Settled in Hawaii

[murfef]

I'm gonna check into what it takes to dive the Arizona for "research and monitoring". I wonder how hard it would be to get on that team? I've been checking out shorediving.com a good bit. It has definatly helped, it just seems like it is geared toward the tourist(which I guess I technically still am haha) which is great for now since it's all new to me and I'm overwhelmed right now. I just hope I can eventually find the good spots off of the beaten path. It really sucks to be me huh. The one thing that does suck is I found out today that I have a hernia and apparently I've had it for, about, the last 5 or 6 months but I've been too hard headed to go to the doctor until now. I've gotta have surgery sometime in the next couple of weeks. Wonder how that's gonna effect my diving. Murphy's Law, move to Hawaii and have surgery so you can't get in the water for a few day. I'm sure it won't be long but it will be torture to now be at work and not be able to dive. LOL I need to change my last name.

[amphipod06]

Diving after the hernia repair may take more than a few days while it heals so you do not dehisce the repair. Normally no lifting more than 5 lbs for a period of time... but the good news is that you can shower the next day since the incision(s) are closed with indermil (skin super glue).
I will hand draw a sketch and scan it later for the elevator and the amphitheater off Makua later. You must also go to the south side and do some of the cool drift dives possible from Lanai Lookout and Portlock.

Aloha,

Celia

PS Good luck with the surgery!

[Webmaster]

Damn, guess you're going to just have to go sit on the beach and watch the, uh, kitesurfing, yeah, that's it.

[murfef]

well, guess it looks like I'll have to sit it out for a little while. But hey, like 'webmaster' said, I can always check out the local wild life. And, amphipod06, that would be great if you wouldn't mind scetching that out for me. I think I'm gonna call DAN tonight, if I can ever get off of work, and ask them about the hernia stuff.

[amphipod06]

You may shower at any time but no bathing until 2 weeks after surgery. When you shower, you can get the clear plastic bandage wet (it is water-proof) or wash over the paper tapes with soap and water (they can get wet). Do not remove the small pieces of tape by yourself – they will fall off on their own in 5 to 7 days. If they use indermil (skin super glue) you can shower the next day.
If you had a standard inguinal (groin) repair or umbilical hernia repair (not laparoscopic), you should avoid lifting anything greater than 10 pounds and any form of activity that puts strain on your abdominal muscles for four weeks.
If you had a laparoscopic inguinal (groin) repair, you should avoid lifting anything greater than 10 pounds and any form of activity that puts strain on your abdominal muscles for one week.
You should take it easy the first day of surgery. As your pain dissipates, you may resume regular activities of daily living as tolerated. As you increase your activity, your discomfort will undoubtedly increase, but this is not harmful. Simply use common sense. Walking will be the best form of exercise. You may begin driving after 48 hours or when you are no longer taking a narcotic for pain control, whichever occurs later. You can return to work when your pain level dictates, except if your job requires heavy lifting. Typically, patients stay off of work for an average of one week, but this is variable.
Laparoscopic incisional hernia will not have physical activity limitations. Patients generally stay in the hospital 1 to 2 days after surgery, depending on their pain and level of discomfort. When you return home, your body will tell you how much and what kind of activity you are able to do. When you start experiencing soreness or pain, it’s time to slow down or stop what you are doing. Try to return to your normal daily activities as much as possible after surgery.
DIET
No restrictions. Because you may become constipated after surgery, it is best to include fiber (ex. bran, grains, vegetables) in your diet and plenty of water. In addition, you should take the stool softener prescribed to you until your bowel function normalizes. If you do not have a bowel movement in 48 hours, you may take one to two ounces of milk of magnesia.
WHEN TO CONTACT the Doctor...
Please call the doctor if you experience any of the following:
Persistent fever over 101° F
Increasing swelling at the incision
Pain that is not relieved by your medications
Persistent nausea or vomiting
Chills
Purulent drainage (pus) from any incision
Redness surrounding any of your incisions that is worsening or getting bigger
Inability to eat or drink liquids

Stay well,

Celia, your friendly neighborhood PACU nurse....

[murfef]

well thank you so much!!! sounds like I'll be having fun then huh.