I escaped ward 20 on Tuesday, seven days after the op. I am now making a really good recovery even if I do say so myself!
The op was performed by key hole so I was under general anaesthetic for around six hours: colostomy and then (I think it is called) AR resection. It seems to have all gone OK although old scarring from a tricky delivery during the birth of our second daughter meant that the surgeon had to remove a little more tissue than she had anticipated.
The first 24 hours were a morphine and post-anaesthetic-fuelled haze. Minutes seemed to last hours and I felt dreadful. I decreased the amount of morphine rapidly and increased oral pain killers to compensate but this probably contributed to a slow mobilisation where I couldn't get out of bed on day 2 post-op with blood pressure plumeting as soon as I got upright. But with an extra anti-inflamatory into the mix I got going over the weekend and by Monday was determined to do whatever was required to get out as soon as possible.
I am pretty much getting a little better each day and was delighted to make it to the local church yesterday (driven there with cushions for extra comfort) to hear P sing Christmas songs with school, and walked home through the festivities on the High Street as part of the Christmas lights switch on day. Straight home to bed but glad I did it!
Today I walked to the local park with the kids and Dad. I still find sitting uncomfortable and need daytime naps, but generally I'm coping well and getting strength and energy back.
Thank you very much to so many friends and family who have sent various messages, cards, chocolate, flowers and magazines. I have been moved by the number of people who have been in touch and have felt incredibly lucky to have so many good friends. xxx
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