It's my turn on Tuesday

[valleygirl]

Had my pre-op appointments last week sandwiched in between 2 short and quick mini vacations. Spent 3 days in Las Vegas, came home and had pre-op appts., then spent 3 glorious days lazing around in the hot sun and beautiful Colorado River. Got home this afternoon and have spent the rest of the day getting ready for my surgery on Tuesday morning.

It’s 10:30pm here and I have to be at the hospital bright and early on Tuesday morning (5:30am) & now I’m starting to freak out. Besides being nervous, scared, excited, and anxious, I’m afraid I’m forgetting something important.

I think I have most things in place here at home, ready for my return. My bag is almost all packed for my stay at the hospital (including my camera). Any last minute suggestions on what I should be doing, taking, thinking about…whatever, is greatly appreciated.

I’m sure I’ll be here off and on all day tomorrow while I try to finish up last minute details before my big day. After that, I’ll do my best to get back here quickly to detail my hospital stay!

To you awe-inspiring “August Ladies”, I hope you will keep posting on your recoveries. I really look forward to reading about your unique experiences and I think you are helping to keep me sane (even if my family doesn’t agree that I’m sane to begin with).

[Susie*Bee]

Valley girl-- my thoughts and prayers are with you. It's such a big big big day! And you sound like you are right where many of us have been-- mixed emotions and all. Very soon you'll be over that emotional roller coaster ride and on the other side of surgery... ready to begin the hard work of recovery. You'll do great. Hugs, Susie

[lapieper]

Valley Girl,

I'll be thinking of you tomorrow early am as you head for surgery. Think positive thoughts and remember, one day at a time.
Hugs!

[johnsonbunch]

One thing I wished I'd brought: vaseline or chap stick. The anesthesia and respirators make your lips so dry...

[dolores a]

Valley Girl, it's great that you were able to get away before your surgery, you will also be in my prayers, looking forward to hearing from you when your done and feeling a bit better.

[mgs]

You'll be in my thoughts and prayers all day tomorrow.

Don't worry about forgetting anything. Anything you'll want, the hosp has. I packed underwear, and never bothered w/it - just wore the hosp gown and robe - easy. I didn't bother bringing anything to read or any dvds. because I (correctly) figured that I'd have no use for them that freshly post-op.

As far as getting your household as organized and readied for your absence as possible. . .I looked at it this way: Hardly anyone is every really "ready" for Christmas, but ready or not, it gets here, and then it's over. Same with surgery.

I look forward to your post-op posts!

[valleygirl]

Thanks for the hugs and good wishes. It really helps and warms my heart.

mgs - thanks for the info regarding the "underwear". I was so stressing on how much I should pack. You are so right...ready or not, tomorrow morning is going to be here no matter how much is done.

Sandy, "chapstick" - check! Already packed! Thanks for the reminder. BTW Sandy, how are you doing?

[Doodles]

Valley Girl--You really don't need to worry about the packing stuff--maybe just insurance cards! I fussed with buying all this just right slippers, robe, etc. etc. Never used them at the hospital and most of it not since! I guess it was just a good exercise to keep me busy and to pass the time. The last few weeks I knew I wasn't going to change my mind and realized the sooner it was the sooner I could start healing. So plunge on in and very best wishes and prayers for a good result and recovery. Janet

[kt2009]

Good luck! You'll do great. As my mother told me, when you get to the hospital, it all kind of takes on a life of it's own...people will tell you what to do and when. I was oddly very calm...and then the best feeling was waking up with this terrific nurse who didn't leave my side.

I did ask my husband to pick up a heightened seat for our toilet at home and I asked the pt at the hospital which car would be best to come home in. We decided against the sedan, because I would have to crouch down. Instead my husband brought our SUV with a stepping stool and it was great. Yup...no underwear....I ended up getting my "monthly visitor" and used the hospital stuff.

I'll be thinking of you!

Kathy

[debbei]

Good luck VG. I'll be looking for your update!

[valleygirl]

Okay, so by now you must all have figured out I am nuts. It's 5:20am, I am leaving the house in 10 minutes and here I am checking out the forum.

Anyway, thanks for the all the encouragement. You have all given me so much strength.

Looking forward to reporting from the other side.

Hugs,

[Zoee]

Dear Valley Girl:
I missed your message yesterday, so by the time you get this you will have the surgery behind you.
I agree you should have a raised toilet seat - I am still using one four weeks post op.
When you get home - be sure to have lots of pillows for your bed. Be sure to take naps when your body tells you that you're tired - I sometimes took four a day the first few weeks! Let your family pamper you. My sister wouldn't even let me take phone calls the first week because that alone would tire me. Just know that healing takes time.
I had my surgery on 8/11 and am now feeling incredibly well. the first ten days are the worst and then you will turn the corner. If you doctor says to walk, be sure to walk as much as you can.
Good luck - my thoughts are with you! (p.s. I also am 54)

[JenniferG]

I hope all went well and I hope you are lucky enough to have a quick and easy recovery. Looking forward to your first post-op post!

[jrnyc]

it's 5:52 here on east coast...cant sleep from pain...just said a prayer for you this morning, that all goes well in surgery, & that you are healing from the second you awaken in recovery....i know everything will go well...

thoughts & prayers go with you..
jess

[Vali]

Sorry i missed your post (its been hectic around here), I hope that all went well and i wish you a successful and speedy recovery.