Before and after surgery tips?

[Nero]

Anyone got any before or after surgery tips?

Also, I was wondering how long till I can sleep on my side or my stomach.
How long till I can lift again?

Thanks.

[Mister]

you can sleep on your side or stomach as soon as you're comfortable.  i think it took me about two weeks.  the first week you'll have drains poking out of your sides, so you'd rather sleep in a headstand than on your sides.

as far as pre-op tips, try to go in as healthy as you can.  quit smoking, no drinking, eat right, be rested.

post op- quit smoking, no drinking, eat right, get rest.  don't exert yourself, extend your arms over your head, etc.  even past the initial pain stage, there is still the chance of increased scarring.

you should be able to lift weights after about 5 or 6 weeks.  as for random stuff (groceries, laundry, etc), you're looking at more like 3 or 4.

[sneakersjay]

I'm nearly 5 months post op and just able to start sleeping on my sides.  Prior to this my chest would feel like it was burning and would be sore.  So your body will tell you!

I was told I could lift 6 weeks post op and tried; for me there was too much pulling of my chest area.  Now I have no trouble.

So listen to your body and do what's right for you, no matter how soon other people were able to do it.


Jay

[Jay]

Like Jay said just listen to your body. I couldn't sleep on my side or stomach for about 3-4 weeks. I could life fine after 5-6 weeks. I still can't run with out any pain and wear a binder I was supplied as my surgeon left extra tissue there so maybe that's causing the pain??!?!

However I can stretch my arms above my head now with no problem.

Just make sure you moisture the scars otherwise they itch like a b:tch.

Jay

[Nero]

thanks guys.

Jay: anything in particular I should use to moisturize?

[Jay]

Jay: anything in particular I should use to moisturize?

I used bio oil morning and night however it doesn't last all day. I found Palmers stayed on for most of the day and its a scar minimising cream too brilliant stuff! Not sure whether you can get it out there though.


Jay

[Flameboy]

I'd recommend taking arnica to help reduce the amount of bruising you have - I had hardly any bruising at all.

If you're going to be alone for any length of time in the week or so after the surgery, make sure that you have essentials such as tea or coffee on a counter top not in a cupboard that you have to reach up for.

And most importantly, as others have said, listen to your body and don't try and push yourself!

[Jay]

I'd recommend taking arnica to help reduce the amount of bruising you have - I had hardly any bruising at all.

Oh yes! I highly recommened it! Take 1 week before surgery and 1 week after. Any more and it wont work.  Brilliant stuff!

Jay

[sneakersjay]

I've been using Kelo-Cote on my scars and they are fading. I got the pricey 2oz tube which has lasted far longer than the recommended 90 days.  You can probably get away with a 1oz tube.  Brownstein gave a sample so I just continued with it.

Oh, and I could lift my arms over my head a lot sooner than now; it just got a bit dicey if I was lifting more than 5 pounds over my head.


Jay