I had my first surgery earlier this year. I went to the emergency room and was sent back for surgery. There was no planning whatsoever. I went into the operating room with unwashed hair, my pets at home unattended, and an empty fridge. A brutal situation but it taught me a lot. It’s good to be prepared for the worst in every situation.
So, as I get closer to procedure number two, I’m doing things differently.
I don’t live each day like an emergency is around the corner (but maybe I should, given all this). My house is messy, my animals do whatever they want, and it’s fine to put off grocery shopping or laundry or buying dog food because there’s always tomorrow. Having a scheduled surgery this time around is forcing me to be a Type-A person.
I’ve picked up a few tips and tricks from my first chaotic surgery that I’ll use this time around.
Prioritize Your Peace Of Mind
I’m going in for a laparoscopic myomectomy the first week of December. That’s a fancy way of saying they’re going to put a camera in my abdomen and remove my fibroids. This surgery is typically outpatient, which means I’ll go home that same day.
Last time I came home to a tornado.
This time, I WILL be completely prepared.
The first order of business, which I learned the hard way, is to prep that fridge. A grocery store trip the day before is not recommended; it’s essential. Stocking my fridge with fresh soups, juices, and fruit is perfect for recovery. Anesthesia can make you nauseous, and many people struggle to regain their appetite the first few days post-op. Having pre-made, small meals and snacks with little prep goes a long way.
I also learned that my eating preferences are not the only priority. When I came home from the hospital, my dogs were bored, and my pet food pantry was empty. Ordering food is easy, but entertaining two dogs when you’re bed-bound for a few weeks isn’t. I found that the best way to keep them from jumping on my open wound was by using enrichment toys to keep them busy. Woof’s pupsicle is the best because it’s easy to set up for them and keeps them busy for hours.
The day of surgery, I will settle for nothing less than comfort. I learned (the hard way) that spending hours in a hospital is even worse when you’re not wearing your favorite sweatpants.
I will be in my Taylor Frankie Paul era, dressed to the nines in my favorite sweat set.
I also learned that feeling put together goes a long way when you’re in recovery. To be blunt, you feel crummy about yourself physically and emotionally after surgery. I think wearing matching pajamas and a cute robe will help me feel like myself during a vulnerable moment.
If you know Tawny, of course they will be Printfresh!
Post Surgery: The Cute And The Less Cute
Here’s where things differ from my first go.
(A bit TMI, but if you’re reading an article about gyno surgery, I’m assuming you’re not squeamish.)
My specialist has advised me that bleeding is normal and a guarantee. Tampons are a no-go, which is my go-to for any bleeding. I’ve been doing a lot of research to find what other people recommend post-surgery. I know I’ll need pads, and I’m interested in trying period underwear. Currently, I’m leaning towards Orgnyc pads because they claim to be sensitive-skin safe, and Woxer period protection boxers. The looser fit of this style seems like the best bet when recovering from surgery, but if you have suggestions, let me know!
Entertainment is another big one. The first few days I’ll be rather out of it, but once I’m out of that post-anesthesia fog, I know the boredom will creep in. Like every Millennial, I’ve gone full analog these days. I already have a stack of books on my TBR ready to go.
My analog bag needs a bit more.
I’ve stocked up on coloring books (Bobbie Goods books are my favorite), and Sunday Club is a new subscription I started this year. Ultimately, it is everything you’d need for a brain-stacking bag in one cute newspaper.
Ladies, one thing no one warns you about with surgery is the gas pain. Sure, your surgeon mentions it in passing, but it’s hard to understand what they mean until you feel it. They pump you with air to get a better look at your insides, and that air stays trapped for a few days. Where did it hurt most? My shoulder and chest. Over-the-counter gas medication will be your best friend.
However, no one will be a better friend than a heating pad or blanket. I wouldn’t have survived my last surgery without them. Putting a heating pad on that aching shoulder? Few things are better.
Another thing I learned the hard way was: don’t take your pain medicine because you’re in pain. Sounds counterproductive, but it's deeper than that.
TAKE YOUR MEDS BEFORE YOU FEEL PAIN!
Keeping a schedule can help you manage pain before it kicks in.
Another bit of surgery prep that is TMI is… laxatives. My doctor prescribed them for my last surgery and made me take them for two weeks after. Pain meds can make you constipated, and I made sure to prevent that before it happened because the last thing you need is more pressure on your abdomen.
Also, I need to learn to accept help.
I loved to push myself too hard because my ego told me I was fine. My partner was home to help me, but instead, I’d get up and try to walk on my own. That reminds me, I will be getting up to walk around every few hours. Moving, although it is hard, is one of the best things you can do to help your body heal.
Going into my first surgery following a serious emergency was a bit traumatizing because I didn’t have any time to prepare. This time, I have a long list of things to do ahead of time that will ease my already anxious mind.
It’s important to note that I am not a medical professional. Your doctor will tell you what you need to prepare if you are going in for surgery.
However, these are the practical (and silly) things I’m doing to feel secure in my journey to removing these dang fibroids.
Women have to endure a lot of health trauma, but when we have each other, we can provide the best support we can. If you’re in a similar situation, my heart goes out to you. Feel free to find me on Instagram if you need to vent or want some advice.
We’re in this together!