Two Weeks 5 days post operation

Hi, although I had my op 10 years ago, I can still remember how I felt post op. Nearly everyone underestimates just how weak & tired it makes you and how slow recovery seems. I kept a kind of journal, noting each new achievement. Several weeks on when I still felt feeble, I could look back at how far I had come. 

Try to walk a little more each day, even if a slow shuffle. Two short walks are better than one long one, as well as pottering at home. Sit & rest whenever you need, probably have an afternoon nap. Eat little & often, concentrating on protein & carbs as well as drinking plenty. Emotions can be very fragile, you may well want peace and quiet, not lots of visitors. Concentration may be poor - stick to light entertainment. By 6 weeks post op, you will be able to do a lot more. Just take things a day at a time. Best wishes.

Hi Spring22,Welcome to the group.I had my bladder removed in September 2019.Recovery can be slow going,you might find some days/weeks are better than others.I found the first few weeks the worst as I didn’t feel well at all.By week 12 I was so much better.It’s best to eat little but often.I walked to a nearby postbox for exercise.I was weak and wobbly to start with but built up my walking distance over time.I found it emotionally tough,some days I got quite tearful but one of the dr’s told me this was normal.There were some benefits to recovery.I was able to take up painting and drawing again.I also read,sewed,did genealogy and watched a lot of bad tv.I found the people here really helped when I felt low.Best wishes Jane

Thank you so much Jane it really helps to know that I am not alone.

I had a couple of days when I started to feel better then yesterday and today I feel I have gone downhill, the skin below my stoma is so sore, it doesn’t look that bad but walking around today is so painful. Like you I have been watching lots of rubbish TV on my iPad, doing a bit of sewing and playing on line scrabble with my sisters. 
I know there are some positives, before the op I was getting up every hour or more during the night to go to the toilet, now I am in bed all night and sleeping quite well.

Thanks again for taking the time to reply

Anita 

Thanks for taking the time to reply it really helps.

I have started a diary, and even now I can look back and see that I have made some progress, it’s just as I have said below the last two days I have felt poorly and have done very little. 
very tearful, reading these two replies have made me cry but I always have been emotional so nothing new there.

10:years is a fantastic achievement, the outcomes given to me by the surgeon are not brilliant but better than the two to three months he gave me had he not been able to operate. 
I dislike my stoma but I know I have to accept it as part of me and hopefully in time will come to accept it.

Thanks again, much appreciated 

Hi Anita,Hopefully you won’t feel so alone now you have joined this friendly group.I expect the stoma nurses can suggest something to help with the soreness.I didn’t have a good prognosis either and the surgery was life saving.I’m sure you will get used to the stoma.In the early days it’s a bit overwhelming,trying to recover and learn the stoma care.Once you get into a routine it becomes easier and your confidence improves.The stoma shouldn’t stop you from having an active life once you have recovered.I enjoy gardening and am able to do that with the stoma.Do you have supportive family and friends ? Love Jane x

Hello

Today has been a better day, pain is still there but persuaded my partner to take me out for a drive to the sea. I managed to walk down the hill and sit on a bench overlooking the sea in the beautiful sunshine. 
we moved to a very rural part of Wales 6 years ago.It has been wonderful, we have 10 acres and lovely gardens and lots of animals, enjoyed making the house and garden ours.  My family are in Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Reading. All a long way away which has been fine as they have been regular visitors and I have always spent a week in Leicestershire every six weeks. All that is on hold at the moment, they all want to come and stay and help but I am putting them off for a few weeks as really don’t feel up to it. Lots of messages, video calls from them which is great. My partner has been so good and is doing everything, I know he’s tired and looking forward to my family coming to help so he can have a break.

Please keep in touch

Anita

Hi Anita,I’m glad you have had a better day.Your house and gardens sound wonderful.Your animals must be happy.I have a long terraced garden but sadly no animals since the cat died in 2017.I do have a tame robin and male blackbird that follow me around the garden.I hope the sea air has helped you,I love the sea and miss not living near the coast.Take care,Love Jane xx

What a lovely location for recovery - plenty of wonderful walking close to home. I started with circuits of the garden so I could stop as soon as I'd had enough. Then planned routes that I knew I could manage out & back from home. I think you are wise to put off visitors for a while, especially as they would have to stay rather than drop in for half an hour. Suggest if they come, they bring their own bedding & take it home to wash - will save your partner having to do more work. Be firm & have a list of what needs doing if they really want to help, make sure you have a quiet place to retreat to if it all gets too much. Hope you are enjoying some sunshine this week.

I had mine 5 years ago and it takes a good 6 months convalescence to recover. Just a gradual getting back to normal is fine and taking a sleep in the afternoon helps. Don't try too hard you've had major surgery.

Im now 2 months post op. At 2 weeks, i was still taking paracetamol for the pain. Im stage 4 & pre op i was told 80% chance of remission. Post op 20%. Ive just started immunotherapy which so far has been as bad as chemo.