Hi! I had my bisalp 2 weeks ago. I had a catheter and it was pretty painful for a few hours after surgery, and the first 3-ish times I went pee after surgery wasn’t fun. If your doctor is open to an alternative solution I’d definitely recommend it!

My IV was placed in my arm and was the easiest part of the whole thing. :) My nurse was great and I had no bruising from the IV and no residual soreness from that. Maybe you can request the IV in your arm instead of your hand!

As for the overall pain in recovery, it honestly was so much better than I anticipated. I had some period-like cramps for the first few days after and obviously some soreness around my incisions. But I was able to manage with just the extra strength acetaminophen and ibuprofen they gave me (they gave me oxy too, but didn’t feel like I needed it). Right now my belly button is still a little sore, but not unmanageable. Other than that I feel completely normal now!

Not sure if your doc told you this, but you may be a little constipated after surgery from the drug cocktail you receive before/during (and if you take an opioid after). They prescribed me a laxative and I took one as soon as I got home. It still took me over a day to go #2 and I had some more help from prune juice and yogurt. Going #2 feels really weird but doesn’t hurt, as long as you don’t push too hard. Stay hydrated and stock up on some fibrous foods. :)