Operation date

Hello billabong 

The operation is major surgery with an extensive recovery period after. You can expect to be in hospital 7 to 14 days after the operation. They will release you once you are capable of walking a certain distance unaided and you bowels are working sufficiently. I suggest between now and your op that you get as fit as possible to aid recovery which is months rather than weeks.

You will learn how to change your  bag for the stoma (thingy) and how to care for it. Having a stoma will change your lifestyle in certain ways 

Iam sure the hospital have made you aware of all thus.

Best wishes 

Mark

Hi Billabong,Welcome to the group.I’m so sorry your cancer came back.It is a big op and as Mark has said if you can get fit beforehand that will help.You will see a stoma nurse(s) who will show you how to care for the stoma.When you come home you will feel very tired so it’s important to rest.It’s best to eat little but often,you probably won’t feel hungry to begin with.You will need to walk/shuffle daily and build up walking distances gradually.The recovery is slow going but over time energy levels pick up.Hospitals vary I was never checked regarding how far I could walk and didn’t see a physio but most here did.Feel free to ask any questions as several of us have been through this surgery and can offer advice and support.Best wishes Jane 

Thank you Jane, I think I've been a bit ignorant on the recovery side of things.

Thanks for the information, I'll get on the fitness wagon  

Hi Billabong,

They've said it all but I wanted to add that like most things, the whole thing is doable and for me the secret has been to keep as active as possible at all stages and remember the operation is to save my life not to curtail it too much.

When you come out of hospital the main thing they tell you is not to lift heavy weights - no more than a full kettle - but they do encourage you to keep moving. That means aiming to extend what you can do (though you may not much feel like it at first) every few days. I walked a lot, inside and out shuffling a bit at first but progressing to striding out in the park next door, using a walking stick and afterwards a couple of walking poles for balance and later speed. 

I was 'lucky' in that I couldn't spend time feeling sorry for myself as my husband was also in recovery from an operation at the same time and so needed help to do things. It also helped me maintain a positive attitude which soon becomes a habit.

The stoma and bag quickly become everyday sorts of things. The nurses will teach you how to deal with them and you find your own routine. I joined the Urostomy Association (it's free) and they have useful info on their site re stomas etc. Also we all have info and tricks to help with any early difficulties so when the time comes just ask.

All the best,l

Latestart

Thank you for your advice and personal experience. I think I've been very naive when it comes to the recovery side of things.

Most people do underestimate just how tired and weak they will be post op. Recovery can seem frustratingly slow, it is months rather than weeks, but things gradually improve. When I came home, I was able to do all my personal care but little else. In between the walking (rounds of the garden at first) I mostly just sat on the sofa, with an afternoon nap. Best to eat little & often (even a mouthful or two every hour or two), concentrating on protein & carbs. 

Around 6 weeks I started going out to leisure activities again, but you do need to pace yourself and not do too much too soon. We'll all be heere to encourage you along! Best wishes.

Thank very much, thats both helpful and encouraging to hear.

Just be prepared to feel very tired and not up to much at the start.I spent most of the time reading,watching daytime tv and walking up the road and back.I was able to wash and dress myself but did need my sister on hand to get shopping and fetch food and drink for the first few days.I spent a lot of time sitting in the garden.Having a gentle hobby helped.I took up drawing and painting and genealogy was good to pass the time.I did get depressed recovering alone during the pandemic.Being part of this group really helped.Once your energy levels pick up you have to make sure you don’t overdo it.Best wishes Jane 

Thank you Jane