by Sweet Bugaboo » 14 Feb 2012, 01:37
Hi, rasmith -
I think you'll be fine -- like I've said, surgery is surgery, and everyone's experience is a little different . . . just like everyone's recovery is a little different. I had general anesthesia (my doc's preference), but not everyone here has had that during surgery. I have a very sensitive system, so it took a few days for me to shake the effects of the g.a.
My crs has never been concerned about complications, incontinence, etc. -- so, throughout this whole thing, he's had confidence that I'd be just fine, post-op. That said, I've still been mindful to keep the post-op bm's soft (Miralax the first several days, and now I seem to be doing okay with stool softeners alone) - and I've made sure to keep the area clean and dry. You'll want to watch your diet and eat soft, easy foods for awhile -- I'm eating oatmeal for breakfast, steamed vegetables (sometimes half a soft sandwich) for lunch, and noodles for supper. My crs did not give me diet restrictions, whatsoever, but I've felt that it wouldn't be a good idea for me to eat anything heavy for awhile - and actually, I haven't wanted heavy foods. You'll need to drink lots of water, too -- that should help to keep your bm's more manageable.
You'll need to give yourself time and patience -- my bottom still has some swelling, with some black/blue bruising still visible. I've had some post-op itching (not horrible, thus far) and some burning (but I think that might have been a reaction to an antibiotic I was taking for a separate issue).
It would be ideal if you're able to give yourself some down time to rest -- I've pretty much done nothing, for the past two weeks. Sitting is touchy at first, and I'm just now kind of able to sit my bottom on a firmer surface - but my preference is still something soft underneath. I'm trying to be very careful, so to give myself the best healing environment.
Oh, yes, I have stresses - but I've told myself (and everyone around me) to accept that everything is on hold for me, right now. I've already spent months suffering from the AF, so I want my healing from this to be complete and without any unnecessary stress.
Time, patience, soft b.m.'s, easy diet, Miralax/stool softeners , plenty of water, rest, keeping things clean and dry -- all of that will help. Don't hesitate asking your doc any and all ?'s you might have. I had a long, typed list of ?'s that I asked my crs, right before my surgery -- and I've since called his office, twice, just to talk over my swelling (normal, he says) and burning (he recommended an OTC cream, but the burning has subsided) . . . so, be sure to go over everything with your doc, if you have ?'s.
I only had four days to think about my surgery . . . there was an opening in the doc's schedule, so I had surgery four days after discussing my AF with my crs. You have more time to think about your surgery -- but don't let it fester in your mind. Just try not to focus on it, until you're there, dealing with it. Get yourself ready, but don't dwell on it.
Keep us posted! I will have you in my prayers and positive thoughts. You will get through it and be fine. :)