ELAPE operation

Hi there thank you for all the information. You are providing it is great to contact someone who has had it done.  I am 49 years old live in Cornwall would be treliske (royal Cornwall hospital).  When you say about older people managing well makes me feel daft but like I said I get so anxious about any medical things . Xx

That’s exactly how I felt. I was 46 years old relatively fit, healthy or so I thought …. I was told mostly ‘older’ people have this surgery. If their bodies coped with it so could mine and it has. The ELAPE surgery is extra margins taken including the pelvic muscles or part of which makes it slightly more than the APR surgery I believe.  
I could only sit down for upto 20 mins at a time. It just felt as if I was sitting on a tennis ball.  I’m so glad it’s over and done with.  My main problem was from the radiotherapy and that’s why I didn’t heal as well.  I had dissolvable stitches and didn’t need a plastic surgeon.  I can’t comment on the endometriosis but I’m sure the medical staff will reassure you. I haven’t got a hernia (yet) but I’m told we’re likely to get one.  Please don’t let the worrying put you off.  You have every reason to worry but this procedure is so common and our bodies adapt so well to things.  Please ask away about anything xx

Tennis ball - EXACTLY! I said a kiwi fruit at the time! Ha. Unfortunately I have developed a hernia (I came out of hospital with it), which I put down to the effort of turning over every 20 minutes.

Good luck CornishLuc. I hoe that you get some good advice and options. Keep posted.