Next question - on waking

@kmakm  re constipation can’t recommend Movicol highly enough - no haemorrhoids or pain - but check with medical staff before using just in case there is a conflict with treatment.

I'll have to get out ahead of that one. It's been a big problem throughout chemo. I'm going to be hard pressed to have it sorted by the operation...

Yes, I was given that very valuable advice about avoiding constipation! I have an intolerance of codeine so they always avoided giving me that....but immediately upon eating, I asked for fruit, prune juice (ugh!), and drank lots of water. Then Day 2 I began asking the nursing staff for whatever they could give me to help move things along - I just didn’t want to leave it days. And the good thing was that it worked. So well worth remembering :)

@Eastmum I hated my drains (called them my pets), mainly because everytime I went to move somewhere, I had to remember to take the drains with me.  I forgot badly once, got it caught on the hospital bed and... yank... pain.  And they get so heavy.  But you'll be okay - mainly nuisance factor.  And listen to the advice about anaesthetic, nausea and painkillers.  First op, I did tell the anaesthetist about nausea but perhaps didn't stress it enough.  I spent the next day sick as a dog.  Stressed it a bit more for the second op (and it helped that it was in my notes) and coped much better.  Endone makes me a bit sick but I was taking Tramadol (?) - what wasn't explained to me was that, even though it contains a synthetic version of codeine, it still has the constipating effect.  Whatever you do, don't go home constipated!

Hi @Sunshine0206 - I know the photo you posted has been removed but not before I saw it - wow you look(ed) amazing!! Thank you so much for so generously sharing. It’s great to have some idea of what drains look like. I thought they would be much thicker tubes. I know every experience is different but it really helps to see. Thanks! 

@Brenda5 overnight stays - that’s amazing! Yep I’m all for painkillers. Bring ‘em on I say! Funny you should mention the gas anaesthetic - I had a phone consult with the anaesthtist that will be doing my op and told him that I have a history of being ill from anaesthetic and he said - that means we won’t give you gas! Must be the one that causes the most problems. 

Yes @iserbrown my PS tells me I will definitely not wake up flat - looking forward to that! Also definitely not putting myself in any anxious state of anticipation. The information that’s been generously given is all extremely helpful and rather puts me at ease. 

Hello @Sunshine0206 all done, I have removed the photo for you. 

@Giovanna_BCNA can you follow through with the above request 

Okie doke can
someone take it down please.

@Rosie_BCNA