Pre-Op tomorrow...(what to expect?)

g00dbyefat · August 22, 2008

So I have my pre-op appointment tomorrow. Any suggestions on what I should expect? I'm a little nervous, excited, anxious and everything. I have NO CLUE what will happen tomorrow and would love to hear your past experiences!

Thanks all :cursing:

dwrd73 · August 22, 2008

During my pre-op appointment I met with a PA to discuss my what meds to take or stop taking the before the surgery. They took some blood work to verify my blood type for the blood bank if needed. They also went over the two week pre op diet again and then wanted to know if I had any other questions.

amanda45414 · August 22, 2008

I had to get several tests but I don't think that is very common. Just in case I will let you know what I had to do. Chest c-ray, upper gi, blood work, ekg, pulmonary function, and blood gasses. Then I meet with the RN over the bariatric department, the pharmacist, and a nutritionist. I was all very helpful for asking any questions I had before surgery Monday.

Lanakila · August 22, 2008

I don't meet with the anesthesiologist until Tuesday, but here's what I asked my surgeon and his staff when I met with them for pre-op this morning:

What do you use to close the incisions? Mine uses Dermabond glue.
Will I get a heparin, or another anticoagulant shot?
What do you use for post-op pain management while I am at the hospital?
What will you give me for post-op pain management after discharge?
Can I have that prescription now so that I can fill it before surgery?
Do I take my meds the day of surgery?
When do I see you again?
When do you generally do the first fill?
Do you fill under flouroscopy?
How soon can I have sex? (for me, 1 week at least and then as tolerated)
How soon can I shower?
When can I hit the treadmill again?
When can I do weight machines again?
How soon can I drive?
In the last two years, how many "open" procedures have you had to do? (I should have asked this earlier...but he had zero so it didn't really matter)
How should my caregiver contact you after surgery if there are any problems?

I'm sure that there were more, but I forget what else.

dwrd73 · August 22, 2008

Great questions!!! Many I know the answers to for my doctor but a few I didn't even think about asking.

g00dbyefat · August 23, 2008

Thanks for all the posts. My pre-op was crazy as I was scheduled for 3pm then nutritionist at 3:30pm. I got a call in the morning asking me if I could come in early because the dr had a meeting come up he had to attend. So I forgot my lists of questions...darn!!

He basically just explained the procedure. I found out I'm going to stay overnight (wasn't expecting that, and it made me a bit nervous), what prescriptions I needed to pick up and whatnot. I wish I would have asked him more questions, but I have heard rave reviews about him...so not too worried!

I'm scheduled for arrival at 4:45am and surgery at 7am. Guess I'm first out the gate...YIKES!! Hope he's awake enough to do an excellent job! haha

Roheryn · August 23, 2008

As far as I know we all stay overnight here in Australia. I think it is good because they can keep an eye on you and manage your pain etc.

As much as i'd love to go home to my own bed I actually feel better about staying in that night!

Nena · August 23, 2008

Oh my gosh, you're so smart! I'm educated and think I'm pretty smart but I didn't even think to ask when I can take a shower?! LOL. I feel really stupid and unprepared that's why I love reading the blogs, I learn so much. So what did they say about showering? :angry:

Lanakila · August 23, 2008

Oh my gosh, you're so smart! I'm educated and think I'm pretty smart but I didn't even think to ask when I can take a shower?! LOL. I feel really stupid and unprepared that's why I love reading the blogs, I learn so much. So what did they say about showering? :tongue:

I left a notepad on my desk at work, my coffee table at home, and a pad of post-its in my car for about a week so that I could write down questions as they came to me. I must admit that most of my questions came to me while I was reading the boards but, I admit, I troll the boards pretty heavily while "recruiting" (Hey, Ro!)

I was thinking that we could add to the list and maybe toss it over on the September Samurai board once we have it refined. Whatdyathink?

Oh, and since I'm getting glued shut, the doc said showering the next day was fine...but no immersion like baths or swimming for two full weeks. I dunno what the answer would be for steristrip folks.

innotu · August 23, 2008

I'm a steristrip gal...I was told that I could shower (no baths) 4 days after the operation. I didn't ask when I could take a bath as I only take showers :tongue:

I live in Canada and most patients (unless its open surgery) go home the same day. I was the first operation of the day (8:00am) and out by about 5:00pm (enough time for the nurses to see me walk, go to the washroom, keep liquids down and the doctors to check in on me).