Hi all. I’ve just had my mx on Fri 8th Aug.
On the whole, not nearly as bad as I expected. This is my experience:
First couple of days when drains in a bit sore and sorry but pain killers work. Mostly sore in the mornings when trying to get out of bed but once up, no pain really. Feels good to sit up when you get there.
Eat fruit/drink water as painkillers will constipate you. Nothing a lax won’t sort out but still can be rather unpleasant.
Once drains out, felt 70% better instantly. Thought that would be painful, but not really. Odd feeling, but doesn’t take long to get them out. A few seconds.
PJ’s best to take. Tesco’s maternity jarmies for £10.00 have top with buttons down front so perfect. Buy a larger size than you normally are. Bottoms any size will fit as adjustable.
I found my biggest prob by far was actually the well meaning visitors bringing hundreds of unwanted chocs, buscuits, smells, books and mags, candles, fruit galore, flowers, puzzel books - you name it! However, it gave me pleasure to share them with my amazing and fantastic staff at hospital. They were simply the best. Visitors can really wear you out even when you’re just laying there. Quite often you just want to be left alone. If you arrange viz, put aside only an hour in the morning and perhaps an hour in the afternoon (apart from very close family/friends). The other thing about too many viz is you’re repeating and repeating the same old story over and over and you can’t escape it!!
Buy some dry shampoo from boots. I’ve got fine hair that must be washed every single day and this stuff is fantastic. You just spray it in, shake it out and brush. It’s a must.
Take a few face flanels and some femenine wipes or even general cleansing wipes. You won’t be able to have a shower or bath till drains out. Baby powder makes you feel and smell fresh too.
Oh, and I found this really the best thing - get a neck pillow. Not a blow up one, a beenie one or the solid neck pillow type. So comfortable. You can use it while sitting up and feeling a bit tired and wanting to doze, it’s great for support under your arm. It’s also fantastic to put behind your back when sitting up too. Wonderful for a good nights sleep. A must.
Your back gets sore from sleeping on your back all night so get someone to rub a little ‘deep ice’ or one of those little funny wooden massager does wonders too.
As for the scar, I didn’t think I’d ever look at it, but when my BCN visited, I decided to have a look while she was with me. I have to say, it wasn’t as bad I as expected. Very neat and clean and not horribly disfigured as I thought I would be. Re-con will sort it out too.
I hope that helps. You’re body will recover faster than you think. Just take it easy and rest. Sleep when your tired. Power naps are good for you.
Equally when your coming home, keep it quiet as you’ll be inundated by callers/texts etc. I’m not being miz about the viz, but they can really just get in the way of recovery. Have some ‘me’ time. x x x