OMG girls the time has come
I have so many feelings right now..
I chose to go to Thailand for several reasons I will not go into but:
The one thing I never thought about was pain management after surgery. I am tough and have had body shaping and FFS but my pain was controlled in a generous way with anything I wanted.. and I am not a drug abuser at all.
Well, from what I understand this will not be the case in Thailand, They take wonderful care of you first full week, whisk you off to the hotel and give you Tramadol for about a week and after that is over the counter stuff
So I expect to be a little grumpy when it comes to that.. but I can take it.
FFS was a breeze.. but body shaping was harder for me..
So, I am glad I am going but a little caught off guard about the pain management. I never even thought about that aspect of it.. I assumed that area would be generous for that type of thing.
Traveling through DOHA I do not dare take anything with me... that I could use later after the tramadol runs out so that is out.. I don't want to go to jail in the UAE..
Same thing traveling back through DOHA.. they just send you home with over the counter stuff and you sit on that plane forever.. God help us if we have any severe pain..
Other than that I am good to go.. I would do anything to get this done so I will play by their rules of course.
I have decided to hire a nurse full time after I start dilating so I can have help..
Anyway any helpful suggestions would be great..
I am also reading on Susans others experiences too.. Really appreciate all the help from those who have already given me advise.. you know who you are.. love ya.
Keri
I wouldn't worry about it too much; every single one of the women I was there with was off the hardcore painkillers and using only OTC stuff (or nothing- !) by 5 days post-op at the latest. Personally, I was on Tylenol only on day 3, and it was fine. Remarkably, the pain isn't that bad, considering how invasive a surgery it *seems* like.
Good luck!
Quote from: Jenna Marie on February 06, 2016, 03:10:14 PM
I wouldn't worry about it too much; every single one of the women I was there with was off the hardcore painkillers and using only OTC stuff (or nothing- !) by 5 days post-op at the latest. Personally, I was on Tylenol only on day 3, and it was fine. Remarkably, the pain isn't that bad, considering how invasive a surgery it *seems* like.
Good luck!
Ok I need to relax... I have been through some other surgeries that are worst.. some say FFS is worse and I had no problem with that.. thanks so much
Not speaking from experience but I believe, as long as the operation goes well and there are no complications, that the pain subsides significantly after the first week. I could be talking nonsense!
Good luck Keri. I will be sending good thoughts your way.
Good luck! I always thought you'd had SRS? I haven't yet, but my impression is that unless there's a major complication, the "pain" is more often described as "discomfort."
Depends on a person's tolerance of course, but since you've been through FFS and sculpting I don't think you'll have a problem.
Perhaps you can get a prescription now for some decent painkillers for when you return? Just in case you get home and actually need them.
I've heard the first dilation on returning home can be more difficult as well, with not having dilated for some time.
While my surgery was a long time ago, the only pain medication I had was what was left over from surgery. I could have asked for morphine but I didn't want it. The biggest problem I had was what they gave me in surgery clouded my head for two days and I didn't like the feeling. Some of the other girls said they had pain medication more because they wanted it and not because they needed it. For me it felt like somebody was trying real hard to shove a softball up between my legs but it wasn't a sharp pain, just a dull one. I suspect that after a few days the pain will pretty much be behind you and pain medication won't be much of an issue.
From what I've read most people don't have a much of problem with pain, but a few do.
Congrats, you will be fine. Probably won't even need the tramadol.
Hi hun, I remember you! I haven't been around here for a while but I'm finally on the last stretch for my GRS I'm a week and a half- 2 weeks behind you. So I wanted to send you good wishes and good vibes. Unlike the other girls I'm with you on the pain killer situation but my surgeon instructed my physician to give me a huge prescription of hydrocodone to have ready for when I get back. And I have a few saved tramadolls from a breast revision I had a few months ago so. Can't you ask like a friend to give you a few back up ones ? Lol I'm sure that's so no right for me to say on here so know I am the example not to follow ladies!
Good luck Hun !! I hope you enjoy Thailand while at it!
