As Dr Dietz says, all cases are different. I am about 7 weeks post-surgery. Dietz’s nursing team warned me that this would be a very difficult recovery. They told me that I would be in pain and frustrated. I figured that since I had already endured 6 previous surgeries for my J-pouch this recovery would be similar. This surgery and recovery was harder than surgeries 2-5 combined. I’m just slowly moving past the regret phase. Everyone is different but I’ll answer your questions based on my experience.
The nurses kept reminding me to be patient with the long, tough recovery process. At week 7, I can’t imagine working. I can barely make it to the grocery store. I didn’t anticipate how painful it would be having my bottom cut and sewn. That area is very sensitive. I still cannot sit comfortably for more than a couple minutes. I’m just starting to intubate and it is painful. I can’t imagine trying to intubate at work. So be realistic and patient with yourself re: recovery time. Have a plan B just in case you still can’t work after 10 weeks. Stressing about working isn’t going to help your recovery.
I felt very prepared but there are a few things I wish I had known before surgery. I’ll list a few but feel free to message me.
- I wish I had packed more snacks. The food at UH is horrible. I already didn’t have an appetite but the food made it worse. I wish I had brought more of my favorite snacks.
- If you aren’t from Ohio, I recommend making plans to stay in the Cleveland area for a week after surgery. Ohio laws prevent Dr Dietz from prescribing more than a 1 week supply of pain meds. I was glad I stayed after getting discharged because I was able to see nurses in the clinic to get my stitches removed, asks questions about managing my waters tube, and get more pain meds if I needed.
- I went shopping to buy some extra large clothing to accommodate the waters tube. I didn’t really need most of it because I was rarely able to leave the house during that time. I am glad I took a kaftan and house shoes so I could comfortably walk the halls. I also took a heating pad which helped with the pain.
Feel free to call/email Lovette, Vicki, or Rosemary with any questions you have. They are awesome and very responsive.
Good Luck!