What should I know before my ER?

[kristin1k]

Hi all! Before I head into my first ER I was hoping I could get some insight as to what should be expected. I've never had any type of "surgery" so this is all new to me. I know I can't wear makeup, nail polish or perfume but are there other tid bits that will make this smoother and give me a little less anxiety?? Thank you all for your advice and help!!

[tumbleweed]

The main thing is that you want to prevent getting super constipated afterwards. After the ER, I always take Colace (as your doc if this is ok), drink tons of water (good idea after surgery anyway) drink psyllium fiber (metamucil is easily available) and rest. Wear comfortable clothing to ER and easy to get on/off shoes. I also always remind myself not to talk once they start to do the anesthesia, because I without fail say something stupid as I'm going under. Good luck!!!

[ronniesgirl]

Bring your own snacks for when you wake up! My clinic had belvita crackers....ew...my husband packed me gummy bears. The cramps afterward were totally tolerable, but to me they felt more like poop cramps than period cramps. Someone once described her ovaries as zinging afterwards and I totally agree. It's a weird arch your back kinda thing. Anyhow...it's not that bad. Good luck! And take the next day off! You'll feel pretty good, but totally stressed over the fert report.

[bluefairy5]

I haven't gotten to ER yet, but I have been under twilight anesthesia a few times in my life (I think that's what many places use for ER, right?). As a heads up, I always wake up sobbing as though my heart is breaking in the recovery room. It took quite a few goes before a nurse finally told me that weird emotional reactions are apparently totally normal after any kind of anesthesia. So don't freak out if you wake up crying (or laughing, or raging pissed, or etc.).

[vballbaby]

Bringing snacks is a good idea. We actually stopped at a bagel place right after and got some yummy breakfast sandwiches for the road. I was worried about constipation because so many other ladies said they had it, so I bought some Colace from CVS just to have on hand but never had a problem at all so didn't take it. Rest after and have your SO wait on you hand and foot that night hehe. Good luck!

[tumbleweed]

bluefairy5 I wake up from anesthesia crying most of the time. I was amazed that last time I didn't -- but last time I work up in terrible pain, so, maybe last time they just didn't give me enough.

[tumbleweed]

@buttmonkey the crying thing is so weird! I just announce that I'll wake up crying so that everyone expects it. They always say it's normal but I still feel like a weirdo. Oh, and good call on the heating pad! I agree -- heating pad all the way after ER.

[lemonliz]

No advice on the ER but I've had surgery a number of times now and the constipation is no joke. Also, anesthesia makes me sick as a dog. make sure you have stuff on hand at home that will help ease a queasy stomach in case you feel sick.

[lilyharper]

kristin1k no jewelry. I forgot about my earrings and was worried they'd get lost in my purse (they didn't) but something to think about. Also, if you wear contacts, they will make you remove those, so if you have glasses bring those too. I would recommend stocking up on soups for the few days after, it's easy on your system, and it will help with keeping you hydrated. I know they explain it as twilight, but I don't remember a damn thing and most people don't either. Just take it easy after and have DH baby you.

[kristin1k]

Thank you everyone!!!

[bluejoan]

For my ER, I wore loose clothing (since it's the only things that fit), easy shoes, no deo, lotion, makeup or hair products. I woke up crying too. Like sobbing. Worried my DH but they said it was normal. I was pretty sore the first few days. I was having slow bowels a day or two before hand but it was out of control after ER. I took Colace and that helped.

Good luck!!

[gobucksoh]

I actually had my ER today and it was a first for me. They gave me Xanax to take the night before and the morning of and it realllllly helped me relax. I have terrible anxiety and it wasn't bad at all today (again thanks to the Xanax). The only time I freaked out was when the anesthesiologist came in to stick me, and that part wasn't even bad.

Heating pad, pain meds, water, Gatorade, soup, and a little something sweet - this is all I needed today. I slept pretty much all day and feel pretty decent now.

I had really worked myself up over this day and honestly it was no big deal. Easy peasy and just more exciting than anything else. Best of luck to you