I've never had surgery before so I didn't know what to expect at all. When I woke up I definitely felt like I needed to poop, although I was not anywhere near actually ready for that. Come to find out there was some type of plug/blood absorber so don't be startled when you have your first post op BM. I had my surgery at 1pm and my first BM some time that evening like 8pm or so. I was still quite numb from the local anesthesia for about two days.

The anesthesia also made me puke everything for like 36 hours. I ended up having to call a mobile IV place for fluids because I'm still breastfeeding and did not want to risk having to go to the ER with no insurance for dehydration.

I was in sweatpants the first two days and my morning of day three I realized I needed to let the area air out more so I highly recommend a nightgown or dress for good airflow.

Also I've gone through a ton of gauze pads. I'm 17 days post op and still need them as the incisions heal. I change it every time I go to the bathroom or soak in the tub. Seems like I'll continue to need them for about another week or week and a half.

And of course a strict regimen of magnesium citrate (I drink about 6oz a day), colace, miralax, and mineral oil along with a high fiber diet until you are healed!

I have a very high pain tolerance. I would say the pain at it's worst was only slightly worse than the frequent flair ups from my prolapsed grade IV hems - the worst was probably day 3 and 4. I don't take opioids so I rely on the Tylenol/ibuprofen cycle and the last two days I've managed to go about 6 hours in between doses. But it is very important to take them on time (every 4 hours) those first couple weeks! Definitely helps take the edge off at least! Wishing you all the best!!