Surgery

Those that have had surgery where they cut open your stomach how was your recovery?
Any tips you can share?
Could you wear pants or only pajama shirts?
Anything at all you can share to help me please
I’m so scared
I go in tomorrow
TIA

Re: Surgery

Good luck.

DH had surgery in February to remove a cancerous rectal polyp. It was laproscopic but he ended up with a pretty long incision which began right under his navel. He also had 3 or 4 smaller incisions across his abdomen. He was able to wear pj pants because the waistband was above the biggest incision.

The first few days were rough, but more so because his colon and rectum were involved and going to the bathroom was really painful. More than one person told him that the fifth day after the surgery was a turning point, and it was- he came home 4 days after and wasn't able to do much, but on day 5 he was up and around a bit.

I'd also tell you to take any pain meds they offer you- though DH found that once he was home, ibuprofen/tylenol was enough for him. He did need the heavy duty stuff those first few days.

Re: Surgery

i've had three separate abdominal surgeries over the years.

if you feel more comfortable in pants... i would suggest you get a pair that fit you big, this way you can wear them like maternity pants with the waistband almost under your boobs... depending on where the actual incision is going to be.

if possible, stay in the hospital as long as they let you. those motorized beds are a godsent when the incisions are in the abdomen.

if they tell you to get up and walk around, do it!! it really does make a difference in the recovery.

finally, don't poo-poo the medicine. even if you only take it to be able to sleep.

my last surgery (gastric bypass): everything was ok for the first three days. day four was pain from hell. they warned me about it and it happened just like they said. but the crazy thing is that it was only that one day. they say it's the internal stitches that cause the pain. once i passed that hump, it was smooth sailing... i still had to take it easy, but it was so much better.

best of luck to you.

Re: Surgery

Sending you hugs

My only surgery was double knee replacements.

Surgery

I recommend getting the post op panties--they sell them on amazon--or just some big ol granny panties. The slight compression makes you feel held in, especially since coughing, sneezing and laughing can be pretty painful in the beginning, and you feel like you are literally busting your gut open.

Re: Surgery

Good luck! I had spine surgery and they went in through my stomach (like a c-section) and my back...double recovery was definitely not fun. The stomach is rough because every sneeze, cough or laugh hurts. I wore mostly nightgowns for a while when I was home recovering. Stay on top of pain meds.

Surgery

I had my gallbladder done laparoscopic which wasn’t bad just awful gas pains. My c section wasn’t much worse. Wear comfortable loose yoga pants, get extra loose underwear and a loose top, just nothing constricting or where the pant line would touch the incision

Re: Surgery

Best wishes.

Re: Surgery

Message edited 5/2/2018 9:17:09 PM.

Surgery

I have had several fully opened 9 inch + incision/surgeries forget pant wear a night gown much more comfortable. The over all recovery was months. The first few days/week hard, then just very sore unable to move, bend, use the bathroom, In order to use the bathroom you'll need a huggy pillow to press against your stomach for support, you'll need the pillow to get up, walk, move etc everything. GL

PS I wish I had a recliner at home, sorry I didnt buy one LOL

Message edited 5/2/2018 9:49:21 PM.

Re: Surgery

Oh also, bring a pillow in the car if its a long drive home from the hospital. Every bump killed me and I wish I had had a pillow to hold into my stomach to help.

Surgery

Thank you all so very much! I’m a nervous wreck! Great tips and advice I appreciate it all very much
xo

Surgery

Good luck to you - you're in good hands