Insurance Approved for Hernia/ Plastics Surgery!

[mistercy]

So thrilled! I got the news on Friday that I've been approved by my insurance for the abdominoplasty and pannectomy to go with my hernia surgery to repair my three hernias on May 14th at Mt. Sinai hospital in New York with Dr. Herron doing the hernia work, and Dr. Taub doing the plastics. After complications with the laproscopic DS, I had to have an open DS 13 months ago, so this surgery will also have to be open to do the hernia repairs. Dr. Herron said I will probably be in the hospital 3-4 days, that I will most probably need a wound vac for the first few weeks once home, and that the total recovery time will be about two months. Looking for advice from those with experience who have had the hernia surgery/ plastics.

Questions:

Anyone out there used a wound vac? - advice on what to expect pain wise, tips for changing the padding, etc.

First time with plastic surgery - what should I expect pain-wise out of the hospital? Will I struggle to even move around?

Will I be able to take care of my basic hygiene needs immediately, or about how soon out will this no longer be an issue?

Food and drink - will I be able to/ should I be trying to eat my 120+ grams of protein/ 64 oz of water right away?

Pooping - very concerned with this, as I think the hernias were partially caused because even loose poops need me to bear down, and I do not want to reaggravate the abdominal area post op.

Vitamins - how soon after surgery should I be trying to get in my vites? How soon did people begin retaking their vites? Did you try to take them in the hospital?

Tips for items to bring for the hospital stay?

Tips for items to procure for home use post op?

Thanks for the help!

[Girlrocker]

Glad to hear it, congrats! A few answers for you below, in red.

May 5, 2014 10:36:25 GMT -5 mistercy said:

So thrilled! I got the news on Friday that I've been approved by my insurance for the abdominoplasty and pannectomy to go with my hernia surgery to repair my three hernias on May 14th at Mt. Sinai hospital in New York with Dr. Herron doing the hernia work, and Dr. Taub doing the plastics. After complications with the laproscopic DS, I had to have an open DS 13 months ago, so this surgery will also have to be open to do the hernia repairs. Dr. Herron said I will probably be in the hospital 3-4 days, that I will most probably need a wound vac for the first few weeks once home, and that the total recovery time will be about two months. Looking for advice from those with experience who have had the hernia surgery/ plastics.

Questions:

Anyone out there used a wound vac? - advice on what to expect pain wise, tips for changing the padding, etc.

I had a wound vac when I had an infection and all my staples from my incision had to come out. I found it very easy to use, and now they are even smaller and more efficient than when I had one 12 years ago. There was no pain at all, and the great thing was it saved the pain and irritation from packing the wound and rashes from the adhesive. All I had to do was empty out the container of fluid.

First time with plastic surgery - what should I expect pain-wise out of the hospital? Will I struggle to even move around?
I can't speak directly to the pain for an abdominoplasty, since I just had my panni removed. But I did have a fair amount from my hernias both times, way more than my actual DS, but very controllable with pain medication. The abdominoplasty can be pretty painful too based on the amount of muscle work you have done.

Will I be able to take care of my basic hygiene needs immediately, or about how soon out will this no longer be an issue?
You'll likely need some assistance the first few days; your range of motion will be limited overall, and definitely no heavy lifting beyond 10lbs of any kind. The hardest part for me was sitting on the toilet because it was lower. I did sponge baths until I was cleared to shower.

Food and drink - will I be able to/ should I be trying to eat my 120+ grams of protein/ 64 oz of water right away?
You'll have the detox from anesthesia and general post-op crud for the first week, so probably not much of an appetite at first. You'll want to focus on staying hydrated, walking, deep breathing. But then you should be fine to eat and ok with getting in 120+ protein grams.


Pooping - very concerned with this, as I think the hernias were partially caused because even loose poops need me to bear down, and I do not want to reaggravate the abdominal area post op.
Hmmm, not sure about this but maybe take some immodium; also reduce/avoid foods that give you looser stool.

Vitamins - how soon after surgery should I be trying to get in my vites? How soon did people begin retaking their vites? Did you try to take them in the hospital?
You should have no trouble resuming your supplements.

Tips for items to bring for the hospital stay?
You probably won't be there long, they'll have the basics of what you need - gown, slippers, toiletries. I preferred to use their gowns, easier for everything that had to be done and preferred their stuff to get messy. Smart phone or laptop/tablet, maybe your own bathrobe or slippers for some personal comfort.

Tips for items to procure for home use post op?
A recliner is a big help, if you don't already have one, or some of those good sturdy boxy support pillows. Stocking up on protien shakes, easy to prepare, heat 'n eat foods, is helpful.

Thanks for the help!

[newyorkbitch]

Please no immodium! You want to have loose stools so you don't have to bear down at all.

mistercy is going to have a huge open anchor incision, extensive muscle work, mesh…it's a difficult recovery.

[Girlrocker]

Mistercy, constipation and too-hard stools would definitely be 'more bearing' on your abdomen. There are things you do can do to loosen stool as you know and immodium is the 'other direction' if you are experiencing diarrhea. So you're looking to 'stay in the middle' regarding poop, and if just loose, as opposed to diarrhea, you'll be ok.

It can be a tougher recovery, much more pain than the DS because of the muscle work and incision type for your abdominoplasty. This second hernia surgery, I had pain management for two weeks and was still sore for another couple of weeks after that. Many people I know have had a harder time with the abdominoplasty, longer pain management.Gearing up for that myself, hoping to get approved for both as well since this is my 3rd hernia. It will be important for you to remember to NOT do any activity that puts any kind of pressure on your abdomen; walking, and eventually cardio type exercise if you do it, will be ok, but no free weights, ab/core work. You'll want to stay hydrated, and the more protein you can get in as soon as possible, the better, protein really facillitates healing, feeds the muscle, tissue and blood. Once you get past the initial first week post-op crud/anesthesia detox, your appetite will likely return to 'normal'. You know, overall 'brace yourself'. And you've got direct access to some excellent support right there in your home city!

[kennyk]

CY,
How about an update?
Sure your doing great but better to hear it from you!
K