Things to do before surgery...for ladies!!

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Terriernut

Terriernut

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Ladies, here's a list of things I WISH I had done before I had my first surgery for Crohn's! It will sound as if I'm a vain twit...but I assure you I'm not. I'm more of a tomboy. But I am PRACTICAL!!

1. Get waxed. If you dont, trust me your leg hair will be 1 inch long before you know it, and you will only be able to look at it. You certainly wont be able to reach it to shave! It's bad enough to feel terrible and look like a Yeti!!! :yfaint: While you are at it...wax your arms and underarms. Your arms because when they pull the tape off them...it hurts like hell if you have hair! (as for the lady bits....that too!! You dont wanna be embarrased)

2. Get your hair coloured or hi lighted. Get a good trim, and condition. It will be a while before you can stand to sit there and have it done. And if you have long hair, make sure you have someone tightly braid it before you go to surgery. It took me two weeks to get the knots out after my first surgery. I had it in a ponytail, not good enough! Also, get some waterless shampoo, the spray on kind. No need to feel like a grunge if you cant get up to wash your hair.

3. Get a pedicure. You will not be able to reach your toes. Same as your legs.

I am sorry if I sound like a girly girl. I really am not. But...I had these done for my second surgery (hind sight) and it has REALLY helped in my recovery. Because why....because I still feel like a human thats why, and every little bit helps!! (And may I thank the Welsh Bird for her tips that I actually teased her for the last time!!)
 
I haven't had surgery but they sound like damned good hints to me!

Thanks for posting hun,
Dusty. xxxxxxxx
 
Go on, laugh, but, if I have enough warning, I always have my eyelashes tinted before going into hospital. Anything to boost the self-confidence... ;)
 
Just saw this! I went in there looking like a Yeti and on my period. I just didn't care (and my surgery was scheduled). I figured I'd treat myself to getting groomed once I got the whole thing over with. I must say, sleeping and sweating and hardly getting out of the hospital bed combined with my neglect of personal care made me feel kinda smelly and gross. But seriously it felt orgasmic to clean up once I got home.
Good advice though! My #1 advice... bring chapstick!!
 
Ohhh Emily! I agree, the chapstick is a must. And looking like a grunge after surgery is the pits. And dont forget your moisturizer girls!

Susan2....I had hollywood lashes put on before my last hernia surgery! Not the overblown ones, just ones that made it look like I had mascara on. What a difference that made!
 
They are great tips, let me just add one more thing - a tweezers. Bring one.
At least if you are prone to crazy eyebrows like me. I was in the hospital for two weeks and at then end I had a unibrow and had to beg a nurse for one, they just didn't have any for patients and I think it was her personal one.

Such a little thing but it made me feel so much better.
 
Good tip! I'd take a manicure set with tweezers in with me. (now that I got that set for xmas!)
 
can't wax because i bruise like a peach anymore, last time I had square bruises, but the rest sound great. I think you are right about feeling more human. Thank you for the link!
 
Ah, the bruising. I have an amazing beautitian. She should be cloned! Never bruised, never cried, never bled. Sadly I cant export her!

Dont forget to pack the manicure set, and the tweezers. Wash the clothes. Pre prepare meals. Then freeze them. Stock up on coffee, tea, soft foods, soups. You are going into battle! You must be prepared! Are all the sweats cleaned and at hand? You must be comfy and warm. Firewood...all prepared? You wont want to bend over. Pillows stacked on sofa? Soft comfy blankets on sofa? Computer charged up? Phone charger??? Internet banking...phone banking??

Do you have dry shampoo? Wet wipes? (when you dont want to shower) Spray on perfume...when you smell bad. (ok...it happens!)
 
I like to buy really pretty jammies, undies and a robe, warm slippers. New sweats and comfy clothes for when I get home. Also bring a favorite blanket that can be washed to the hospital, it's always freezing and the ones the hospital has smell like disinfectant.

I like lavender spray-not synthetic but made from essential oils-it helps calm you down and covers the hospital smell. I also bring Sea-Band nausea bracelets-these things work for me even when Zofran has failed!

Lady Mitchum Women's Advanced Control deodorant lasts 48 hours-so I usually bring that to ward off the stinkies.

