Possible first operation

[Pints]

So, for the first time in almost 32 years on the planet, I'm likely to be having minor surgery tonight.

After severe abdominal pain last night (barely slept a wink) I soldiered into work this morning before deciding, after an hour, that the pain was too much. My mom picked me up (wife looking after the halfPints') and brought me in. Turns out it's likely appendicitus (sp?).

Just waiting to be wheeled into surgery. All is not bad... They've got me on morphine.
Never been cut open before, even keyhole.

If it is what they think, they've said I won't be driving for 6 weeks.
Oh well, just thought I'd share.

[Maxf]

I'm going in on monday for my first op. Not sure what to expect or anything, but having it done seems better than not!

[TheCarpetCleaner]

Have had two operations so far, at 24 and 27 (now 30).

Both hernia ops, first one open, second one keyhole.

First operation I was stting myself, very scared. Ask for a premed if you get in there early enough before the operation.

Second operation I was very scared, but knowing what was ahead actually helped. I didn't have time for a premed then as I got in at 7.30, and op was scheduled for 8.30, and I had to walk down to the theatre myself

Looking back, its not a pleasant thing, but you will be surprised how easy it is to recover afterwards compared to what you are probably thinking, and soon you will be typing something like this, to someone else who is posting "Possible first operation"

[ShadownINja]

Maxf said:

I'm going in on monday for my first op. Not sure what to expect or anything, but having it done seems better than not!

They haven't even told you what you're going in to have done?

[Maxf]

ShadownINja said:

Maxf said:

I'm going in on monday for my first op. Not sure what to expect or anything, but having it done seems better than not!

They haven't even told you what you're going in to have done?

well, they've said they will make it bigger but I'm not sure if to expect length, girth or both

[missdiane]

Good luck, well you are probably in there now...

[ShadownINja]

Maxf said:

ShadownINja said:

Maxf said:

I'm going in on monday for my first op. Not sure what to expect or anything, but having it done seems better than not!

They haven't even told you what you're going in to have done?

well, they've said they will make it bigger but I'm not sure if to expect length, girth or both

Wow. So will you accidentally hit the spacebar with your nose when you use a computer?

[okgo]

TheCarpetCleaner said:

Have had two operations so far, at 24 and 27 (now 30).

Both hernia ops, first one open, second one keyhole.

First operation I was stting myself, very scared. Ask for a premed if you get in there early enough before the operation.

Second operation I was very scared, but knowing what was ahead actually helped. I didn't have time for a premed then as I got in at 7.30, and op was scheduled for 8.30, and I had to walk down to the theatre myself

Looking back, its not a pleasant thing, but you will be surprised how easy it is to recover afterwards compared to what you are probably thinking, and soon you will be typing something like this, to someone else who is posting "Possible first operation"

Had exactly the same as you, but first one at 18, second one at 22.

Funnily enough, both times pretty calm, and just wanted it to be finished with. More scared of giving blood than anything else. Although the whole time throught the second op proccess I never had to give blood... weird.

All I remember is the full body tingle as they put the sleeping juice in me, I hope that is what dying feels like

Edited by okgo on Wednesday 10th February 21:48

Edited by okgo on Wednesday 10th February 21:48

[Davel]

Well I'm a big chicken too!

Due to have an umbilical hernia fixed sometime, though the doc says it's not really needed yet as it's not very big. The hernia not the other thing...

Can't say I'm keen but hope that it can be done under a local jab.

Good luck - although by now you'll have had it done....

[TheCarpetCleaner]

okgo said:

TheCarpetCleaner said:

Have had two operations so far, at 24 and 27 (now 30).

Both hernia ops, first one open, second one keyhole.

First operation I was stting myself, very scared. Ask for a premed if you get in there early enough before the operation.

Second operation I was very scared, but knowing what was ahead actually helped. I didn't have time for a premed then as I got in at 7.30, and op was scheduled for 8.30, and I had to walk down to the theatre myself

Looking back, its not a pleasant thing, but you will be surprised how easy it is to recover afterwards compared to what you are probably thinking, and soon you will be typing something like this, to someone else who is posting "Possible first operation"

Had exactly the same as you, but first one at 18, second one at 22.

Funnily enough, both times pretty calm, and just wanted it to be finished with. More scared of giving blood than anything else. Although the whole time throught the second op proccess I never had to give blood... weird.

All I remember is the full body tingle as they put the sleeping juice in me, I hope that is what dying feels like

Edited by okgo on Wednesday 10th February 21:48

Edited by okgo on Wednesday 10th February 21:48

That is just wrong!

(but I know exactly what you mean )

I think the worst part was having to take a dump a day later. That took a loooooooong time

[okgo]

TheCarpetCleaner said:

okgo said:

TheCarpetCleaner said:

Have had two operations so far, at 24 and 27 (now 30).

Both hernia ops, first one open, second one keyhole.

