Anyone have day surgery?

geneseo

I'm having a bilateral mastectomy, and my surgeon gave me the option of a day surgery. I believe I can stay there up to 23 hours, but if I'm doing well, I can go home within hours of the surgery.

This was appealing to me, as I've never gotten any rest in a hospital - it's constant interruptions.

Anyone have experience with a day surgery for a bmx?

SpecialK

This was offered to me, and my surgeon did it routinely with excellent results, but my insurance would not authorize the surgery without a 1 night stay. I think this is done more frequently if you are not having reconstruction, although I was, and they still offered it.

TB90

I only had a unilateral Mx, but was discharged hours after surgery. I had an unremarkable recovery and no infection. Studies indicate infections increase with time spent in hospital. But if you need the support or pain management, please stay. Overdoing it is also counterproductive to healing. We all need to listen to our bodies and not feel guilty for getting what we need.

ksusan

Yes, I had BMX no recon and was home by afternoon, which was my strong preference.

geneseo

SpecialK and TB90, you bring up good points...

I need to check to make sure my insurance will cover. I had a pneumonia earlier this year and was in the hospital, so I've met my deductible and out of pocket - so it should all be fully paid for (and if I can not have chemo or radiation, I should be done with treatment except for the pills). The surgeon and the hospital/day surgery center are in network - but I've heard horror stories that anesthesiologists sometimes are not in network. And I may need a pre-authorization.

Also - I have an adjustable bed at home - so like a hospital bed, but more comfortable with a big screen tv - and my adult kids will be home for the holiday - so I'll have them cook - they steal my Netflix, so fair trade... My plan is to completely take it easy and follow my doctor's instructions!

My brain is spinning on all the things I need to do before next Monday!

TB90

Geneseo, I had my surgery a week before Xmas six years ago. I took it easy, let others look after me and had a wonderful Xmas. Sleep may be a bit of a challenge with a bilateral Mx so ensure you have options. You get out of dishes this year

bcincolorado

I had my mx and was scheduled for 3 pm. I did skin sparing and tissue ex pander placement at the same time. I was released and home by 1:00 the next day. One night on the morpine drip and pain meds at home. Had drains in at release. Docs said the big bad germs live in the hospital and not in your house. If they can send you home they figure you are less likely to get infection was their logic.

Best of luck to you.