there.

I was able to get around really well after the second day post op. As far as the drains go, I only had mine for 2 days post op. I really think that whether you have them or not depends on how much tissue you have removed and how much you bleed. After the second day post op, I wasn't draining much at all, so he pulled them both. What a relief that was, emotionally and pain-wise!!

Have you scheduled your surgery date yet??

~Theo~

Surgery is a week from today, April 29th.

It would have been nice to stay at the ayers but i'm staying at the embassy suites instead. I wanted a bedroom with 2 beds plus a living area with a sofa sleeper. That way if the person going with me needs a bed there is one there for him. Also the seperate living room will allow him to not have to sit in silence if i'm resting.

Originally Posted by Tommi

Koop,
I know early on there were questions and answers in the thread, and wanted to pop in here to add a comment.

Being in recovery I had to clarify with my Doc's before I had a total radical hysterctomy for endometrial cancer that I may have a problem with certain meds. pre and post op.

My Doc and the anesthesiologist were aware I was in recovery and provided meds that left me safe and sane. Propofol is the recomended anesthesia, and no lidocaine in the drips, no benzodiazapines, no verced, etc. Just sayin' it can be a slippery slope.

Best wishes to you, and I'm south of you in OC and if I can do anything holler.

Tommi

This my fourth surgery in recovery, damn! So I get what you are saying. In the past with my neck surgeries i've basically gone right to over the counter extra strength tylenol. I get sick from IV pain meds and that causes much more pain then relief. I don't like how the others stopped up the piping. I'lll make sure they know and talk it over with the people close to me first.

[theoddz]

Hey Koop,

eh ehehehe.....I'd forgotten about all of your spine surgeries!! Mea culpa.

You know, a lot of what might have been tough for me during my recovery from chest surgery was made a LOT easier because of all of my previous surgeries from my knees. I bet you never thought all that suffering you went through would ever have benefited you like it's (going to) when you have your chest done, but it will!!

When I told Dr. V about all of my knee surgeries, including my total joint replacements, he laughed and said, "Oh, well then, this is going to be a cakewalk for you!!". Really, compared to what I've been through, it really was easier. When he does this surgery, it's not like he's entering an interior body system. He will tell you, as he told me, that "All I'm doing is removing a bit of tissue and some skin". He's not even messing with the muscular system. This is *nothing* compared to what you and I have both suffered through before with our backs and knees. It will be a *ton* easier than that was, believe me, and the recovery time is a lot faster and easier, too.!!

I have been sooooo happy with Dr. V and his work. I can't say enough good things about him, really!!

~Theo~

[The Oopster]

Originally Posted by theoddz

Hey Koop,

eh ehehehe.....I'd forgotten about all of your spine surgeries!! Mea culpa.

You know, a lot of what might have been tough for me during my recovery from chest surgery was made a LOT easier because of all of my previous surgeries from my knees. I bet you never thought all that suffering you went through would ever have benefited you like it's (going to) when you have your chest done, but it will!!

When I told Dr. V about all of my knee surgeries, including my total joint replacements, he laughed and said, "Oh, well then, this is going to be a cakewalk for you!!". Really, compared to what I've been through, it really was easier. When he does this surgery, it's not like he's entering an interior body system. He will tell you, as he told me, that "All I'm doing is removing a bit of tissue and some skin". He's not even messing with the muscular system. This is *nothing* compared to what you and I have both suffered through before with our backs and knees. It will be a *ton* easier than that was, believe me, and the recovery time is a lot faster and easier, too.!!

I have been sooooo happy with Dr. V and his work. I can't say enough good things about him, really!!

~Theo~

He told me the same stuff. I think that is why he emphasized why not to do anything vigorous for awhile. I never thought about the blood flow increasing the chance for more swelling and bruising and it makes sense.

[theoddz]

Originally Posted by The Oopster

My dr explained that I might even feel like I can do stuff but only light activity for the first two weeks, nothing that will get my heart going. Because you want to keep the blood flow down or more bruising and swelling can develop.

I'll probably do a little light walking because i know you need some movement also. I've had 5 surgeries and they also have you up walking within 24 hours.

Walking helps to prevent blood clots, lung problems (pneumonia, particularly after general anesthesia) and constipation from narcotic painkillers, and ya, that's why they get you up and moving so quickly after surgery.

After my first knee surgery, I developed an anxiety disorder. I can't figure out where that came from because I've never had a nervous bone in my entire body, but I got one. Probably because that kind of surgery was so traumatic, debillitating and painful and all of the drugs (a lot of Percocet, mainly) I was on made it even worse. Percocet doesn't agree with me.

For some reason, when that panicky feeling starts, walking helps me. I was afraid of having problems with this anxiety attack business when I had my chest done. Just the surgery thing and all happening again, you know. Well, I did have it for one night following surgery. I got up in the middle of the night and walked around the hotel lobby, which was absolutely beautiful. They had all of these tall ship models in glass cases and you know how I adore tall ships!! It calmed me down right away. I did a lot of walking, though, and on one of the days post op, that Tabs and I were there, we drove down to the beach at Camp Pendleton and walked around there.

I was able to get around really well after the second day post op. As far as the drains go, I only had mine for 2 days post op. I really think that whether you have them or not depends on how much tissue you have removed and how much you bleed. After the second day post op, I wasn't draining much at all, so he pulled them both. What a relief that was, emotionally and pain-wise!!

Have you scheduled your surgery date yet??

~Theo~