Terri great idea for a thread! It's not girly-I think having a few pretty things to wear cheers us up and goes a long way in making us feel better physically :)
 
prefreezing meals is a great idea...I know my husband will be home for the first week, but that will make it easier on both of us. Could you really not bend, I specifically asked my doctor and he said it wouldn't be a problem?
already picking up more supplies...thank you for the great tips
 
I don't believe in shaving.... BUT the hair and nails are a serious need for next time (I hope there isn't one) because right now my roots are grown out an inch and a half and for some reason my hair has been shedding heavily sinse i have been in the hospital. my hair is super thin. maybe it's just stress?
 
Yes it's from the stress on your body-it's happened to be for years. I have bad c. diff colitis and my hair is coming out by the handful. Just temporary though; once you're better it will stop. :)
 
Agh I hate c-diff. I always seem to catch it (and am surprised i didn't my last hospital stay) and it's the worst. I hope it goes away soon for you and your hairs sake.
 
The hair shedding gets mentioned on here quite a lot. Biotin 5000 mcg helps. Perhaps that is something we should start taking a couple of weeks before surgery?

And, let us not forget chewing gum, to help the bowels to move faster after surgery. Because, being girls, we have to get up faster and go home faster!!!
Why? Because we have responsibilities!? No...because we are tougher than men! Hear us ROAR!!!!
 
I've been pre-grooming myself every time I feel like I'm getting sick for years. I know this is dumb, but even if I am just getting a cold I have this worst case scenario in my head of getting so sick that I have to call the ambulance. At the first sign of illness, I clean the house, shave my legs, armpits, and bikini area, put on makeup and then sort of wait to get the "near-death" illness. I wouldn't want the medics to see my house a mess or have to treat a smelly, unkempt patient. Is that weird? haha, of course it is.
 
Ok great advice. I'm getting a iliostomy and proctectomy in a week. Have a hair appointment booked, and a pedi, now I need to sort the waxing both legs and eyebrows. Can't do the armpits as they always bleed.

I have downloaded heaps of movies and books ( more to keep me busy now). Have cleaned and decluttered most of the house ( not easy with 3 kids) and for some reason I have the burning desire to cook. Making cakes, muffins, biscuits and gourmet cuisine. The family is loving it, pity I only have a small taste or I get sick, but it is great to see them happy.

Need to go get dressing gown and some sweats, but have sourced some nice pj's and slip on slippers. Need to add dry hair shampoo to my list. I am just grateful to be busy right now.

Thanks for te great advice.
 
Eyelash extensions! If you can afford them, they are wonderful. When I have them done the technician will ask how long or thick I want them and I say "Showgirl!"; they are long and thick and last for a month minimum!
 
@Jaano711-I cook and bake to relieve stressl right before surgery I was giving food away lol! And when 911 happened I baked for 3 days straight...we all have our coping mechanisms. I would rec a really good antiperspirant, one that lasts a day or two like Secret Clinical Strength-you never feel like cleaning up the first day or two after, and this stuff keeps things under control. I also like bath size towlette to wash the "important places."

@ finnegan-You are not weird, Hon! I once ended up at the ER with my laundry day panties on-holes and all, it wasn't pretty for sure. Once you've learned that lesson the hard way, you think about these things :)
 
Finnegan, I had eyelash extensions done before my parastomal hernia surgery! There I sat in bed, and my vistor (Misty Eyed) said I looked Glam! Oooer that was nice!
 
lol, I'm glad that I'm not the only girl who takes care of business before hand! I am certain it helps sooth the stress and gives us a sense of having some control in the situation. It also gives us some dignity in a situation where dignity and modesty are in short supply for us.
 
What a wonderful thread. (I'm new here, and just stumbled upon this). I've had two resections and I wish I'd thought ahead like this. If there ever is a next time, I'm getting myself to the nearest salon ASAP.
 
You know, back in the old days I imagine no. But I'm not sure about now.

But hey...French Manicure. Sorted!
 
oooh ok. I like to paint my toe nails silly colours, makes me feel better, and nobody else can usually see them so doesn't matter
 
Not sure what they are, but have to admit to being a little lazy with nail varnish. I'll put it on down there and it'll stay on for a couple of months - or mostly stay on, until i decide I want a different colour.
 