Quote from: calicarly on February 09, 2016, 09:15:08 AM
Hi hun, I remember you! I haven't been around here for a while but I'm finally on the last stretch for my GRS I'm a week and a half- 2 weeks behind you. So I wanted to send you good wishes and good vibes. Unlike the other girls I'm with you on the pain killer situation but my surgeon instructed my physician to give me a huge prescription of hydrocodone to have ready for when I get back. And I have a few saved tramadolls from a breast revision I had a few months ago so. Can't you ask like a friend to give you a few back up ones ? Lol I'm sure that's so no right for me to say on here so know I am the example not to follow ladies!
Good luck Hun !! I hope you enjoy Thailand while at it!
Thanks Sweetie, I actually do have some leftover from previous script.. I just called the pharmacy and am picking up an original copy of the script.. Also going to take letters from Dr.s just in case my luggage is searched.
So I am good..
Good luck to you too girl on your GRS..
Keri
Update ..
Well girls.. I have been overthinking this a little.. I asked my Dr.s office manager if I could hire a nurse to help for the following two weeks after surgery when I get to the hotel.. they assured me I would be fine.
So, I am not nearly as worried as I was.. especially after reading the posts from you girls..
Thanks so much.. I take pain well.. so I will be in good shape...
Keri
Sawadee ka Keri,
First off, all the very best for your wee Thailand adventure! Very exciting.
I had my SRS with Chet on 22 December (Christmas in the clinic!) so 7 weeks post-op. They had me on Tramadol while in the clinic and gave me anti-biotic, anti-swelling drugs, Tramadol and paracetemol when I was discharged to the hotel. I used a few of the paracetemol just to dull the discomfort at night for a couple of days but left the Tramadol alone and gave them back. I didn't feel I needed much pain relief. I imagine that if you do and run out, Chet's team will see what can be done for you. They are just a phone call away and visit every day except Sunday.
I was by myself and apart from being alone, I didn't feel I needed anyone to assist. I could get food, move about when I had to even before the catheter was removed (it was kept in for a week after being unpacked so it was in for a while - there were reasons!). I was going down to breakfast every morning with the catheter bag hooked up under my skirt.
There is a list somewhere on here of things to take. The clinic give you 1 pack of pads so stock up on those or buy more from Sri when she visits. She will bring them the next day. Everything is available in Bangkok so you don't need to buy them before travelling. I am not sure where you are staying but even if nobody is around to do a shop run, if you aren't up for a walk to shop, you can order supermarket stuff from Tescos online and get it delivered for the hefty fee of 60 Baht (a dollar or 2!). I think all 3 hotels are in the delivery zone. I did this mainly for drinking water as the hotel (Vertical Suites) only provided 1 litre per day. I didn't want to carry that back in the Bangkok heat. I got lots delivered.
I also used Chet's letter to get a wheelchair at the airport going home. Even though I could have managed as walking wasn't an issue, it was a very good idea. Got ushered through all the checks and delivered to an airline lounge and then he came back and wheeled me to the aircraft door! First on the plane. The time from leaving the hotel with Chet's driver to sitting down in the Emirates lounge was 60 minutes.
Have a super time in Bangkok.
Emma
Quote from: EmmaD on February 09, 2016, 09:59:30 PM
I had my SRS with Chet on 22 December (Christmas in the clinic!) so 7 weeks post-op. They had me on Tramadol while in the clinic and gave me anti-biotic, anti-swelling drugs, Tramadol and paracetemol when I was discharged to the hotel. I used a few of the paracetemol just to dull the discomfort at night for a couple of days but left the Tramadol alone and gave them back.
Perhaps I'm a bit naughty, but I just can't imagine giving decent painkillers back.
Quote from: AnonyMs on February 09, 2016, 10:11:11 PM
Perhaps I'm a bit naughty, but I just can't imagine giving decent painkillers back.
Well they have side effects.
Imo its better to look for a long term solution ... like doing something against the cause, and using holistic meds ... and means ... like aromatheraypy etc ...
hugs
Quote from: EmmaD on February 09, 2016, 09:59:30 PM
Sawadee ka Keri,
First off, all the very best for your wee Thailand adventure! Very exciting.
