So, we do have a date reserved for my surgery, but Im wondering what should I/ do i have to do before and after surgery? Like ive heard stop T 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after or dont lift things afterwards so sorry this is worded weirdly but what (in a span of hours to weeks and all in between) do they usually have you not do/do to prepare and recover? Any suggestions? It's on the 23rd of june.
This will all vary by surgeon. You would need to contact your surgeon's office and ask them what you need to stop doing pre-op. Usually it's stopping medications like T, herbal stuff, over the counter meds, etc. Post-op restrictions will also vary by doctor and may change as they assess how you're healing.
My surgeon had me stop T 2 weeks in advance of surgery. I was allowed to resume once my drains were out, so I was off T for a total of 3 weeks. After surgery, I was not allowed to shower for 1 week until my drains were out. No driving while still taking pain medication. No lifting of more than 10lbs, no reaching overhead, no strenuous activities for 4 weeks. Compression binder for 4 weeks for most people, but mine was shortened to 2 because I had no swelling and it gave me a skin reaction.
But again, check with your surgeon. They should give you a whole packet of expectations and things they need from you.
my surgeon didn't make me stop taking testosterone. i had to do blood work about 3 weeks before surgery, and i had to shave my chest before surgery and take a shower with antibacterial soap. my surgeon was also in another province so i had to show pictures over email of my chest. when i first met her, she looked at my chest and marked me up for surgery and took a picture. after, i needed help gettin out of the hospital bed and going to the bathroom. i felt super nauseous but i had to stay in the hospital the whole day after my surgery per their requirements and went back to the recovery house the next day. i didn't have a compression vest but i had an ace bandage. it was only for 4 days, and my drains were only in for 4 days. i stayed at a recovery house so they took care of all that and my meds i needed (stool softener, pain meds). i was told not to shower the first week after my drains were out, and not to lift heavy things and not stretch my hands above my head. i took 4 weeks off work because i have a physically demanding job.
but ftmax is right, the surgeon will give you a package of what you need to do before surgery and you should also get one after surgery or at least i did. just a little booklet on what to look out for in case of infection. my doctor was still doing my T shots so when i went to see him i got him to look at my chest and change my nipple dressings for the first time. after that, i was able to do it by myself.