First operation I was stting myself, very scared. Ask for a premed if you get in there early enough before the operation.

Second operation I was very scared, but knowing what was ahead actually helped. I didn't have time for a premed then as I got in at 7.30, and op was scheduled for 8.30, and I had to walk down to the theatre myself

Looking back, its not a pleasant thing, but you will be surprised how easy it is to recover afterwards compared to what you are probably thinking, and soon you will be typing something like this, to someone else who is posting "Possible first operation"

Had exactly the same as you, but first one at 18, second one at 22.

Funnily enough, both times pretty calm, and just wanted it to be finished with. More scared of giving blood than anything else. Although the whole time throught the second op proccess I never had to give blood... weird.

All I remember is the full body tingle as they put the sleeping juice in me, I hope that is what dying feels like

Edited by okgo on Wednesday 10th February 21:48

Edited by okgo on Wednesday 10th February 21:48

That is just wrong!

(but I know exactly what you mean )

I think the worst part was having to take a dump a day later. That took a loooooooong time

Took 3 days for me to go for one.

Plus they wouldn't let me leave the hospital till I took a piss to make sure it all worked. In the end I had to lie as I drank 4 litres of water and waited over an hour, so I just said I did.

Bled throug my t-shirt on the way home as the hole by the belly button was not tight enough stitched, my neighbours thought I had been stabbed

[TheCarpetCleaner]

okgo said:

TheCarpetCleaner said:

okgo said:

TheCarpetCleaner said:

Have had two operations so far, at 24 and 27 (now 30).

Both hernia ops, first one open, second one keyhole.

First operation I was stting myself, very scared. Ask for a premed if you get in there early enough before the operation.

Second operation I was very scared, but knowing what was ahead actually helped. I didn't have time for a premed then as I got in at 7.30, and op was scheduled for 8.30, and I had to walk down to the theatre myself

Looking back, its not a pleasant thing, but you will be surprised how easy it is to recover afterwards compared to what you are probably thinking, and soon you will be typing something like this, to someone else who is posting "Possible first operation"

Had exactly the same as you, but first one at 18, second one at 22.

Funnily enough, both times pretty calm, and just wanted it to be finished with. More scared of giving blood than anything else. Although the whole time throught the second op proccess I never had to give blood... weird.

All I remember is the full body tingle as they put the sleeping juice in me, I hope that is what dying feels like

Edited by okgo on Wednesday 10th February 21:48

Edited by okgo on Wednesday 10th February 21:48

That is just wrong!

(but I know exactly what you mean )

I think the worst part was having to take a dump a day later. That took a loooooooong time

Took 3 days for me to go for one.

Plus they wouldn't let me leave the hospital till I took a piss to make sure it all worked. In the end I had to lie as I drank 4 litres of water and waited over an hour, so I just said I did.

Bled throug my t-shirt on the way home as the hole by the belly button was not tight enough stitched, my neighbours thought I had been stabbed

I forgot about the "piss" test... they also asked me if I had "broken wind" that morning. Nice when my mother is in the room waiting to give me a lift home=

Oh happy days... i hope to fk it never has to happen again!

[okgo]

TheCarpetCleaner said:

okgo said:

TheCarpetCleaner said:

okgo said:

TheCarpetCleaner said:

Have had two operations so far, at 24 and 27 (now 30).

Both hernia ops, first one open, second one keyhole.

First operation I was stting myself, very scared. Ask for a premed if you get in there early enough before the operation.

Second operation I was very scared, but knowing what was ahead actually helped. I didn't have time for a premed then as I got in at 7.30, and op was scheduled for 8.30, and I had to walk down to the theatre myself

Looking back, its not a pleasant thing, but you will be surprised how easy it is to recover afterwards compared to what you are probably thinking, and soon you will be typing something like this, to someone else who is posting "Possible first operation"

Had exactly the same as you, but first one at 18, second one at 22.

Funnily enough, both times pretty calm, and just wanted it to be finished with. More scared of giving blood than anything else. Although the whole time throught the second op proccess I never had to give blood... weird.

All I remember is the full body tingle as they put the sleeping juice in me, I hope that is what dying feels like

Edited by okgo on Wednesday 10th February 21:48

Edited by okgo on Wednesday 10th February 21:48

That is just wrong!

(but I know exactly what you mean )

I think the worst part was having to take a dump a day later. That took a loooooooong time

Took 3 days for me to go for one.

Plus they wouldn't let me leave the hospital till I took a piss to make sure it all worked. In the end I had to lie as I drank 4 litres of water and waited over an hour, so I just said I did.

Bled throug my t-shirt on the way home as the hole by the belly button was not tight enough stitched, my neighbours thought I had been stabbed

I forgot about the "piss" test... they also asked me if I had "broken wind" that morning. Nice when my mother is in the room waiting to give me a lift home=

Oh happy days... i hope to fk it never has to happen again!