I had my SRS with Chet on 22 December (Christmas in the clinic!) so 7 weeks post-op. They had me on Tramadol while in the clinic and gave me anti-biotic, anti-swelling drugs, Tramadol and paracetemol when I was discharged to the hotel. I used a few of the paracetemol just to dull the discomfort at night for a couple of days but left the Tramadol alone and gave them back. I didn't feel I needed much pain relief. I imagine that if you do and run out, Chet's team will see what can be done for you. They are just a phone call away and visit every day except Sunday.
I was by myself and apart from being alone, I didn't feel I needed anyone to assist. I could get food, move about when I had to even before the catheter was removed (it was kept in for a week after being unpacked so it was in for a while - there were reasons!). I was going down to breakfast every morning with the catheter bag hooked up under my skirt.
There is a list somewhere on here of things to take. The clinic give you 1 pack of pads so stock up on those or buy more from Sri when she visits. She will bring them the next day. Everything is available in Bangkok so you don't need to buy them before travelling. I am not sure where you are staying but even if nobody is around to do a shop run, if you aren't up for a walk to shop, you can order supermarket stuff from Tescos online and get it delivered for the hefty fee of 60 Baht (a dollar or 2!). I think all 3 hotels are in the delivery zone. I did this mainly for drinking water as the hotel (Vertical Suites) only provided 1 litre per day. I didn't want to carry that back in the Bangkok heat. I got lots delivered.
I also used Chet's letter to get a wheelchair at the airport going home. Even though I could have managed as walking wasn't an issue, it was a very good idea. Got ushered through all the checks and delivered to an airline lounge and then he came back and wheeled me to the aircraft door! First on the plane. The time from leaving the hotel with Chet's driver to sitting down in the Emirates lounge was 60 minutes.
Have a super time in Bangkok.
Emma
Emma
Wow thanks so much.. I am getting excited.. I am staying in the Vertical Suites so I think that market is right across the street.. Anyway, I plan on going on an elephant ride the day after I get there.. and then I hope to do one before I leave just to say.. look what I can do.. LOL... I may look back and this post and say what the heck was I thinking but I think Sasha did it.. but she is much younger than me.. I bet I don't do that ride before I go home.. I will probably just be glad to be getting on the plane.
Thanks so much for the info.. I am ready for this.. been ready for 50 years.
Love
Keri
yay thats exciting!!! your time is coming soon. good luck hun. youre in great hands.
Quote from: AnonyMs on February 09, 2016, 10:11:11 PM
Perhaps I'm a bit naughty, but I just can't imagine giving decent painkillers back.
Hahaha I'm with anonyms on this one !
Hi kerrie,
I just wanted to let you know I'm coming to see Dr chet as well! You'll be there well before me. I arrive on the 23rd of Feb, and I'm also staying at the vertical suite. It would be cool to catch up with you while I'm there :)
Chloe
Good luck Keri, I'm sure everything will go well. Hugs
Mariah
*
Keri:
Congratulations!
Bring a canvas laundry bag to carry your post-op incidentals; it will also respectfully conceal your Dr. Chettawut donut.
There are an ever flow of new arrivals, current patients, post-ops, and SOFFAs at the Baan Siri Cottages to keep you company; the other residences may have a certain amount of isolation.
Baan Siri Cottages' 'Trans Alley' provides an enjoyable comraderie of Dr. Chettawut's patients. Regardless where you stay, download a translator app to help you communicate with fellow residents who may not speak or understand English as a first language.
Everyone post- or pre- helps those recently discharged and under Dr. Chettawut's orders to stay in bed or at least remain 'confined to quarters'. They will take you on tour to see Bangkok's sights during your initial pre-op and pre-cleanse days. They will take you shopping and show you what to buy as you stock up before you go to the Chettawut Clinic. They will do your errands, shopping, and bring breakfast in bed when Dr. Chettawut approves you to resume your diet. They will share left-overs.
Partake the Thai street foods - fish roll, pork, chicken, fried eggs and banana, 'crispy critters' if you dare. 'Dragon fruit' is a great big kiwi - if you like kiwi, then you will love dragon fruit.
