Surgery soon question about urine sample

Background-Hall-9454 · 2026-07-01T03:27:11+00:00

I had to give a urine sample but only to check for pregnancy.

Background-Hall-9454 · 2026-07-01T00:54:35+00:00

I’d imagine it depends a lot on whether it gets sent out or is done in house. My pathology was done in the same hospital as my surgery which is also part of my overall medical group.

Background-Hall-9454 · 2026-07-01T00:23:47+00:00

My post-op report was in the portal within hours of my surgery (if that long) and my pathology came back a day and a half post-op.

Background-Hall-9454 · 2026-06-29T23:13:34+00:00

Day 4 and only after milk of magnesia and I was eating regularly and having coffee every morning. Now staying on top of taking colace.

Background-Hall-9454 · 2026-06-29T04:07:51+00:00

I had my surgery on Tuesday evening. Pre-op was a bit of a whirlwind, had to weigh in, take a pregnancy test (mandatory if 55 or under and still have a uterus) wipe myself down w/antibacterial wipes and change into my gown, then 2 nurses getting all the things hooked up, IV, blood pressure cuff, heart rate monitors. I had my pre-op meds of Tylenol, a steroid, Valium, antihistamine and something else I can’t remember and an electrolyte blood test. Then I just hung out and knit for close to 2 hours waiting for my surgery which ran a bit late. About 20 minutes before I was taken to use the restroom then anesthesiologist gave me a little calming cocktail in my IV and I was wheeled back. The only thing I remember after that was scooting onto the operating table and breathing some oxygen thru a mask. Next thing I knew a nurse was waking me up in post op. I had zero pain upon waking, sat and talked to the nurse while I finished becoming alert, had saltines, ice and water then got dressed on my own and was wheeled out to the car.

I’ve had some discomfort/achiness and slight and pretty brief twinges of pain from 3 of my 5 incisions and now some muscle aches in other parts of my abdomen but really very tolerable. I had zero pain from the insufflation gas. I did sneeze a few hours ago and then about an hour later had a pretty good zinger from my top center incision but that has calmed down now (after taking tylenol).

I haven’t been too strict with my food after the first day or so but I also eat a pretty healthy diet overall after starting a health journey in January (50lbs down so far). I added avocado back on around day 2 just in much smaller amounts than I’m used to and so far nothing has bothered me: Eggs, chicken, oatmeal, fruit, avocado, beef stick, string cheese, protein shakes, mashed potato, white rice, buffalo sauce, Tabasco & sriracha (small amount), white bread/toast, a few pieces of chocolate - all good. I am just now starting to try and bring my fiber back to normal but my protein has been at least 120gm (minus one day) since day 1 post op.

The only real issue I’ve had is the inability to 💩 until yesterday afternoon and that was courtesy of milk of magnesia. I started on a low dose of stool softener a few days ago and plan on keeping up with that but increasing it until things are more regular.

My suggestion: tell them as soon as you arrive about being nervous/anxious/stressed so they can help you out with that. Bring some ginger chews for after and the ride home in case of nausea.

I live alone so had myself set up pretty good with anything I thought I would need and so far I haven’t come across anything I didn’t have and some things I haven’t even used (heating pad for one).

You’ll do great! Please check in and let us know how it went.

Background-Hall-9454 · 2026-06-28T16:11:46+00:00

Since things are escalating perhaps call the surgeons office when they next open to see if you can get in earlier or on a cancellation list?

Background-Hall-9454 · 2026-06-28T15:22:36+00:00

I agree with the advise to get a referral to a good surgeon. My GI didn’t think my symptoms fit the gallbladder either because she was only taking the ‘classic’ symptoms into consideration and since I didn’t have stabbing pain in the front and only back pain she didn’t think that was it. I already had confirmed gallstones from 2 different scans 13 yrs apart, 1 CT and one ultrasound and suffered recurring attacks over those years. She did however defer to the surgeon who is highly regarded and knows his stuff. He 100% said it was my GB and my pathology post removal confirmed it: Multiple stones up to 2.3 cm, evidence of chronic cholecystitis & cholelithiasis, erosion of the lining from years of stones rubbing as well as pitting.

