Preparation

[kumar]

9. What about my birth control, I don't want to be on my period for surgery.

Some patients continue on to another pack of pills rather than having a period during the healing phase but only do this if your gynecologist approves, if you have done it before, and if you think you can handle the hormone fluctuations. Remember that you will already be emotional so if you and your doctor and agree and you think you can handle it - there shouldn't be a problem.

Also know that in combination with continuing pills and your surgery, your menstrual cycle may be off for a while regardless. So try not to panic and be safe if you choose to have relations. Antibiotics can interfere with birth control function.

[kumar]

10. How much time should I take off work?

Usually patients take off 5 days to be sure. That, including the weekends, is usually more than enough to return to sedentary jobs and jobs which require no heavy lift or bending over.

Patients with jobs which require heavy labor may need to wait 3 full weeks before returning to work.

[kumar]

11. Do I need to buy a recliner?

Although a recliner is nice to have, you most certainly don't need to go out and buy one. You can use several pillows behind your back to plop yourself up like recliner, place one on each side so that you don't roll over and one under your knees to keep you from rolling over as well.

Regardless of what you have your sleep will be broken the first few days due to medications needed, discomfort, not being able to roll over during your sleep and frequent urination from the saline and fluids you must drink. Be aware that you will need someone to help pull you out of bed, to the restroom, fix food for you, etc.

[kumar]

12. Do I need to follow a special diet in the weeks ahead and after my procedure?

Other than the medications, caffeine is a good one to refrain from, alcohol, and excessive consumption of garlic, papaya, ginger and cayenne. Soft foods are going to be easier to digest considering medications (pain relievers and antibiotics) often cause constipation. Definitely drink lots of fluids (especially water) during your recovery.

[kumar]

13. What do I bring to the hospital/surgery center or keep in the car for the ride home?

* your surgery gear - comfortable, easily-accessible, loose-fitting clothing with slippers.
* any medications you were instructed to take and have with you. Such medications may be Catapres (blood pressure), Anti-inflammatory, valium, antibiotics, blood thickeners, etc.
* your surgery bras, or any instructed, garments or bandages.
* bring pillows to plop around you for the ride home
* a bucket or can, with a lid and some cool, bottled water to sip and rid you of the unpleasant taste you may get if you vomit. Besides cool water really helps keep the nausea at bay.
* DO NOT bring: rings, watches, or other jewelry or large sums of money to the surgery center or hospital; leave these items at safely at home.

[kumar]

14. I am so nervous! What can I do to ease my pre-operative fears?

* ascertain that your surgeon is aware of your wishes
* ascertain all of your shopping (from foods to gauze) is complete
* Have all of your medications in order or prepare a place for them to be with your medication time chart
* talk any concerns over with your spouse or family and reassure them why you want the surgery
* compare old photographs and go over either on paper or in your head why you truly want the surgery yourself.
* Go over and tell yourself that during the healing phase you will be:
o bruised
o sore
o swollen
o asymmetrical
o tired
o irritable
o unsure
o possibly depressed

If you realize all of the above beforehand there are no surprises. Write or print this out pre-operatively because even though you know in your mind NOW that you will feel this way - your mind changes and plays tricks on you afterwards. Know this.