Op date

Hello Katy like you I’m getting my op next week, I feel jus t exactly as you do emotional and a bit vulnerable so I’ve crept through in the night to read all the uplifting posts people send, and I like all the practical suggestions as well. I think with Covid around too I’m trying to avoid any external contact , not to jeopardise the operation date. It’s all a blur in our minds isn’t it

i am a wild swimmer and I don’t know if you could do something like this but I’m just obsessed with making sure I get my swims just now and I do find it very very helpful for a little peace of mind

look after yourself and avoid any COVID risks 

best wishes swimbler

Hi Swimbler,I hope you find this group helpful.Will you be having a stoma ? I’m glad you are finding some of the posts uplifting.Love Jane

Hi Swimbler, I agree swimming is a brilliant de-stresser, and wonderful for fitness. It will stand you in great stead with your recovery. I've been a pool swimmer most of my life, knocking off lengths helped me cope with stress of working in education. Not so much in past years since I came to live rurally and I've never tried wild swimming; it's all about wild walking for me these days  Sending you very best wishes for your op next week. Very wise to isolate and stay safe in preparation. Let us know how you get on, we are always here for you. H x 

It's only natural to be anxious, as it is such an unknown. As others have said, keeping busy & fit beforehand is good. I prepared 2 sides of A4 household instructions for MrT, most of which he ignored (shrank my favourite linen trousers...) but we got through! 

Post op (when able) you need to concentrate on carbs & protein, but really anything you fancy is OK, little & often. Build up the walking as you are able, even if just a slow shuffle or pottering round the house/garden, with plenty of rest in between. You will probably want peace & quiet rather than lots of visitors. Recovery may seem very slow & tedious - I kept a sort of diary to note each first achievement which helped me see how far I had come when I felt down about it. Emotions can be rather fragile for some months. 

Hope all goes well for you, & Swimbler.

Hi thank you for encouragement. Shame for the linen trousershow did you manage bath or shower? I don't have level access so need to step into Bath fir showering 

Hi, why not ask for OTs/physio to order you a bath board and bath handle. This should allow you to sit on the board and hold on to the handle to steady you while you get your legs over one at a time. Might not be perfect but a bit of help?

Denby

Hi Katy,I also have to step over the bath to shower but managed this unaided after the op.Denby’s suggestion is a good idea if you feel you might not manage.Love Jane

Hi, I hope you are doing well and recovering. My op was cancelled on the morning of surgery due to no ITU  beds being available. Gutted as was as prepared as I could be but fully understand the issues with COVID and ITU beds  now scheduled different hospital for 12th

Oh Katy,I’m sorry that your op has been cancelled.Fingers crossed it will go ahead on the 12th.Love and best wishes Jane x

Thank you x