Sorry you have to have this surgery. I have had several surgeries since ms & none have gone smoothly, although they have waited till I am emergency so that didn't help.

Prior to surgery try to keep as healthy as you can & reduce pain too. If possible get the surgery done laparoscopy as that heals a lot quicker.
After surgery don't let them get you up if you are not up to it. As a general rule of thumb I expect to be in an extra day to what they say. Day surgery - what a joke, even before I was dx I always got admitted for at least one night. You might sail through & be able to go home quickly but don't be surprised if you need an extra day.
Don't let them rush you out to transit lounge too, they are only trying to meet their "quota". They have done that before to me & I have ended up so stressed because they have packed my stuff anyhow, haven't given me a shower etc.
When you get home remember do nothing means "do nothing" esp bending & trying to hang washing out, put it in machine & stand for any length of time.
While you are in hospital ask to see the social worker & they will be able to refer you for "post acute care". This can be shower help, home care or any range of things but take advantage of it, doesn't cost. Generally it lasts for 3 weeks. Public hospitals are better for this than private from what I have heard but can vary. Explain to the social worker that you have ms so fatigue & restrictions will be more than the normal patient.
I have found this helps me a lot as any anaesthetic always knocks me around even day surgery. I tend to lose my strength in my legs after any surgery.

Hope this helps you & if I can help with anything else just ask me.
Let me know when your surgery is too.
Hugs,

I think Sue's advice about home health care is an excellent one. Take advantage of the services offered to you!

I've been through some minor surgeries since I've been dxed with MS and didn't have any problems. I too hope you sail through this one Jill, and are feeling much better soon.

Thanks so much to you both for your replies. I am very glad to say that the surgeon wants me to have an overnight stay, and I will definitely see about some care, post op - although we do live in the country and even though we're only 15 min from town we are pretty isolated when it comes to services (we still don't have town water where we are).

Well I am skeptical about every surgery, even dental crowns throw my MS into an uproar. My tubal ligation started it and the hysterectomy just brought it into full bloom. Had dental bridges replaced last year and what they call a scaling (torture) and I have not been the same since MS wise so be careful. Be monitored and expect a set back but if you must have this done it has to be done regardless of the MS right. So best of luck and may the MS monster let you have it without too much of a problem.

I had a laparascopic hysterectomy in 2006. At that time I was still walking some. I had absolutely no problems at all. Fortunately I had very little pain and was released the next day.

The only caution I'd give is that you must not stay imobile too long. You lose strength and muscle very fast. Hopefully that is not an issue for you.

Here's to it going very well !!

Melanie

"The only caution I'd give is that you must not stay imobile too long. You lose strength and muscle very fast."

This was of a major concern from my neuro when I had some excessive hardware removed form my ankle. She says we cannot afford to loss any ground. Get an exeercise program in place before you scheduled surgery.

Thanks for the advice. I have been walking half an hour each day - for over six months now , so hope to get back to that routine as soon as possible.

I've had two surgeries since my MS diagnosis (one minor, one major) and both times my doctor had them give me a large, Solu-Medrol dose while I was in the opearing room.

My recovery time was on mark and I didn't feel like it took me any longer to heal than expected.

I hope your surgery goes well and doesn't create any additional challenges!

I've had 4 abdominal surgeries (3 in 2009/2010). One was for an inguinal hernia repair done on an outpatient basis.

When I woke up after the operation for the hernia, my left side went into a seizure in the recovery room. They shot me up with a bunch of different drugs and SENT ME HOME.

I had no home heath care. I doubt they'd approve it for you but you never know, they might.

I had in-home health care after the 2nd abdominal surgery in 2009 (I almost/should have died). They came to me house about 3 times a week for awhile. They were supposed to return when I had the 2nd surgery in 2010 but they never showed up. That was a real nightmare. I was in horrible pain a stuck to the sofa unable to move.

As for the hernia repair, I was told it would take 18 mos. for me to fully recover. That 18 mos. is up just now. I am better finally.

What a long awful process this has been for me.

I hope you recover without incident.

You never know when MS will rear its ugly head. ugh.