They usually say no as the anaesthetist check your nail bed colour as part of oxygenation checks. Nail varnish means they can't get a visual.

Leg wax is a definite. I am relieved I did it as the very hairy legs I have 8 weeks post surgery are at least soft. Have booked in to have another wax this week.
 
Great thread terrier nut!
I have a hospital list and drawer that i keep everything i might need for hospital in,dvd's, ear phones, ear plugs, power board, cards, puzzle books, moisturiser, manicure set, spare glasses etc etc. thrush cream for the inevitable antibiotics.
Yes my hair falls out, every time i get sick, but it also doesn't grow so no problems with hairy legs and arms - a bonus. The worst time was when one of the false teeth on my plate (and it was a front one) broke off so i spent a couple of months toothless on top of everything else. Looked like i'd crawled out from under some rock when coupled with the hair colour also growing out.
 
persephone300 said:
Think I'll stick to the toe nails, they can see my fingers then
Click to expand...
They sometimes ask you to remove any nail polish. Toes are especially important in keeping check on your circulation under anaesthetic as they are the furthest things from your heart.
 
Yes, great thread. I'd also add, leave your jewellery at home. They can tape up your wedding band if you don't want to take it off, but for some of the tests, like MRI, you need to remove anything metal.
And slippers - don't forget slippers. I did last time and they don't like you wandering in bare feet or in those lovely tight sock things they give you. I ended up stomping around in the ankle boots I'd gone in with and my very fetching hospital gown.
 
For a Stoma surgery I recommend taking a soothing lavender spray or similar. When your Stoma in new, or when it's being changed in hospital room, it is nice to have a nice smelling spray to help make you feel less conscious. Her in Australia hospitals tend to use glen 20 which really smells bad.
 
If there is a problem with nail polish, since its interferes with monitoring devices they will remove it for you so it's not a bad idea to take some polish with you for after the procedure. Muah- hugs-
 
I am having a small bowel resection Dec. 11. This is a great thread as I was thinking about all the things I need to pack in the next few days. Thanks to all.
 
Reading how so many of you got to stay in bed a day or two. The nurses had me up, very ungently, 24 hours post op for a shower and to sit up in a chair for two hours. i had totally inadequate pain relief and was crying to be allowed to return to bed but they ignored my call button. Cruel comes to mind. Finally the cleaner lowered the bed and I was able to creep over and very painfully get in. You all know what its like lifting your legs up while twisting to get into bed postop.
 
Yep. I was out of bed and put in a chair to sit at about 18 hours postop. Next day was taken for walks 3 times a day. I was given pain relief, however.

I really feel for you, Anna!!!
 
I was out of bed the morning after my surgery to sit in my chair for an hour or so, it's part of the "enhanced recovery" that my hospital uses! They have a regime that they want you to follow!

I really feel for you though, that's unforgivable that you didn't have enough pain relief and that they ignored you.
 
Thanks everyone for your thoughts, fortunately I'm now 10 days post op so the pain has gone but the first week was a doozy. Not something I want to repeat soon so looks like i'm stuck with this stoma until i forget how horrendous it was. This is the fourth time I've been cut down the middle and i've never experienced pain like this. Note to self = avoid this hospital.
 
I try to always stay on the look out for cute socks with traction dots. They prevent slipping and I find hospital issue socks to be ill fitting and weird. I also pack headbands to keep my hair out of my face, as I don't style my hair inpatient. Body lotion is a must, too, as something about hospitals always dry my skin out and thus make me feel itchier than usual with psoriasis and pain medications.

Also finding cute planners and note books to keep track of symptoms, medications and food journals. I know there are various iPhone aps which do the same thing, but having a fun food diary was a pick me up for me, and always made me smile.
 
Cupcake, headbands and notebooks are great ideas. I always have a notebook so that i can write down questions for the doctors as my mind has a habit of going blank when they suddenly appear first thing in the morning. Also useful for writing down what they say etc.
 
Another thing i took was mini shampoo ( hospital's just don't cut it sometimes), sadoku book, crosswords and a good novel. Helps with insomnia anyway or to pass time since you are woke up so often :(.
 

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