Op set

Hello 4halves 

Well that's good news the time will fly by.

Yes try to do as much exercise as possible particularly leg work if you can. Recovery from an rc is all about getting mobile as soon as possible and the more strength in the legs you have the better it will be. I was particularly lucky in this respect as I was doing my gym instructor course when I was diagnosed. That said, it is a pretty long road to full recovery but to lessen this you must remain active.

Come closer to the I'll give you my hospital routine. Being active in the hospital is important to reactivate the bowels Unless the bowels are moving again they'll be reluctant to let you out. Walking about and chewing gum are the best for this.

Best wishes 

Mark

Thanks Mark,much appreciated

Hi 4halves,Good to hear you won’t be waiting long.You are doing the right thing getting as fit as possible.I know if I hadn’t been so weakened from the cancer I would have been much fitter and  recovered quicker.Walking/shuffling post op is important as Mark has said.Apart from a couple of days I was walking up and down the ward as much as possible.You don’t want to overdo it post op though so you have to listen to your body.I found I would start to feel nauseous if I did too much.We will all be here to support you post op.Best wishes Jane 

Thank you Jane

Jane

I came out of the theatre at 6.30pm and spent the night on the recovery ward. At around 4am I was given a bed bath and at 8am two physios came and got me out of bed and walked me around the recovery ward twice. That's before I even got sent back to my own ward.  I was back on the ward for 9.30. Then the stoma nurse rocked up and took off the night bag and replaced my stoma bag with a new bag. Now watch what iam doing she said you'll be doing this tomorrow and this was all before I'd even had a cup of tea. It was all go.

Best wishes 

Mark

Goodness Mark that is all go.I was nearly 10 hours in theatre and spent the first 14 hours in intensive care.The next morning I felt much better than I expected and got out and walked round the bed and to the window and back.I never saw a physio during the 10 days and was suprised by that.The stoma nurse came to see me when I got to the ward and saw me every day except at the weekend when I saw another stoma team.I was able to change the bag unaided after a short time.I was nil by mouth for virtually the whole admission after I got Ileus.It’s interesting how our experiences vary.Jane x

Hi Jane

I was 6 hours and that was with the prostrate taken away also. I suspect they are learning different ways to do the operation all the time. A surgeon I don't think  ever stops learning. Who would have thought years ago that you could use a segment of bowel as a conduit to replace the bladder.

Best wishes 

Mark

Mine should have taken 6 hours but there were various complications.It is amazing what can be done surgically in all departments.My late mum was saved by brain surgery.x

I did lots of abdominal exercises pre-op, but don't know if that helped or not. Also worth planning food, clothes & entertainment for recovery period. I stocked up with lots of snacks in store (including scones and slices of cake in the freezer) and things like tinned custard. You may not have much appetite, it's best to eat little and often (even just a mouthful or two) in between small meals. Anything you fancy is fine, but concentrate on protein and carbs. Plenty to drink too and rest in between walks/other activity. Hope all goes well!