Questions to ask the surgeon?

Kerri_Oz

I'm seeing the surgeon tomorrow about my PBMX (finally!). I live alone and will have some support from my neighbours, but will mainly be looking after myself. I may or may not be able to get home care nursing. The surgery itself is being done under the public health system, but visits to the surgeon in his office aren't covered. I've written a list of questions for my surgeon, and just wanted to ask if there's anything else you all think I should be asking. These are my questions so far:

How long will I be in hospital?

Will I get home nursing care?

How much pain can I expect and for how long? Will I get pain meds to come home with, or do I need to organise them beforehand?

How many drains will I have and for how long? What sort of care do they need? Will you remove them, or my GP?

Will there be dressings that need changing? Stitches that need removing? Would you take care of that, or my GP or home care nurse?

What complications are possible?

How many follow up visits will there be? What's the likely over all cost?

What scars should I have? Where and how big? If there are problems, will revision be covered?

What restrictions will I have and for how long?

What sort of help might I need and for how long?

How soon should I be able to: take a shower, drive, sleep on my side, lift things?

Will I be given exercises to do? If so, when do I start them and how long will I do them for?

That's about what I've come up with. Have I missed anything major? I've booked a double appointment to give me time to ask all my questions. Hopefully I will walk out with a surgery date that isn't too far away. I'm ready to have this done and over with!

Cheers

Kerri.

123JustMe

Kerri, so sorry that no one has given you any info! I don't have the answers but maybe someone will come along and offer some advice!!

Icietla

Hi Kerri_Oz. I hope everything is coming along very well for you.

I strongly urge that you ask the Doctor to have the Hospital supply you with an ordinary walker (or walking frame) as I describe in this linked post.

https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/91/topics/857555?page=1#post_5019724

Also, have them keep you in the Hospital until you have learned and can readily remember how to do your drains maintenance. You may not remember from instruction and demonstration done shortly following your surgery.

Kerri_Oz

HI JustMe and Icietla

Thanks for the replies. I've had my appointment and got all my questions answered and my surgery date set Now I just have to wait!