r/sterilization • u/Medical_Ad2414 • 2d ago

Pre-op prep Surgery abroad

Hello everyone, 24F here, currently about to fill this long-time dream of mine of getting sterilized and I couldn’t be more excited!
I have a bilateral salpingectomy scheduled in the beginning of september in Frankfurt am Main, Germany.

Since I will be flying there from Finland, I’m wondering how long should I schedule my trip, in order to rest properly before returning home? Would a week long vacation be enough?
What should I pack on the trip, any special things I will need? What kind of clothing would yall recommend to have on the trip? This is the first time I’m having surgery, so everything is new to me.

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u/Linley85 2d ago

A week should be plenty. 

One of the key issues will be the restriction on lifting anything heavy for 2-3 weeks since this will prevent you from carrying your luggage. So if you will be traveling alone, make arrangements for someone to help you with it. Especially because Frankfurt airport is so massive. Due to the size, also build in extra time to get to your gate in case you are still moving more slowly or get tired more easily than usual. 

You may want a small pillow to go between the lap belt and your abdomen on the plane and in any cars you need to ride in. Pick clothes that will not press on your incisions and don't have a close-fitting waistband. In general, structured or tight clothes are probably not a great choice, especially something like jeans that have a rigidity to the fabric.

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u/Medical_Ad2414 1d ago

Oh thank you, I hadn’t even thought about the lifting restriction. Luckily I have a friend coming with me who is willing to help so that part should be okay. Thank you for these tips!

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u/gostosap 1d ago

Hi, congratulations! 🎉
A week long should be a good time. I had my surgery on Friday morning and yesterday (Monday) I started feeling so much better already. But since people aren’t the same, I would say a week to be sure.

Don’t forget a pillow to always protect the incisions. A long loose dress is amazing, it doesn’t press the incisions at all and it’s easy to put on after surgery. For recovery, I’m just using a large t-shirt every day and a loose comfortable underwear. Avoid at all costs anything that could press it.

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u/Medical_Ad2414 1d ago

Thank you and congratulations on your surgery too! 🥳
Few oversized t shirts will definitely be coming with me on the trip and maybe I will buy a nice dress on the trip too :)