Hi all, just wanted to write this in case anyone is facing APR surgery or has recently gone through it and now recovering.
I had APR surgery for anal cancer on 27th July 2023. It’s now 2nd Jan and I have just ticked off my first day back at work. I was hoping to go back in November originally (I don’t know why but that seemed the best idea when I first went off!) but my body had other ideas and my wound on my bum dehisced and took nearly six months to heal in the end. I won’t lie - it has been literally a pain in the arse to get this far. However it CAN be done. Having the surgery is stressful for you, difficult for your family and may seem like the last resort but I promise it is doable. Having a stoma takes some getting used to but it’s doable. There might be complications like I have had but it’s doable and hopefully you can come out the other side and be OK.
I’m nervous about an upcoming scan but I am proud of myself for getting through a major major surgery and coming out the other side.
Happy New Year to you all and please get in touch with me if you ever have any queries about this surgery, I found threads like this very useful after my diagnosis.
Kirsty x
Thanks will do
You have to keep squeaking for yourself xx
That’s excellent Weekend Walker
It won’t be long now till you’re onto the next step and good for you for keeping squeaking!
Sarah xx
Hi Sarahive got my EUA on Friday .how long did it take and how did you feel after I'm a bit nervous and advice ? Thanks xx
Hi Claire I've got my EUA on Friday
What happens ? Any advice I'll be grateful for thanks xx
My cancer was cervical, not bowel, so there may be a difference but my EUA took about half an hour, and I woke up feeling absolutely fine and with no pain, just desperate for a cup of tea!
I hope yours goes smoothly on Friday.
Sarah xx
Morning Weekend Walker
I had 2 EUA’s - one when I was first diagnosed and one before I had my APR surgery.
Both were at the Northern. They were done under a general anaesthetic but the actual procedure takes literally 15 minutes so they put you under and bring you straight back round again. You go into recovery, and like SarahH21 said, you feel fine and eat toast and drink tea, which tastes amazing because you’re not allowed anything to eat or drink before.
There was a bit of soreness and discomfort for a few days after but they give you pain killers.
The worst thing is just waiting because it’s day surgery and you’re just on a list. The first EUA, I was last on the list so I had to wait all day, the second, they moved me to first on the list so I was home by 11am. Take something to read, just in case.
I’ll be thinking of you on Friday - let me know if you think of anything else xx
Thanks Claire I just want it over and do e then hopefully get a date for surgery .I'll let you know how I get on .
Wendy xx
Hi Claire I had my EUA today I'm a bit sore and itchy was a long day but I feel OK. Thanks for your advice and support and I'll let you know when I get a date for surgery xx Wendy
Hi Wendy,
That’s one less thing to worry about, I’m glad you’re home, I was thinking about you today. Get snuggled up and take it easy.
Yes, keep me updated about your surgery date when you find out xx
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