Immediately After Sugery Questions

[butafli]

Hi Everyone. I am finally going in for 40 cm of small bowel strictureplasty and removal of the IC. This is my first operation and I'm starting get to the "overanalysing" stage of the whole thing. Aside from being scared and nervous about the unknown, I would really really like to know more about the procedure and the week after. The weird thing is that I didn't even ask my surgeon about anything other than what he will be doing to me and the procedure. But I would love to know form you guys more info if possible.
Do you have an epidural usually or not?
What does morphine feel like to take and does it really knock the pain away?
Are there other strong pain killers anyone can recommend once the morphine has stopped?
What Narcotics do they give you?
I have been told I will have a cut above my belly button, a cut below, and a cut to the left side. My god!! WIll I be able to move at all after surgery? What happens when you need to have a BM and you can't move? OR get out of bed? What do they give you to eat the day after? Are you fed intraveneously? All these things are going through my head and keeping me awake at night.
I would love some feedback and advice here..........oh yeah and what do I pack? Pjs that button through front? Is there anything you wish you did pack for the hospital stay or was so so pleased that you took with you?
I hope I get some replies here.
Thanks

 

[handle]

Hi Butafli,
It's normal to be really nervous before surgery. It sounds like you might be having laparascopic surgery (keyhole) which is better than open surgery, with much smaller scars - only small cuts to let the instruments in. Epidural is not too common unless requested or preferred by your surgeon. You will have a catheter placed so you don't need to get up to pee. Your bowels will 'go to sleep' after surgery for at least a couple of days so no bowel movements. Once you pass wind they will start you on clear fluids. The morphine makes you very numb and drowsy and takes most of the pain away. You still feel fairly uncomfortable for a few days but you will manage, and it passes. They will try to get you to move around a bit after a day to help clear your lungs and get your bowels working. You may not need pj's if you wear their patient gowns but at least keep some pj bottoms on hand (elastic waist is best, no buttons) the drips (for fluids) stop you wearing the tops unless you have help! Definitely take some music with earplugs to mellow out, and visitors who are nice are the best!
good luck - it's a journey but you will manage.

 

[Crohn's 35]

Hey there, I see that Handle has a handle on most of your answers, which is alot btw lol. I have had both surgeries laproscopically I only had one small cut on the Ileum area. I did have a catheter on both surgeries. My second on, they tried to do an epidural but if they asked me prior I could of told them they dont work. So I was on the morphine pump. I get hallucinations from Morphine, but it took 95% of the pain away. I also got an antinauseant shot every 4 hours. It also helped me sleep. You wont have a Bm because you are cleared out...you only poop when you eat.

I took my own slippers and moisturizer because the skin gets dry. Try not to worry, I know any surgery is nerve racking. Too bad you didnt get to ask all these questions to your doctor/surgeon. Just try to rest as much as possible, all the best and good luck!