Preparing for my Laparoscopy

The day draws nearer. And it has dawned on me that I have lead a lucky life up until now; I have had no previous trips to the hospital other than visiting people. However, a few years ago I visited my mum in hospital and while she was having an injection I passed out and had to be put on the bed in the next bay. So, my relationship with hospitals is minimal, and somewhat negative, to say the least.

Next Monday is the date for my Laparoscopy and tube removal and I have been preparing for this for months and I thought I'd share my slightly, some may think, over-the-top, preparation list.

I have divided my plan into pre-op, on the day and a packing list as you will see!

Preparation:

Write down a list of questions to ask the doctor at the pre-op appointment

Arrange numbing cream, can I wear contacts? Can I take rescue remedy and windease? Ask about pain relief after the op. Shoulder pain from gas, what can I do? How long will op last? Ask about GA injection. What about ovaries? How do I ovulate from the side with no tube!?

Order herbs for pre and post op

Research and download meditation tracks to listen to on the day

Check out Paul Mckenna’s Confidence Hypnotherapy tracks

Research and download music to listen to on the day

Transfer music tracks onto Ipod/MP3

Get books ready

Get DVDs ready

Clean house and do all washing

Food shop arranged to collect from Tesco

Buy some new Pjs

Buy new knickers /

Buy painkillers

Buy throat lozenges

Buy fruit juices

Check first aid kit – thermometer, antibac wipes etc

On the day 

Get up early

Have a bath and wash hair

Yoga practice and meditation

Put clothes on, jogging bottoms and slip on shoes, warm socks

Check packing lists (overnight case packed just in case, which will be kept in the car) 

Listen to meditation tracks and my favourite music  on my Ipod

Packing List

(my hospital will only allow limited bag space so overnight things will be left in the car. * indicates that I will be taking it with me for the day op)

Ipod/MP3 with music, meditation tracks*

Book/magazine*

Dressing gown and slippers*

Rescue remedy*

Nice PJs

Socks, with loose elastic and slippers*

Overnight bits – underwear, Pjs, eye mask, ear plugs, toothbrush and paste, contact lense stuff, face wipes.

Pillow

Peppermint tea and windease tablets *

Sanitary towels*

Spare knickers

Phone and charger*

Pad and pen (for hubby to write down anything the doctor says)

Food

Water *

Boiled sweets

Lip balm

Mints

Medical paperwork*

Hope this helps someone and feel free to leave a comment with any other ideas you might have x 

Edit: Please see the post operation advice for more useful information xx