Me too mate, its so good knowing I can put my, erm, ahem, full effort into things without worrying I am going to burst

[Targarama]

I had an appendictomy for a ruptured appendix when I was around 6 years old, I can't remember much but I do remember enjoying a few weeks off school afterwards. I had a few ops when I was a kid and I do remember the gas to put you to sleep. Count to ten.... 1,2,3,4 zzz

Now I went for an op last year aged 40 (Cholesteatoma related). I was kind of looking forward to the gas countdown. They put a drip in the back of my hand and a few seconds later I woke up in my room. Seems modern drugs knock you out 100% and immediately. Boring really, I was actually a smidge disappointed. OP - you won't notice a thing, just look at all the pretty nurses and think happy thoughts.

I've got to go back for a second related op this spring, not particularly looking forward to it but I'd rather get it over and done with.

[dgb00]

TheCarpetCleaner said:

okgo said:

TheCarpetCleaner said:

okgo said:

TheCarpetCleaner said:

Have had two operations so far, at 24 and 27 (now 30).

Both hernia ops, first one open, second one keyhole.

First operation I was stting myself, very scared. Ask for a premed if you get in there early enough before the operation.

Second operation I was very scared, but knowing what was ahead actually helped. I didn't have time for a premed then as I got in at 7.30, and op was scheduled for 8.30, and I had to walk down to the theatre myself

Looking back, its not a pleasant thing, but you will be surprised how easy it is to recover afterwards compared to what you are probably thinking, and soon you will be typing something like this, to someone else who is posting "Possible first operation"

Had exactly the same as you, but first one at 18, second one at 22.

Funnily enough, both times pretty calm, and just wanted it to be finished with. More scared of giving blood than anything else. Although the whole time throught the second op proccess I never had to give blood... weird.

All I remember is the full body tingle as they put the sleeping juice in me, I hope that is what dying feels like

Edited by okgo on Wednesday 10th February 21:48

Edited by okgo on Wednesday 10th February 21:48

That is just wrong!

(but I know exactly what you mean )

I think the worst part was having to take a dump a day later. That took a loooooooong time

Took 3 days for me to go for one.

Plus they wouldn't let me leave the hospital till I took a piss to make sure it all worked. In the end I had to lie as I drank 4 litres of water and waited over an hour, so I just said I did.

Bled throug my t-shirt on the way home as the hole by the belly button was not tight enough stitched, my neighbours thought I had been stabbed

I forgot about the "piss" test... they also asked me if I had "broken wind" that morning. Nice when my mother is in the room waiting to give me a lift home=

Oh happy days... i hope to fk it never has to happen again!

Really, really dumb. The whole point is to make sure your kidneys are not in failure, and that you don't have an obstruction (not that uncommon after surgery). Need to know if you have farted to make sure your bowels are working, as if they are handled in surgery (or just through the stress of it) they often stop. If they stop working, you will be very ill.

Don't lie, just be honest. We ask questions for a reason. I don't ask someone about their st that morning unless it is relevant. Believe me, I've seen/heard it all. Similarly - when they tell you not to eat/drink before an operation, just do it. I am not starving a patient for fun. It's so that if they vomit when put to sleep it doesn't all go in the lungs (extremely bad news).

OP - appendicectomy isn't exactly minor surgery, but don't worry - thousands (prob millions worldwide) get done every year and it is a pretty "routine", safe procedure.

[Pints]

Well, many hours later and they've not yet sliced me open, although I've been told it'll be keyhole surgery. Apparently they were waiting to see if I improved. Typing this using the stty bedside keyboard / internet things and it's fking pain. takn me 25 minutes just to do this!

[Pints]

oh, and i'm bloody starving!

[ShadownINja]

Pints said:

oh, and i'm bloody starving!

Did wonder about whether you'd get food or not.

Good luck with the op.

[Pints]

ShadownINja said:

Pints said:

oh, and i'm bloody starving!

Did wonder about whether you'd get food or not.

Good luck with the op.

They let me lick a slice of toast this morning and a couple of cuppas. if i don't make it, it'll be the starvation that killed me

cheers.trying not to think about it too much. I fking hate needles so a great big pissing scalpel doesn't put me at ease.

[Acehood]

I've had a few ops (2 with local and 3 with general anaesthetic) and honestly it's not bad at all. As soon as you realise you've been put to sleep, you're awake again. If you're in pain just tell a nurse/doctor and they'll prescribe you something that'll sort it. I was on morphine last time, it's good stuff.

Just take it easy and make sure you get enough rest and food when you're able to. I wasn't allowed to eat for about 4 days and had no fluids for 2 days last time. It was pretty annoying but they have their reasons for it. I couldn't keep anything down and it all had to be sucked out through a tube.. not nice.

The main thing I'd say is to try and be mobile as soon as possible. Once you're able to at least get out of bed into the chair you'll feel 100 times better. Beds are for sleeping.