There are plenty of nearby banks to exchange your Dollars for Thai Bhat - current February rate is 35 THB per Dollar.
Dr. Chettawut's post-op in-patient diet plan includes miso soup, crackers, hot chocolate, and warm soy milk. They will all be quite tastey during your immediate post-op condition.
Dr. Chettawut's in-patient nurses stay with you round-the-clock. They are awake for you when you are awake and awake for you when you sleep. They will administer your meds on schedule, do vitals on schedule, and give a daily sponge bath to you to make you feel comfortable and clean.
You will quickly be restless, want to get out of bed, and want to walk mere days post-op. No no no! Dr. Chettawut forbids that. The only approved time you will get out of bed is when you walk downstairs to your ground floor recovery room and then when you are discharged to return 'home' to your recovery residence and go straight to bed.
Nurse Sri and Nurse Noi are gems. They are Dr. Chettawut's touring nurses who see every one of his patients every day - except Sunday. You will find that day off as refreshing as they. Keep the nurses aware of your condition; follow Dr. Chettawut's med schedule and request med refills if necessary. Keep a diary to help discuss your progress with Dr. Chettawut and his nursing team as well as for your own self-reflection and remembrances.
Sri will teach you correct dilation technique and supervise you until you do it correctly. Dilation is quite easy; sometimes so boring that you might fall asleep. Some start with the 'candle', others go straight to #1 and graduate to #2 before their discharge and return home. Tie a wipe tissue or string at your mark to be sure you complete your task. You'll quickly learn to do just the correct amount of lube - too little and it is tight, too much and you will dribble.
You will use the mirror to help dilation as well as watch your progress as your swelling reduces.
Dr. Chettawut requires you remain physically sedate at least your first week to 10 days post-op 'back home' at your recovery residence. Too much physical movement will disturb your sutures or cause injury. There were a spate of such un-authorised physical activity during January this year that Dr. Chettawut and his team are adamant that you follow 'doctor's orders' completely.
There are four English language TV stations on regular TV (one similar to American CBS, another similar to American NBC, British ITV, and SyFy). Some Baan Siri cottages provide satellite that includes a movie channel from China that shows un-cut American movies (go figure). Otherwise, there is wi-fi to occupy your confinement. You can watch YouTube videos or bring your Netflix or Chromecast with you; this is when your HDMI cable or dongle will come in handy.
Thailand is quite gracious. 'Ka pung kah' is 'thank you' and it will take you well to say it frequently.
*
Quote from: bamar86 on February 11, 2016, 10:33:48 PM
Hi kerrie,
I just wanted to let you know I'm coming to see Dr chet as well! You'll be there well before me. I arrive on the 23rd of Feb, and I'm also staying at the vertical suite. It would be cool to catch up with you while I'm there :)
Chloe
Hey Girl just sent you an email... wow you will be there three days after my surgery.. so we really will be on same schedule.. so glad you will be there.. when you check in try to get a room close to mine. I will still be in hospital when you get there.. see you soon..
Omgosh Im so excited. I'll msg som at chets office and ask her to put try and book my room close to yours.
It's so cool that I can share this experience with someone else :)
Chloe
The girls mentioned you when I was there for my pre op.
So if I have to change rooms I can... Just let them know when you check in we want to be on same floor. 9th..
See ya soon.. My surgery is tomorrow which is Saturday in Thailand at 4pm.
Keri
Safe surgery Hon.
Thinking of you.
A very big day for you.
All the best and I will be thinking of you later tonight.
/Sending positivity and well wishes
Quote from: Keri - formerly known as Dodie on February 19, 2016, 02:06:38 AM
Chloe
The girls mentioned you when I was there for my pre op.
So if I have to change rooms I can... Just let them know when you check in we want to be on same floor. 9th..
See ya soon.. My surgery is tomorrow which is Saturday in Thailand at 4pm.
Keri
Wish you a fast recovery.
Just keep us posted as soon as you are up again :)
hugs
I am sending positive thoughts your way.
Positive thoughts coming your way at bedtime tonight and at church tomorrow.
good luck
Happy thoughts to you, Keri!!! <3
*noms on Skittles, waiting for an update*