It would be great to share some post surgery reflections, recovery tips and questions.
Some Reflections
1. Surgery Timing
I was glad to have my surgery scheduled first, even though it meant getting up very early. I had to fast after midnight, so good to get it done first thing, so I didn’t have to wait till the afternoon to eat or drink water. So if possible see if you can schedule earlier in the day. Others may have different thoughts on time of day?
2. Anesthesia
I was hoping for Twilight anesthesia, which is used during colonoscopies and it is easier to recover from. The anesthesiologist that it is best I get general anesthesia, so I am not awake and conscious during the surgery. I thought that you are not conscious, but breathing on your own in Twilight. Not sure about this. What’s been your experience?
3. Scopolamine patch to prevent nausea
Also they put the patch behind my ear to prevent nausea, but I didn’t know about this before the surgery, so had no time to research it. They recommend leaving the patch on for 24 hours to 3 days. Did you get this patch? What was your experience with it? After reading about the side effects, I am not sure I would use it, but I didn’t experience nausea.
4. Post Surgery update
I had someone drop me off and pick me up. The surgeon said they will call this person after the surgery with an update. Both of us received the discharge instructions, but no surgery update. I think it’s helpful to get the surgery details about what was done and outcomes. This can be shared with the person taking you home. Be sure to have them ask since you may still be drowsy. Maybe next time I will see if the person can wait there, instead of picking me up because there is less communication between the surgeon and nurses after the surgery if they are not waiting on site. What has been your experience?
Also I discovered a Medi Trace patch on my back. It was very itchy and caused some pimple like sores. I had not been told about this patch and what it does. I believe it is for monitoring the heart. I removed the patch and put aloe on it, so the area was not so itchy. Maybe they forgot to take it off after surgery. Not sure.
5. Sleeping after surgery
Supposedly it is best to sleep with the chest elevated and on your back. I actually listened to a sound bath on Youtube and it helped me to sleep and heal.
6. Eating, drinking and digestion
Your digestion may be off for a few days. Eat some prunes, dates and other thing that help you with digestion. Drink lots of hot tea, ideally with lemon, ginger and honey. Your throat may be sore from anesthesia. Drink lots of water. If you have the nausea patch, it may make you feel more dehydrated. Eat lots of nuts, protein, fruits and healthy meals. Other tips here?
Start walking to get moving, but don’t over exert yourself. Rest when you are tired. Be sure to sleep well since sleep is ctitical for healing. Do deep breathing exercises to activate the parasympathetic nervous system and reduce stress. Take time to let yourself heal. Don’t rush yourself to get back to your normal routine.
7. Pain Medicine
I took one tablet of Tylenol Extra Strength when I got home, and took 1 tablet every 6 hours for the first few days. Instead of taking strong opiods if your pain is not high, this may be a better option because it does not have as many side effects.
8. Compression bra
A Masthead compression bra was put on me after surgery. As recommended, I have kept it on during the day and at night. There are different versions on Amazon, but get the front closure ones with velcro. Maybe see if you can get a prescription for them, so insurance can cover part of the cost.
9. Bathing
I was told to wait 48 hours before I could remove the bandage and bathe, so this is what I did. I think bucket baths with a hand towel may be than a shower that may have too much force. I avoided the incision area when I took a bath.
10. Photos and documenting your journey
I took photos before the surgery and after the surgery. It is helpful to document the process in case questions come up later. Save the photos in a locked folder on your device, so only you can access them.
11. Estate Planning
I created a Trust a while back. It’s good to do this because you never know what may happen in surgery. It is not about being morbid, but rather making things easier for your family.
12. Insurance and costs
Be sure to call your insurance and find out what will be covered by insurance and what you will be responsible for in terms of costs.
13. What to wear to surgery
A zippered sweatshirt, jogging pants and yoga socks with grips. These were comfortable and good for the cold hospital lounge. Leave all jewelry at home. Don’t put on any lotion or deodorant.
14. Surgery details
Schedule a pre-op visit a few days before the surgery. Find out where the incisions will happen and if the tissue removed will be filled in with tissue from another location, how the breast will look afterwards, patches and medicines used during surgery and any other details they can provide.
Wishing everyone a smooth, gentle recovery!
