Surgery thoughts and must haves
First thoughts post op day 6-
I had diastasis recti repair with umbilical hernia repair last week. 4 incisions. 3 in prior c section scar and one under my left rib cage. 2 hour surgery mostly laparoscopic and 2 hour recovery. Prep preop was 2 hours.
I’m 6 days post op and it’s been a doozy. No regrets on getting it done but it’s definitely not a walk in the park. I have a high pain tolerance and it’s been one of the harder experiences I’ve been through. I’m 34, in good shape, can run 5-10k no problem; lift; sprints etc. I have been laid up with very little movement except for bathroom trips and some walks around the house and 1 day to the mailbox before the back spasms got me. Day 2 was the worst for the pain (never had a 10 before but it was teeth chattering tough…). Day 3 was brutal as well but at day 4 I felt like I turned a corner a bit 4. Day 5 off oxy but pushed myself to be. Day 6 sore from overdoing it yesterday and from laying in bed.
Some thoughts and recommendations on things to purchase which make it easier:
Meds- Ask for whatever you’re comfortable with to make you comfortable after..i’ve had 1 c section, 2 vbac and although I may have forgot the pain of those, it’s been rough.
Prior to surgery ask for all meds to be ready so you can pickup ahead of time. I bought OTC colace, ibuprofen, gasx (gas pain is tough from the pumping gas in during operation) and Tylenol.
Day of surgery I was given Scopolamine (nausea patch - highly recommend), Valium, versed prior to surgery for nerves and preop, asked for TAP block (highly recommend) which was given while I was asleep and held for about 72-96 hours on incision pain. I left scopolamine on for 3 days because I was pretty dizzy from meds. It made a huge difference.
For ongoing meds - had prescription oxy post surgery and prescription methocarbamol for muscle spasms. I wouldn’t have made it without the methocarbamol 🫡. Those + Tylenol and ibuprofen round the clock + colace of course. Also liked the gummy Olly Keep it Moving.
Other items to consider purchasing-
A friend let me borrow a bedside hospital-like table - that + the wedge for bed was really helpful. Picture yourself like a turtle. No core.
Ahpmeoa 3PCS Wedge Pillow Set for... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DJJBQ8J8?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Don’t underestimate the power of ice and heat - ice on stomach, heat for back pain. This was super helpful to bring pain down.
https://a.co/d/0bUqR0dX (2 - 1 for use and 1 freezing for use in near future)
Deepsoon Heating Pad,Electric... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D1QFZB5Q?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Also bought pairs of xl pajama pants and Frida baby postpartum underwear. You will want to be in baggy comfy clothes.
I was super anxious about the surgery and the pain. I had a lot of help from my husband and couldn’t have done it without him being there day 1-3 and staying on top of meds when I was drowsy. I’m on the other side and glad I had it done but being prepared and having good meds makes a world of difference.