A Question about after surgery care

[Laura76]

I am scheduled to have top and bottom GCS/SRS surgery in early January 2020. I am feeling more excited and anxious as the date gets closer. If have already been through surgery, or just completed going through surgery, what are some things you wish you had known, or would do different when it comes to immediate after-surgery recovery? I am suppose to go to a hotel after surgery for a few days before I can be released to go home.  What should I need to know after the surgery, and when I am released when at home.  What worked for you with at home care?

 

Thank you,

Laura76

 

[Jackie C.]

59 minutes ago, MaryMary said:

If you have any questions or things you wonder about or anything you can also message me in private if you want. For me it's a wonderfull memory really. I'm even nostalgic of that moment in my life. The toughest part for me was actually being alone far from where I live. Luckily I had other transgender woman there who had the surgery at the same time to help me.

 

That's interesting. Here you must have a friend or family member with you for the surgery. It's a pain in the butt to schedule, but I imagine it helps with the catheter bag.

 

Sorry to threadjack Laura. I'm going in early February. I'm excited and a little nervous too. I am happy to know that my master plan (Be a model patient. Do exactly what my doctor tells me. Relax and let things settle before I panic.) is pretty much on track.

 

Thanks for answering @MaryMary!

 

Hugs!

[Jackie C.]

I got you (I think). I'm going to be in the hospital for three days, then released to the care of my wife in a nearby hotel. A week after surgery, the catheter and the stint come out and I start regular dilation. Then we can go home. I imagine there are going to be more instructions, but my prep-talk with the nurse isn't until December 26th. Late Christmas present to be sure.

The big warning from the surgeon was "Keep it clean!" when I had the initial consult, so I expect to be doing a lot of that. Oh, also she wanted me to be the lightest and in the best shape of my life. That was another big one. I think I look pretty good all things considered, but honestly, I'm trying to sculpt a Goddess out of Twinkies here.

 

Hugs!

[Jani]

As to getting ready, I over packed for the trip.  You will want to stay in loose pajamas or sweats, or a nightgown after you are released from the hospital.  You'll still have the catheter and moving around will be uncomfortable at first.  After the catheter was removed and I was able to go to the bathroom I had one of those moments when I realized it was for real.  Two of my sisters were with me for three days after I left the hospital, then I was by myself for four days until my wife flew in to take me home.  Rest, remember to eat, take pain meds to stay ahead of the pain, and follow your doctors orders exactly! 

Jani

[VickySGV]

Go over to the Post Op Forums here and start about January 18, 2013 when I started my Post Op Posting my first day out of the hospital where I made a pretty good record of what I was going through in the succeeding eight months or so.  This was my first post post but they went on from there.  This was on the sixth page of the old stuff of the forum.  Enjoy.

 

https://www.transgenderpulse.com/forums/topic/52994-greetings-from-san-mateo-ca/

 

Here was the second one on page 5 of the past posts.

 

https://www.transgenderpulse.com/forums/topic/53080-the-weird-the-yuck-but-great-progress/

 

Those were while I was still close to my doctor and the hospital.  I did have my sense of humor back by then. 

[Laura76]

MaryMary, Jackie C and Jani,

 

Thank you for your insight and recommendations. I will use them all. And Thank you VickySgv, I will be watching your videos tonight.

 

Any if there are additional recommendations that come to mind please send them.

 

Again thank you all,

Laura76

 

 

[VickySGV]

11 hours ago, Laura76 said:

Thank you VickySgv, I will be watching your videos tonight.

Those were not videos, they were just posts I made in my weeks after GCS.  Sorry about that.