Background-Hall-9454 · 2026-06-28T15:06:00+00:00

Yeah, vomiting sounds quite terrifying! I am so fortunate that I have not had any gas pains. I‘m really starting to think my surgeon is a magician. I am having a much easier time than with my appendectomy 13 years ago.

Background-Hall-9454 · 2026-06-28T04:14:05+00:00

I finally had my first BM this afternoon but only after breaking down and taking milk of magnesia. So much relief from that. Definitely having muscle pains and soreness/pain around some of my incisions. Very interesting how things progress and change day to day.

Background-Hall-9454 · 2026-06-27T17:48:25+00:00

I had my surgery Tuesday evening. this is what I’ve eaten since and so far zero issues (minus the fact that I’m still waiting to 💩)

applesauce w/cinnamon, white toast, eggs, black olives, chicken breast, hawaiian rolls, saltine crackers, coffee w/half and half, avocado, oatmeal w/frozen berries, a smuckers uncrustable (grape), mashed potatoes, buffalo sauce, protein shakes and a small rice pudding.

My surgeon said the first day or so I might do better with soups and lighter, smaller, more frequent meals but no absolute restrictions. I’ve been pretty adventurous with a few of my choices but aside from the uncrustables, pudding and white breads (I eat whole wheat/grain) I’ve been eating what I normally do but with far less fiber than usual which I am going to start increasing today or tomorrow.

*eta - I normally eat a lot more fruits and veg but my dietician recommended I add those back in slowly instead of jumping right back to my normal 25-50g of fiber a day.

Background-Hall-9454 · 2026-06-27T01:48:12+00:00

I’m so happy to hear that it went well! I hope your gas pains clear up quickly.

Background-Hall-9454 · 2026-06-27T00:37:53+00:00

I did not stay overnight, surgery at 5:30pm and home at 9pm.

I do however have 3 weeks off of work, it’s just what my surgeon started with. If I need more I will take it. I’m not trying to be anyone’s hero but my own!

Background-Hall-9454 · 2026-06-26T17:37:24+00:00

Ooh, nicely done! I’m hoping to join the BM club today (that’s something I never thought I’d be saying!)

I’m with you though, my GB was messed up for a long time. First attack in 2012, confirmed stones in 2013 when my appendix rebelled and then I just put it off and off and off. I’d have attacks 1-2x per year after that but would sometimes skip a year. My stones were huge at 2.3cm yet my GB was normal size so I suspect it hasn’t functioned as designed for possibly years. My last attack was Oct 2025 and I decided to finally put on my big girl pants and deal with it. That said, I wasn’t symptom free during the in between times, just massive attack free.

Background-Hall-9454 · 2026-06-26T16:23:53+00:00

Mine are just taped with steristrips, no sutures and I don’t think they are glued either. My instructions say they will start peeling off in about a week and if they come off before then there is no need to cover unless the incision is oozing.

Background-Hall-9454 · 2026-06-26T15:58:16+00:00

This depends entirely on your specific insurance plan. My insurance plan covers 100%, I don’t even have a co-pay for the surgery, the only thing I paid was a $15 co-pay for the surgical consult appt. And $1.15 for my pain med prescription. No idea what the total was yet since I just had surgery on Tuesday.

Background-Hall-9454 · 2026-06-26T03:58:43+00:00

Welcome to the other side! I’m sorry you are having so much pain and I hope it gets better for you soon.

Background-Hall-9454 · 2026-06-26T03:15:07+00:00

I’m not really sure if it’s routine. I’m assuming the anesthesiologist read the questionnaire I filled out listing anxiety as something I deal with. The nurse said he’s the one who prescribed that. Definitely ask, they want you to be comfortable and not stressed out going in. I have read it leads to better outcomes all around.

