good luck artyjoe
the first view of theatre is frightening, but just say 'hello, I'm terrified' in a breezy voice and the nurses will be falling over themselves to reassure you. It will be freezing but you'll get warm blankets over you while they faff. Any pain you feel whilst they do the spinal is helpful to the anaesthetist as to how he's placing the needle - don't be frightened to tell them what you feel e.g. I'm feeling a nervey, tingling pain going down my RH side.
Get up ASAP after surgery - 5 hours should do it. Sit on the edge of the bed first and if you're OK, pretend to stand up but then sit down again. If that's OK then stand up. Don't go mad, just walk around the bed then lie down again. After another few hours make a trip to the loo - but ALWAYS make sure your DH is with you. For the first afternoon I let DH to the changing etc - he loved it!
Next day - your dressing should come off - get in the shower and make sure the wound is kept clean - a good dose of shower gel is as good as anything. I had glue and metal staples which were removed on day 4.
Don't be in a rush to get your catheter out. Whilst it's in, do go mad with fluids and fruit juices - both will help to stimulate your bowel. You should fart like crazy a few hours after surgery!
Let the nurses know that you want to self medicate with painkillers. The morphine in your spine will be good for up to 24 hours but you should take paracetamol and Ibuprofen as well to combat inflammation BEFORE you start to feel it. Take the maximum dose for 3-4 days then taper back.
Walk a lot after 48 hours, but SLOWLY! After 48 hours, my DH (a doctor) assured me that the healing process was well under way and that only a huge strain on the wound cause it to burst.
DS howling now!
Very best of luck - you'll have a wee munchkin tomorrow