I have to go in for surgery...

[zero7starz]

A few weeks ago I went in to see my gyno about super severe cramps I get every month. We talked for a while about what I had been doing, when the pain starts, anything else that causes pain, ect. He is the same gyno who my sister goes to, shes had 3 kids... and a bad case of endometriosis.

According to the list of symptoms I gave him, and since both my mother and sister have had endo in their time he suggested doing a laproscopic surgery to determin of this is my demon as well.

The difference is both their cases have led to histoectomies... and I'm afraid thats where I'm going to end up as well. They each had it done when they were in their 30s, and I'm just barely 20 (by a few days.) And I don't want this to sevearly inhibit my life.

This is the first surgery that I've ever had to go in for, and I'm pretty freaked out. Not to mention I'm going to miss my first day of school because I have to be off my feet for 3 days prior to the precedure.

Especaily since they to cease all forms of smoking for 7 days (I think thats what he said) because I will heal slower. I don't know if vaping counts here or not though. /sigh/

 

[deliza]

I was scared silly the first time I had surgery (and the only time, actually), so I feel for you. But I'm sure everything will be just fine, and after they take a little look, then you can know what you are dealing with. Sooooo, take a deep breath, and think positive thoughts, and don't worry until you have to

Incidently, I have heard that about smoking, but noone mentioned it to me before I had surgery, so I smoked like a demon up to and immediately after mine, and healed beautifully and quickly. Not to undermine what your doctor has told you in any way, but I think there are other factors at play as well.

Good luck!

 

[Jennee26]

I agree with Deliza. I think what you do is what helps heal you. I started smoking at 15 and had more than one surgery between then and when I quit. I always smoked before and right after. Of course nobody said anything about not smoking prior to my surgeries until the last knee surgery I had about 3 years ago. My thought: It didn't make a difference before when they didn't say anything about it, why would it now that they do. Sorry to hear of your situation. Hopefully everything will turn out ok!

 

[BARENETTED]

I have only had 3 simple operations - carpal tunnell release(both hands) and surgery on my left foot. All required general anesthesia and I was told not to smoke from midnight the night before and for a week after so that I could heal. I never listened because I couldn't do it, but I did heal.
I also had some dental implants done a few years back. They told me not to smoke afterwards because it would slow healing. They also told me smoking lessens the life of the implants. I don't know. I have had no problems.

Stay positive Zero - no need to worry until you need to worry.
Relax and vape.

 

[Mary Kay]

Jay,
I've had 6 surgeries and smoked before after and while I was at the hospital. I heal faster then anyone I know.

The reason for stopping smoking is valid though, you are supposed to heal slower, it messes with your blood readings and it makes it harder for the anesthesiologist to help you breath. besides you will need to cough if you are still smoking..nobody in their right mind wants to cough after surgery!

Some part of that is nic (healing)the rest is just smoking in general. If you are vaping full time then limit the nic but keep vaping. If you are still smoking, try to start vaping full time up until the surgery. (I know it's hard, but at least you have your P.V.!)
If you want to heal fast..walk! The minute you can stand..go for a walk or at least a few steps and keep doing it every few hours. You won't stiffen up, you systems start working faster and you will be able to work all the meds and anesthesia stuff out of your system sooner.
I had Mike up and taking a few steps within 12 hours of open heart, he was home within a week!
Good luck, keep us as current as possible and we will keep you in our thoughts.

 

[Kelly79]

Smoking also lowers blood oxygen levels which slows healing, vaping 0nic is probably fine, I'd discuss whether to use nicjuice with you doctor though.

 

[SudokuGal]

If you weren't a little scared, you wouldn't be human. When the anxiety starts to reach a high level, take a few, slow, deep breaths. Repeat as needed.

One thing to look forward to: when you come to, you'll think, "That was the BEST sleep I've ever had!" LOL.

Follow MaryKay's advice about getting up and walking...it is absolutely the best thing you can do. I've only had 4 surgeries, and for whatever reason, I was just raring to go once I woke up...the nurses couldn't believe it!!! Of course, for the one surgery where I had to go back in the next day for a subsequent procedure, the nurses couldn't believe that I walked outside to the smoking area, pulling my IV setup with me. They told me I couldn't do that...I said, "WATCH ME." Now, I'd just take my PV with me <grin>.

Best wishes!

 

[zero7starz]

Thanks for all the kind words, gals. I'm still pretty freaked out about having to do this. But, MK I will try to do everything you suggested. The sooner I can get back to work/school the better off I'll be.

 

[Kate51]

Zero, it is scary, but as soon as they give you that stuff to stop the pain, you'll be finally smiling! They may not do anything too radical, but if they do I have a book's worth of helpful hints! Mine was so bad it had rotted away a 6" piece of my colon, (that almost did kill me!) so had everything done. Good riddance. Would do it again tomorrow. But I would take my own supply of patches, they were over $100 for 20 at the hospital!

 

[Erised]

I too smoked before and after all my surgeries, and had no problems healing in a timely manner. When my daughter was born the first thing they did when they took me to my room after recovery was to bring me my purse and an ashtray, without me even asking -- things have certainly changed!

To help cut down on being nervous on the morning of the surgery bring along something to keep you entertained and your mind off of it -- a book you just can't put down, magazines, a laptop with a movie you have really been wanting to see.

Good luck with the surgery and I wish you a quick, pain-free recovery!

Erised

 

[Mary Kay]

heard anything new?

 

[zero7starz]

heard anything new?

The date is set for August 14th. Man its like 3 days before schools starts, too. They sent me a packet of information about the actual procedure in the mail and I think all it did was make me more nervous! heh.

 

[SudokuGal]

The date is set for August 14th. Man its like 3 days before schools starts, too. They sent me a packet of information about the actual procedure in the mail and I think all it did was make me more nervous! heh.

Breathe...breathe...breathe

You'll do just fine.

 

[Mary Kay]

You are suposed to be nervous, It's a rule! But make some plans right now, get a new book, or a few mags as the time gets near. Grab some sugar free munchies and hide them at the bottom of your bag..don't declare them! Take a pen and paper in case you want to take notes. Take a pretty p.J. set or 3. Make sure you have a bathrobe and slippers. Hospitals are cold places. Hide some 0 nic juice and a couple of P.V. and a charger. You can charge when nobody is around..a PCC would be better. You can always send it home with some one for a recharge.
You may not feel like any of that stuff, but in the event that your procedure isn't nearly as bad as you think..you may be more bored then anything!
It is laproscopic so you won't have 6 gazillion stiches. That is a really good thing. With everything going on with mom she is in no pain, and when her head is clear, she is bored and watches T.V.