What do you wish you had known before you had surgery?

Hi All. Had colorectal cancer and chose surgery to cut out the infected area.Ever since ,have been having to wear various absorbent items such as adult pants or large pads which I have now endured for 5 months. Discharge has been regular,of late but is slowly reducing in volume. Wasnt told it would take so long but hopefully have now turned a corner , as it seems to be abating somewhat. I thought if I gave the surgeons first access to the growth it would all be ok down below,by now. It,s looking like I may have chosen the wrong option as itturned out to be localised,not widespread. All I hear off people is "at vleast You are still here. Sorry but I feel like saying,shove that comment where I no longer have the capability to. What I'm trying to get across is,ok ,I'm lucky, but it still doen't ease the fact that there is still a lacking in explanations as to the outcome and duration of certain factors in surgery of this magnitude. To those in a similar situation,keep talking to the wonderfull colorectal team nurses and raise Your concerns sooner rather than holding back. I still pass dark green puss filled "nappies" but it has eased considerably.The smell,I can only describe as, cheese dipped in vinegar. Also,Please try and keep mobile,even if it's just climbing the stairs every half hour or so. Thanks for listening. God. Bless.

Thank you so much... God bless... You such a positive and brave soul and I hope you can stay fit for many years to come. 

Hi All

I was diagnosed with kidney cancer in Nov 2015, I had a full nephrectomy of my right kidney as I had 8cm tumor which was malignant. Luckily it was contained and didn't need any further treatment. 

My question is, Why do I still get pain and discomfort from my rib area 10 years on. This is made worse when doing physical work, it can really stop me in my tracks.

Is it scar tissue/muscle strain or some thing more sinister.

Would appreciate your thoughts.

Hello riderglider 

I am so sorry to read about your continued pain. I can't answer your question myself however:

* Have you gone back to your GP and asked about the problem?

* You could always join our Kidney Cancer group and ask others in the same situation if they have had a similar issue and how was it resolved - link here:

Kidney cancer forum 

* You could always pose the question to our specialist nurses - again link here:

Ask a Nurse 

I hope the above helps and you get some answers.

Best wishes - Brian.

I wished I had known that I would get Shingles after surgery. If I had known it was a common experience, then I would have got the inoculation before I had my mastectomy.

What I’d be stepping into once I’ve had surgery.

I’ve been diagnosed with FAP and had my whole colon removed 6 years ago and I honestly did not expect it to all happen at once. Having CT’s and MRI’s which I never came across before and now that being the norm. Being  young, it’s hard to speak about it as most people don’t understand the regular health check-ups which I’m more than grateful for but it does make me feel odd  as I’m always the young one in waiting rooms which hits me hard.

I’m not amongst those who understand or are of my age to speak about my experience which is frustrating and is mentally draining.

Hello Moro

That's such a kind and heartwarming reply.

Very best of luck and let us know how you progress afterwards.

Hi Millibob

Thanks you for your kind support, I've been having these aches and pains since surgery and have made appointments with my GP on many occasions. They never seem to have a conclusive answer. More recently it has become a little worse and quite uncomfortable, even stopping me from working.

I will make another appointment with my GP and I'll let them know of my real concerns.

Just out of interest, I do have an annual CT scan which appears to be ok.

I will also make contact with the forum.

Hi Riderglider, 

have you been assessed by a MSK physiotherapist? 

I am a physio and have treated patients with similar pain post op, breast cancer and lung cancer surgery. Often many years later. It could be rib/intercostal issues due to scar tissue. ( Might not be too of course) You need a physio who is experienced in thorasic and myofascial release work. It may not be this , but a good physio can assess you fully and tell you either way. No harm in having it looked at?? 

Please see your Gp/ speak to your team still, I am not saying do this instead!! The Gp should be able to refer you to physio and you must get everything checked out medically too of course. 

I hope you find some answers and get some relief soon 

Best wishes 

Pluto x

I agree with your comments on the 0700 start. My surgery was at 15.30 ita a long time and give your mind time to over think the issue. 

As a point of reference l suggest making a list of all the questions you have as its so easy to forget to ask them.