Surgery Date and Pre-Op Questions

[MickManda]

Well, I got the call today that I am scheduled for surgery on February 7th.  My Pre-Op is on the 31st....this coming Tuesday.  

For those of you who have already gone through this, maybe you can tell me what to expect at Pre-Op...I've never had any kind of surgery before, so don't know what they will do or what kind of questions to ask, etc....

Thanks!

[Whiz]

Hi all -- new to this forum and finding it very helpful.  As far as your pre op goes -- when I had laproscopic in 1999 -- they did blood work, urinalysis and a chest ex-ray, asked me a bunch of questions...  They ended up taking my left ovary and a grapefruit sized "chocolate cyst".  Going to the same hospital for another cyst removal -- (hopefully that's it)on the 6th of Feb.  My pre-op was only blood work and urinalysis - same doc by the way -- not sure why.  Pre op is painless, it just means you're a little closer to your surgery and it is nerve wracking.  I was scared to death of being put under -- I am not afraid of that anymore..  they really do sedate you into la la land... My prayers are with you and everyone on this site!

[cip]

My pre op appointment consisted of a complete blood panel, another (my 5th) CA 125, a chest xray and an electrocardiogram.Fairly painless. I however, wound up cancelling my surgery. the pre op appointment is quick and easy....

[MickManda]

Thanks for letting me know!  I'm having a laportomy done. Which is rather invasive for my first surgery ever, but oh well...can't help that I suppose.  I'm nervous about it, but tryingto focus on other things!  My best friend has been great about helping me take my mind off things, making me laugh and being goofy...just what I needed! :)  

I am just worried on how well I'll do...I went green in the docs office when we were in there booking the surgery...and he didn't even go into detail about what would happen...have a VERY weak stomach for these sort of things!  That's more what I'm nervous about... I get all clamy and hot, and lightheaded...not good!  

[jkkrum]

My preop appt is today for my laparotomy which is scheduled for Monday.  I wrote some questions down to ask, since I always seem to freeze up at the doctors.  I swear, the waiting and anxiousness is the worst!!  I may ask my doctor today for some valium or something for Monday morning.  My surgery isn't until 12:00 p.m.
I will let you know how my preop goes.  Hang in there!

[heidigrl27]

What surgery are you having?  The laparascopy or laparatomy?  Pre-op appts. are fairly easy.  They will take some blood, go over the type of anethesia you will be having.  Its just like having a check up at the doctor.  You will most likely meet with an anethesiologist.  Then, once you get to the hospital, (the day of your surgery) they will get you started on an IV drip and most likely they will give you a little bit of meds to help you with your nervousness.  It takes you to LA LA Land!!!  Alot of times people are nauseous after anethesia, so I would ask that they give you medication right after surgery to help with the upset stomach you most likely will have.  Good luck to you.  You will be fine.  Just sore for a while after surgery.  I'll be thinking of you. Heidi

[fancy1972]

I had a laparotomy done on friday the 13th of this month and i am doing fine..First i had to go for a pulmanary funtion test ,then ekg,chest x-rays,and lab,then the day before my surgery i had to do labs again because they want to make sure you have no hidden infections going on,and i had to see the antestesiologist(spelled wrong)the guy who puts you to sleep.Had to get some stuff to take to clean me out,signed some consent forms and talked to the surgeon...They gave me meds to keep the acids from my stomach from flowing up ,and to keep me from getting nausiated before my surgery,and they gave me a med that put me in lala land before my surgery because i was kinda wigging out..but it is all over and done with before you know it.so good luck and dont worry all will be ok...prayers lou

[MickManda]

Thanks for the feedback!!!  It's so good to hear it's not a big deal...the name pre-op sounds worse then what it really is....

[Becca1176]

Hey -
I had my pre-op yesterday and to be honest the call from the surgery center had more questions than my dr. did!  Allergies, last period, what to wear, what not to wear..etc..The dr.'s office did some blood tests. The dr. appointment was about 5 minutes long! Mainly answered any questions I had and explained what she would and wouldn't do. And how I would feel afterwards. They also made me sign a consent form.  Gave me tons of paperwork on preparing for surgery - whether to do a enema or not, what meds to take...all that fun stuff.

Make sure you write down any and ALL questions you might have..even silly stuff. I actually asked if I can have sex the night before!

I'm sure all dr.s are different.

Hope all goes well.

Becca