Compression stockings !!

Thanks Terri. I'm using the stockings during the day as leg started swelling but can't stand them in bed. Yes I used the shower gel 5 days before and week after. A mixed bag of advice eh!

Elaine, was that the Hibiscrub shower gel?  I've been given it to use for the two showers before the op and one said I can't shower after until stitches come out, but another said I can and cover it with clingfilm, but nothing special to use.  How soon were you told you can shower after?  I'd LOVE to be able to shower in the hospital, the next day!!!  But not optimistic it will happen!  My lot did a blood sugar test at the preop bit.  Did others?

I think I'll get a Sanex shower stuff to use the week before starting the Hibiscrub and for after the op when I get home.  That MIGHT be better than nothing.  Probably not, but who knows LOL!

Yeh it was the scrub to prevent infections etc. I showered the day I got up which was day after op. They put waterproof dressing on and sent me home with fresh waterproof dressing to see me up to the 2 weeks till staples come out. Ask for it. Don't ask don't get I've discovered. Good luck. Let us know how it goes xxx

Hi Chris, yep I had Hibiscrub to use the evening before op & on the morning of the op. Also the blood sugar checked!!

Whether you can shower or not depends on what dressing they put over the incision. I had a waterproof AquaCell dressing on but it had a fabric bandage over that so no shower, which was a shame as my room had a bathroom attached & it was a wet room! Bit I couldn't use it!! 😩😩

So I couldn't shower until the clips came out!! 😩😩

I got very friendly with baby wipes!! What else can you do?? 😳 Not the best but at least you feel a bit fresher!! Lol

My 1st shower after the clips were removed was HEAVEN!! 😊

🤞I hope you get the waterproof dressing but without the bandage on top!! 🤞

All the best

Marilyn

XX

Thank you Elaine and Marylin!  One of the post op team told me there were showers on the ward and I could put cling film round the knee but another one said I couldn't shower until I got home or the clips came out....  SO, I'm taking a little bit of shower gel and shampoo, travel size, and a whleelbarrow full of various types of wipes:-)))  And no rinse shampoo.  But I'm a daily hairwasher so not looking forward to that bit if I can't shower.  I'm actually going to ask before the op if they can put a waterproof dressing on so I can shower!   I'll let you know:-))))

I'm just hopping into your discussion as I saw blood sugars mentioned - I'm hoping they will check mine when I am due for op as I have low glucose at times even though not diabetic - began when I had gallbladder problems last year and could not always eat much and I thought was having heart attack a couple of times but turned out to be low blood glucose. Hence the fasting pre-op is a worry as I know we can wait hours before going to theatre.

?When I had the gallbladder op they put me in first on list and tested my blood which appeared OK though I did get shaky nearer the op time, maybe more nerves.

?Interesting to learn of your experiences and I am dreading the compression socks - always cut in - the lack of showering and things like needing help and assistance for the loo and so on. Ah well, it makes us appreciate the simple things we take for granted, doesn't it? Take care! C

Cynthia I would suggest telling the staff about your low blood sugar.  Are you having a general or spinal?  If you're having a spinal then you'll be aware of it and perhaps can say something.  When I was on the 'fast track scheme' before for an op I was give sachets of high carb drinks to take the night before and very early that morning but the hospital I'm going to for the knees doesn't do this for their fast track scheme.  But I'm just wondering if you can ask someone before you go in so that they can make a suggestion?

Cynthia you're not alone worrying about needing assistance with the loo. That was the one bug bear not being allowed out of bed till physio had given the ok. I didn't need the loo all day but must've ring that bell 3 times through the night. The nurses don't mind it's just us feeling embarrassed. Yes it does make us appreciate the simple things! X

I've only been given choice of general, I think it what the surgeon must prefer but the pre-op nurse said recovery is often better with spinal? Anyway, I have a second pre-op now - the first was December and this is at the sister hospital for some reason, so I have another chance to ask q's. and mention blood sugars.

?Yes, they have given me a lot of printed info on the fast track recovery but not sure where it all fits in yet. Might find out more at the pre-op perhaps. Also already been given hibiscrub. I am not sure about shaving legs as I have read you should not, have you been told anything?

?When are you having surgery? Take care!

True, I guess it is just after my recent gallbladder op, I was off to the loo every 15 mins - they said it was due to the iv fluids and the GA. The nurses were rushed off their feet so I was glad I could walk there myself and was home same day.

?I've never needed any help before, so it is daunting, but as you say, I guess we all feel the same - well, maybe it is easier for the guys than us gals. x

Yes, my info says not to shave or wax the area where they might cut for the week before.  I'm booked for 1st March:-))))  When is your op?

Good that you've got a chance to ask questions now you've been on this group, because that raised a lot of questions I hadn't even thought of LOL!

18th March, if I pass the pre-op and they do not cancel - gallbladder op got cancelled several times! My pre-op is the 1st March, so I will think of you then as I have the easier bit but the other will still be to come.

I hope you don't get it cancelled Cynthia.  I had a nasty bug last week and could see my operation disappearing before my eyes, but thankfully it's going now!  If you're like me you're doing a countdown and spending the time exercising and organising:-))))  In a way it still doesn't feel real and I still can't imagine walking without pain!  And as for doing stairs - that just makes me laugh to think of doing it because I can't begin to think it will be possible!

Hi Cynthia

I think the general consensus wherever you are in the world is not to shave the week before.

I shaved my legs 8 days before, so it wasn't in the week before & I didn't have to go in with my legs looking like Epping Forest!!

Good luck for the 18th March.

Marilyn

XX

Thanks, Marilyn. I will do same as it is enough to have the surgery scar without the hairy leg look! Stocking up on the baby wipes too, in case shower is a no go a while. Years back had a hysterectomy and the hospital sent us in the shower the next day without any dressing!!

​The glamour!!!! Thanks xxx