Well, this will be my first (and hopefully last for a long time) visit/procedure at an Aussie hospital.

I've got to get inguinal surgery hernia on Wednesday and being the big wuss I am, am very nervous! The only other time I've had surgery was when I was 11 to get an appendix taken out.

It's actually being done in Bentley Hospital, which I've been informed isn't particularly great. But I'll just be thankful that I can exercise once more after it's done.

Good luck. My experiences of Aussie hospitals and surgery has been excellent, hope yours is.

Good luck. Having spent most of 2007 in and out of hospital the only advice is to watch your temperature when you get out, and if you run hot then get straight back in and check you haven't picked up an infection.

Take it easy.Make sure you get plenty of rest and plenty grapes.

I had appendicitis a few months ago. Whilst they were in there removing the thing, they also found I had a golf ball sized hernia in there which they repaired for me. Three hours in surgery and excellent care.

My only advice is take some ear plugs in, along with an eye mask if you're staying over night. If you're on a ward, the lights come on and off all the time and you won't be able to sleep, along with the various sounds...
Go home tireder than you got there.

Hernia repair feels a bit dodgy for a few weeks. Bit sharp and pokey in places around the repair. Otherwise, fine. Follow instructions about not lifting VERY stringently.
Your hernia is the most common repair they do, so a piece of cake for the doc. Don't be afraid to ask proper questions when you talk to the doc and anesthesia person and tell them if you're very anxious as they can give you a pre-med.

If you are sensible, you might make sure your diet is high in fibre and liquids a few days before the op so that it makes going to the toilet very easy...

>>If you are sensible, you might make sure your diet is high in fibre and liquids a few days before the op so that it makes going to the toilet very easy... <<

Metamucil!!! Without going down a lavatorial road, I've never had so much fun in the mornings as I do now that I take it regularly

Well they expect you to have 'gone' before you leave. Given pain killers and anesthetic, plus horrible hospital food, it's no fun.
Metamucil do capsules if you want more fibre without the addition of vile flavours to go with it.. just remember to drink lots of water!

PS - you don't get out much, do you?!

Not without a dog poo bag

No.

I've had that surgery and you'll be fine. Just make sure you take some snacks. That hospital food can be naff. Headphones and mp3 player a must. Best of luck. You'll be tender but it's quick recovery.

Oh and do remember that if a nurse asks you if you have managed to pee after the op, the answer is yes. Otherwise it's tube time.

Please don't remind me.

I was released from hospital the same day as my citizenship ceremony, complete with a tube from my belly and one from my whizzer, both leading neatly down my left hand trouser leg to a polythene bag tied to my calf.

It's difficult - trust me - to chat sensibly with the mayor with a glass in one hand and nagging doubts about the integrity of a full, warm plastic bag in your mind.

Too much information, perhaps?

We've killed the thread Wol.