Conference turris::womannotes-v1

    Send me mail.  Mine was only a few months ago.
    
                Carol

    
     Having gone through this surgical procudure twice - and may 
     possibly going a thid time - I guess I qualify to add a few
     a few helpful hints.
     First I'm assuming that it will be out-patient surgery.
     Wear a loose jumper or dress - something that is not constricting
     to your waist - I wore pants the first time and regreted it on
     the ride home.  Be sure to have someone that is either ready to
     give up the day and hang around the hospital - or can be on call
     to take you home when you're ready.  The surgery itself - is a
     blur I was under general anesthesia(sp).  So I'll address the recovery
     period.  Anesthesia - historically - does not agree with me - so
     some of my symptoms may be a little more severe.  Upon waking in
     the recovery room - I felt groggy - and just want to get the IV
     out of my arm - but as I was sick to my stomach (the anesthesia
     at work) the nurses insisted that the IV be refilled in stead of
     removed.  After about 20 min. in the Recocery room I was moved
     to the Out-Patient area - nice cushy chairs, tv, etc, and was feed
     OI and cookies - (of course which wouldn't stay down for the first
     2 hours).  Walking was a little tender and I felt like I had swallowed
     a balloon - my abdomen was puffy(henece the loose clothing). The
     only other discomfort at this point was a bad gas of gas.   I was
     tired and achy, and I could feel my insides (or so I thought) and
     all I wanted to do was get into my own bed and sleep.  After my
     ride was called and came to get me - I was so happy to be going
     up that I jumped out of my chair - Don't do that - get up slowly!!!
     I slept well that night and a good portion of the next day.  And
     After that it was back to the office.  My insides being a little
     tender and I still wasn't ready to wear anything that was tight
     around the waist.  I did find that I had shoulder pain for about
     a week (nothing serious - more discomfort); it was the remaining
     gas settling in - but it eventually dissapated.  I also wish I
     had planned the procedure for a Thurs or Fri., I found that sitting
     for the day did tend to make the incision a little tender. 
     All in all, as far as surgery goes - it's not bad, a lot will depend
     on what they're "going in for".  My first was exploritory and the
     second exploritory and corrective.  (both done on a tuesday - because
     of the DR's Schedule).  
     
     Good luck.
    
     Allison

    I had one done a year ago.  It was painless.  They make an incision
    in your belly button for the camera, or whatever it is.  They stick
    a tube down your throat to 'blow you up' with air or something.
    I had anesthesia, I was nervous and asked for everything the guy
    had.  When I woke up there was a nurse standing next to me and she
    just held my hand until I got the nerve up to speak.  That was the
    only problem, my throat was rather sore and I could only sip soda
    (can you believe the hospital bills you pay and you can only get
    a generic Diet Coke!!)
    
    Any operation is scary, some more than others, not always because
    of the operation alone.  The question is do you like the doctor
    AND the hospital.  My doctor was fine and the hospital was great.
    All the nurses were nice before and after, they explained everything
    and really seemed to care.  I was in another hospital before that
    for the same reason, emergency ward and they treated me like dirt.
    Probably the most horrible time of my life, there's nothing like
    an incompetent hospital to make you never want to go back.  Make
    sure YOU are comfortable with everything before the operation, it's
    your body, it's your money, it's your operation. 
    

    .2 is a little closer to my experieince than .3, but that's the
    way it goes - easier for some than others.  I went in for exploratory
    and biopsy's (which showed nothing) so the Dr. kept me in overnight,
    which served only to remind me how much more comfortable I'd been
    at home had I'd gone outpatient.  Recovery isn't bad - in a week.,
    you should feel pretty well recovered.     
    
    Relax, Take it easy, and Good Luck - Let us know how you are doing!
    
    

    It has been over twelve years since I had my surgery. I was awake
    for the entire procedure. My doctor said that he preferred the patient
    to be awake if they so chose because if there are any problems the
    patient can tell him. I was curious and was allowed to look down
    the fiber optic tube at my insides. The doctor told me what I was
    seeing but not having any frame of reference it was mostly colors
    of red and yellow. The actual surgical procedure did cause me some
    discomfort, but the biggest problem - as others have mentioned -
    was discomfort from the gas they use. (For those who don't understand
    the procedure, they pump the abdomen full of gas to separate the
    organs and allow the doctor room to work. I had a hospital and a
    doctor that I was very comfortable with - which I agree is an important
    part of a successful procedure.
    
    Bonnie

    Not much to add.  Part of the anethesia for me was an airway so
    that the gas didn't impact my breathing (organs pushing on diaphragm
    and lungs...), and that left me with a sore throat for a few days.
     The procedure is REALLY interesting, and the technology is too!
    
    Good luck, and let us know how it goes!