1-What kind of pain should you expect immediately after the surgery and how did you feel 1 day, 2day…. a week, 2 weeks after the surgery?
I had my surgery lap. The morphine did not work for me and I began to experience pain
through the night. In hindsight, I should have
made the nurses call Kelly to switch my meds. Instead, a horrible ICU nurse lectured me that I needed to manage my pain better and that this is why I had a button. I was up every hour or less that first night and pushing that button-- she was terrible and should not have behaved that way. Remember that the staff works for YOU!
I did not have gas pain until I came home and it was only bad for one day, it was uncomfortable but manageable with the simithecone.
Each day truly gets better by leaps and bounds. By 1 week I was feeling good, but tired, week 2 feeling better, but tired, I will most likely be out the full 6 wks and would encourage 4-6 wks if you are able to.
2-At the hospital, what kind of accommodation does the hospital provide to your buddy? Not much. At check in, we got to a room around 1am; he slept in a chair the night of my surgery until they brought a cot at 3:30am. He slept for an hour until they came to begin to prep me (1st case) at 4:30am. My advice-- take the sleeping pill, you will need your rest. First night after surgery is in ICU, very noisy, he went home. On Tues night he stayed with me and got a cot at a reasonable hour.
3-Is there anything you recommend to bring to the hospital? Chap Stick, definately a loose dress to go home in-- two incisions are on my waistline so pants are uncomfortable still, spare undies, and toiletries (including feminine products if you are nearing that time).
4-How long did your surgery last? 2 hours although hubby couldn't see me for an additional 4 1/2 hrs-- all depends how quickly you wake up.
As Mary said, please remember everyone is different and every experience is different. You will be fine.