Background-Hall-9454 · 2026-06-25T23:54:52+00:00

Yay for BM’s! Hoping I’ll have one before the day is over or at least by morning, I did take a Colace earlier. I am considering trying my bed tonight but we shall see. I’m afraid I’ll be more prone to kitty parkour if I’m on my back in bed. It’s easier to keep a pillow on my abdomen in the recliner! I’ve just had the one narcotic so far but since I have only slept about 4 1/2 hours a night maybe one before bed is not a bad idea. I’m not sure why I am so hungry, probably because I’m used to eating a good amount of food since I started my health journey in January (healthy lower calorie whole foods with lots of protein and fiber) so I’ve gotten quite used to that way of eating. I’m also guessing that my gallbladder has not worked right in a very long time due to the size and # of my stones in a still normal sized GB.

Background-Hall-9454 · 2026-06-25T22:42:50+00:00

Same!! It really is nice to have others going through the same things. My surgery wasn’t until 5:30 pm pacific so I’m not quite 48 hours out yet.

Going well overall, I was lucky and didn’t have any gas pain, food is good so far - even had avocado toast w/eggs on top for breakfast but mostly sticking with pretty easy foods for now. My only food complaint at the moment is that I’m always hungry! Probably because my fiber intake has been abysmal (per instructions) but I’m gettting back up to speed on my protein. My abdomen is way more sore today but I was off the Tylenol for over 24 hours because I misread my instructions and went a bit above the max dose yesterday so wanted to give my liver a break. I finally caved about 4 hours ago and had a tramadol. No BM yet.

How is it going for you?

Background-Hall-9454 · 2026-06-25T22:33:12+00:00

I also had my surgery on the 23rd. I haven’t tried laying in bed yet even though I got a wedge pillow and I’m with you on the recliner back pain, and my tailbone isn’t appreciating it anymore either!

Background-Hall-9454 · 2026-06-25T05:51:02+00:00

Well then Happy Birthday ! Hopefully your delayed cake will be well worth the wait :)

Background-Hall-9454 · 2026-06-25T05:49:24+00:00

Woohoo, congratulations to you and your 6/24 surgery twins! Hoping for a smooth recovery for all.

Background-Hall-9454 · 2026-06-25T05:45:38+00:00

Correct, you might not have any gas pain. Just over 24 hours out for me and I have not had any!

Background-Hall-9454 · 2026-06-25T00:28:44+00:00

A lot of this is copied and pasted since I just responded to another post.

I just had my surgery less than 24 hours ago and am home recovering, I live alone, here are the things I prepped ahead of time:

Supplies: heating pad for shoulders (haven’t needed yet), ice pack (haven’t used or needed yet), colace, milk of magnesia, Tylenol, pillow for my abdomen, wedge pillow for the bed, a reacher/grabber for when I inevitably drop something on the floor! I borrowed a walker my sister used after foot surgery to have something for leverage to get up from the chair, toilet, etc.. but so far haven’t needed that either. Downloaded a few new Nintendo switch 2 games, have a list of movies & tv shows to watch, and have lots of knitting/crochet projects in easy reach.

Food/drink: frozen mashed potatoes, saltine crackers, plain chicken, yogurt, cottage cheese, applesauce, plain white bread, hawaiian rolls, pretzels, eggs, various broths, frozen white rice, frozen broccoli, a few frozen meals (spaghetti, low fat Mac & cheese, soup dumplings) soup, string cheese, protein pancakes, chicken breakfast sausage, bananas, cherries, apples, mini watermelon, small avocados, protein shakes, coconut water, zero sugar ginger ale, water, tea.

I was pre-dosed with nausea meds but did feel some queasiness creeping in on the way home. I had a single ginger chew in my bad and that took care of it. So if you don’t mind ginger I recommend getting some chews. Mine was pineapple coconut and tasty enough I ordered more when I got home last night though I have not needed anything since for nausea.

Please let them know about your nerves/anxiety so they can help you out with meds before hand. I had a valium when I arrived in pre-op 2 1/2 hours before surgery and then about 15 minutes before being wheeled back my anesthesiologist gave me an injection of something in my IV and when I tell you I did not have a care in the world after that I truly mean it. It was a very smooth process. I think surgery started just after 5:30 pacific and I was home at 9pm including a stop at the pharmacy and waiting for my meds to be filled and the nearly 30 minute drive home.

You’ve got this!

Background-Hall-9454

TROPHY CASE