Guest guest Posted March 25, 2001 Report Share Posted March 25, 2001 HI, I am , I am 42 5'8 and 513 #. I just had my initial consult with Dr. Rabkin here in SF. It all seems to be going OK. Now comes the insurance game, I hope that goes well also. I am still debating about the surgery, even more so since I have to have it open due to my size. I am not into pain at all and am more afraid about recovery than I am about the surgery. Is that normal? I live alone and my family is all in the Ny area so there is no one here to be with me after surgery. Has anyone else encountered this? Have you gone to a convalescent place for a week or two? Used a visiting nurse ? Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for listening, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 25, 2001 Report Share Posted March 25, 2001 Hi , I'm a Rabkin patient too. I hope all goes well with your insurance. I had to have my surgery open too. I think everyone is apprehensive about the pain. I think the worst is when you first wake up, but once they start you on the pain meds it is much more tolerable. You will probably be on a PCA morphine pump so that you can self administer some pain medication when you need it. You shouldn't let the thought of pain stop you from considering surgery. The eventual benefits outweigh the initial discomfort. I was able to stay with my mom after surgery, but about all she did was cook for me and follow me around with a cup of water urging me to drink! I was able to get up and down by myself and take care of all my personal needs. I don't know about convalescent places or visiting nurses, but it would be nice if you could have someone check on you regularly until you feel comfortable being alone. KathleenF Open Duodenal Switch Surgery date: 01/02/01 Drs. Rabkin/Jossart Pre-op: 374#, BMI: 59 03/20/01...306# Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 26, 2001 Report Share Posted March 26, 2001 Hi - Congrats on makinf the decision to see the surgeon. My feelig is that the pain you will have from the open surgery will be alot less than the pain from all the medical problems you will have without it. Pain meds help alot and just stay on top of them. Take them religiously. As far as being home alone I don't suggest it. I needed help for about 2 weeks after surgery. Maybe a family member can stay with you for about 2 weeks. You will need help to clean yourself-wipe yourself and making your food. I hope this helps ELLEN(PAM) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 26, 2001 Report Share Posted March 26, 2001 Unfortunate that he does not use epidurals. Lots of research indicating they are the superior method for post op pain control. Dr Heap said he had tried them but he had several reasons he chooses not to use them. 1. they are difficult to get in and can lead to other problems and 2. can interfer in getting a patient up walking. I've never had one so I don't know how often this all happens but I was impressed that he had his reasons and gave them with me not having to ask...Walking his is thing...he wants you up and mobile. He has an excellent rate for complications...so I'm willing to take his word at it. I figure when I'm up after the surgery all I have to worry about is walking and breathing! *~AJ~* BMI 58? Consult Dr Heap 3/23/01 Waiting on Insurance approval NW Washington Medical Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 26, 2001 Report Share Posted March 26, 2001 Unfortunate that he does not use epidurals. Lots of research indicating they are the superior method for post op pain control. in SeattleDS 1/5/01 295# BMI 47.6 3/5/01 250# BMI 40Dr Welker - OHSU ----- Original Message ----- From: lookn2bthin@... I'm also preop and waiting on the insurance. Good luck to you. I was most worried about whether I'd have to have an epidural. I found out Friday my dr (Dr. Heap in Richland Washington) doesn't use them so that made me relax Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 27, 2001 Report Share Posted March 27, 2001 In a message dated 03/27/2001 9:10:50 AM Central Standard Time, marym@... writes: << An epidural is best inserted by anesthesia, not a surgeon. And they do not interfere with walking-- in fact by reducing the pain without great sedation, >> Dr. Hess also likes to use them because patients who have epidurals breathe deeper and therefore there are less problems in the lungs during recovery. Dawn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 27, 2001 Report Share Posted March 27, 2001 An epidural is best inserted by anesthesia, not a surgeon. And they do not interfere with walking-- in fact by reducing the pain without great sedation, they are ideal for encouraging early ambulation on post ops. The idea is that they are NOT used for the anesthetic, only for the pain management. But people do well without them.. so it certainly isn't a requirement, only a preference for some patients and surgeons. I had one and loved it. Up the day of surgery. in Seattle ----- Original Message ----- From: lookn2bthin@... Unfortunate that he does not use epidurals. Lots of research indicating they are the superior method for post op pain control. Dr Heap said he had tried them but he had several reasons he chooses not to use them. 1. they are difficult to get in and can lead to other problems and 2. can interfer in getting a patient up walking. I've never had one so I don't know how often this all happens but I was impressed that he had his reasons and gave them with me not having to ask...Walking his is thing...he wants you up and mobile. He has an excellent rate for complications...so I'm willing to take his word at it. I figure when I'm up after the surgery all I have to worry about is walking and breathing! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.