Tuesday, November 13, 2018

Pre-OP Appointment with Doctor/Surgeon


November 12, 20018

I went for my Pre-Op appointment at my gynecologist, who is also my surgeon.  He went over what he was planning to do and what I needed to do to get prepared.  He said because of my uterus being mobile and me being slim, he still felt that 80% chance he could successfully do the vaginal hysterectomy.  But, because of my uterus being so enlarged, if he sees any complications, he will then cut me bikini style and finish the hysterectomy abdominally. 

I asked him my list of questions:

Do I have to do a bowel prep?  No

Do I need to do a liquid diet day before surgery?  No

How much can I increase my walking daily?  He said 1st week walk around the house, 2nd week try a quarter of a mile, 3rd week increase to half a mile if I feel up to it and increase gradually each week from there.

When is my post-op appointment?  One month after surgery.

Can I return to work after 2 weeks?  He said if I feel up to it, I can gradually return to work part time after 3 weeks. 

Will I be put under general anesthesia? Yes, that is the preferred choice unless the patient has a reason not to.

He went over my consent and I signed it.  He said usually he would send me to the hospital to finish the pre-op there, but since I already did it on Friday, to bring my signed consent with me on my surgery day.  He said my surgery is scheduled for 10am Weds. and for me to be there 2 hours before.  He said to wear loose clothing only, no makeup, deodorant, jewelry or piercings.  He gave me 2 prescriptions, one for pain, Tylenol 3 with codeine and also Miralax to take once every day after surgery for a month to soften my stools to help prevent constipation. 

He said once I wake up from surgery and the nurse calls him to say I am good to go home, he will have them give me 2 shots.  One for pain and one for sedation.  He said they will go into my muscle and be slow releasing.  Once I get home, he said for me to take one of the Tylenol codeines and for my husband to wake me up every 3 hours to take one.  At 9am the next morning I am to call the office and let them know of my progress.  I can have a regular diet 24 hours after my surgery.

November 13, 2018
I woke up at 3am this morning feeling very anxious.  Instead of lying in bed thinking about it, I got up and cleaned downstairs.  I even cleaned the kitchen floor on my hands and knees.  I was trying to keep my mind off it until I had to leave for work at 5:30am.  I’m excited to get this done, but I am feeling anxious, nervous and scared.  I am really hoping he can successfully do the vaginal hysterectomy, so I can have an easier and faster recovery.  I am hoping to be able to return to work before having to use short term disability.  Fingers crossed it all goes well!  I’m lucky I have a husband who is very supportive and keeps reminding me that no matter what we will get through this!

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