I had surgery last Tuesday (9/18) and followed some of Vicki's suggestions that were in one of the newsletter articles in the archives. Just thought I'd report on how it went.
Everything went very well. I had to do a liquid diet the day before. I mostly did chicken broth and jello. My surgery was done at 8:30am and I was home by 11:30am. It was laparascopic surgery to remove a dermoid cyst, a regular cyst, and my left ovary. The dermoid cyst turned out to be the size of a grapefruit (we originally thought it was golf-ball sized). No cancer, though. Yay!
Ahead of time, I had made the Miracle Soup recipe that came from somewhere on RR (sorry I can't give proper credit -- another RR member had sent it to me years ago in an email). That soup was wonderful! I had it and scrambled eggs and toast for my first meal post-surgery (at home). Fortunately, I did not have any nausea from the anesthesia. If I had been staying in the hospital, I would have had a shake prepared, but since I knew I'd be going home quickly and the hospital is only about 15 mins from my home, I just waited until I got home to eat.
My mother stayed with me the day of the surgery and overnight, which was very helpful. My father got my prescriptions filled, which was also very helpful. I was prescribed hydrocodone for pain, but I have been able to avoid taking it and have been able to just take a less-powerful drug that I prefer.
Yesterday was my Day 4 after surgery and, sure enough, it was a true Day 4. I felt negative, defeated, ugly, and very bitchy. But at least I knew why. And today I feel better again.
So, all in all, here is what I felt helped me:
1. Having some easy meals prepared, especially the miracle soup (which is full of veggies and very soothing).
2. Expecting to rest a lot. I told my body that it's calling the shots right now. If it needs to rest, I rest.
3. Knowing that a Day 4 is inevitable.
4. Having a positive attitude and not worrying about anything.
Here are some things I did not think of but that would have helped:
1. Have some throat lozenges or hard candy on hand to help with the sore throat that comes from having had a breathing tube in during the surgery.
2. Have a plan for your Day 4. I knew I'd have a Day 4, but I didn't really plan anything (like listening to some music, having extra fruit, etc.).
3. If anyone wants to make plans for several days after the surgery, the best reply is "I can't promise anything right now. I will have to wait until that day to see how I feel." I had told a friend I'd get together with her today because I was feeling so good the first few days after the surgery, but now I feel a little like I'd rather just stay home. I have called and scaled down our plans to just dinner, but the best thing would have been to decline in the first place.
One other thing I'm going to do is to write a thank-you note to the hospital staff who cared for me. I'm sure they have numerous routine surgeries every day, but I felt very cared for and special while I was there. I really appreciate that, and so often we only tell people when they are NOT doing a good job, so I like to tell people when they have done a good job and it has made a difference for me.
One last thing: Through this whole experience, I felt a lot of love for my body, which is a nice thing. I'm always amazed at how much our bodies can go through and yet still support us and heal and just bounce back. I've been sure to tell my body how much I love it (even though that sounds a bit corny).
Okay, this is THE last thing: My food journal has really come in handy too. I use it to record when I take my meds as well as how much rest I've needed, etc. It has helped me see how the healing is progressing.
Amy