WARNING: The content shared may be graphic and discuss bodily functions with or without images. Do not proceed if this will offend you or you are not interested.
Pre-Op
The pre-op appointment was about 1.5 weeks prior to the actual surgery date and it took close to four hours. The pre-op appointment consisted of the following:
- 8:30 am
- I met with my doctor where we arrived on time and waited about 15 minutes in the waiting room. After being called back, I believe we met briefly with the nurse and she took my vitals, etc. She then had us meet with Dr. Mikhail in his office. We discussed the procedures, what to expect, etc. He had some paperwork for me to sign agreeing to what we plan to complete during surgery. As soon as we were done, we had to walk over the hospital to register and get prepared with them.
- 9:30 am
- I met with someone in admissions. They placed the wrist band on my left hand and got all of my insurance information in the system.
- We walked to another area where I had another form to complete about my medical history.
- We walked to another office where they asked me about finances, health insurance, and medical background.
- I was then sent to the final meeting which took the longest and was a room with a nurse who walked through all of my medication, prepared me for the night before and morning of surgery gave me the wipes and told me how to use them. The anesthesiologist and a few others came in to meet with me, take notes, document things, and have me sign paperwork.
Thursday Evening & Friday Morning
Preparation for surgery took place Thursday evening and Friday morning before leaving for the hospital.
My surgery was scheduled for 12:30 pm. I was told to arrive by 10:30 am and make sure I finish 8 ounces max of clear liquid by 8 am. BUT I got a phone call telling me that everything had been moved up. Now, I was supposed to have surgery at 11 am, arrive by 9 am, and stop drinking my 8 ounces of clear liquid by 8 am.
I also received a call to confirm that my insurance has approved the surgery (nice confirmation the day prior) and to collect my deductible that I could pay or to arrange a payment plan so I would not have to worry about doing this the day of surgery.
I knew I needed to stop eating and drinking by midnight Thursday evening. My mother came into town this evening to stay the night and be there on the day of surgery.
Removing All “Extras”
I had to remove all nail polish, earrings, etc. If I had fake nails, eyebrows, teeth, extensions, etc. I was told I would need to remove them.
PM Showering & Wiping Down with Hospital Wipes
I knew I needed to wipe down using somebody wipes provided to me at pre-op, but I failed to realize a few small details – I was supposed to shower then wait a full hour then wipe myself down. So, just before midnight, I went to shower knowing I needed to wipe myself with the body wipes. After reading the instructions carefully, I realized I would need to shower at midnight then allow my body to air dry until 1 am then wipe down with the wipes.
- Midnight – shower, then air dry for 1 hour
- 1 am wake up & wipe down with body wipes
- Go back to sleep sticky from the wipe down
6 wipes were required (see numbered items 1-6 on image).
1 wipe per step listed on paper.
Midnight Food/Drink Deadline
I had to stop eating all food and drink by midnight on Thursday.
AM Showering & Wiping Down with Hospital Wipes
- 5 am showered and air dry for 1 hour
- 6:30 am wipe down with hospital wipes
- Remain sticky unfortunately
AM Drink
I was able to have up to 8 ounces of clear liquid BEFORE 7 am like coffee (no cream), water, juice, etc.
Head to Hospital
We headed off to the hospital with a pillow, blanket, robe, and a bag full of extras that I may just happen to need during the 3-4 hour recovery window.
Part 4a: Things to Prepare For Laparoscopy Surgery/Recovery (Pinterest Board)
Continue to Part 5: The Day of Laparoscopic Surgery
