Will I be ok going home to an empty house?

To get relevant answers, it would help to specify the type of surgery. 

My surgery was complex (TPE) and the answer to all your questions would be no. However, people with less complex surgeries will have different answers. 

Regardless, it might be a good idea to have someone come stay with you temporarily. 

Hello

I expect everyone will have different experiences following their Op, & returning home. I had a left hemicolectomy back in '2018, & was in hospital 4 days. They like you to empty your bowels before leaving hospital, which I managed on the second day....It was very watery, & consequently not painful at that time. Once home, & as my poo became more formed, it was uncomfortable for about a week (but not painful.)

I live on my own, though have no dogs, that will probably need walking. I was able to shower easily the following day; the dressings (after keyhole surgery,) were waterproof. I had slight discomfort/twinges at times, but never painful enough to need any meds. It took me about a week - before I felt confident enough to walk to the end of the road.

For the first week, a friend got my daily shopping. Re. food, I wasn't given any advice, & so, I resumed my normal diet prior to the Op....which worked okay with me; just enjoying the things I like to eat, plus my Sauvignon wine!

TBH, it just took me a couple of weeks, before getting back to a sense of normality.

Just make sure that you don't do any heavy lifting. Fill your kettle half full, & don't change your duvet cover for a while - I got my friendly gardener to do that!

Many best wishes for a smooth recovery, & don't forget that if you have any questions, phone your colorectal team attached to your hospital. I found mine brilliant.

Hey there.

i had my sigmoid colon removed last month. My bowels emptied themselves when they decided.  It was a surprise.  Bit upsetting because I didn’t know what to expect.  After 2 days (I was still in hospital) it did settle down.  I stuck to zero fibre soft diet so when my poop sorted itself out it wasn’t painful at all.  I’m super nervous 5 weeks on but everything works and I’m pretty much back to my normal diet.  I’m just making sure I drink loads because I don’t fancy being constipated 

I showered when I came home with no issues I just had my partner on standby because after the operation I was just a bit wobbly on my feet.  I could get out of bed and the chair but while it didn’t hurt it’s uncomfortable and you have to be careful.  I’d had a c section 12 years ago with my daughter and while it’s not the same it’s similar so I knew to be careful.  

I have a dog and I’ve only just started walking her   She big and while she doesn’t pull on the lead she can and if she sees food or a squirrel I wouldn’t have been able to pull her back   I’m sure your little dogs will be fine   If you have a garden or for the first week or two could you get a friend or neighbour to give them a trot around the block?  After a couple of weeks you’ll be itching to go for a little walk but you have to go easy  

I’m lucky because my partner has looked after me but im not the most independent person normally   I know plenty of people who live on their own and they are just used to getting on with things   

Food wise.  Jacket potatoes.  Macaroni cheese soups Angel delight (I know too much sugar but milk is good) scrambled eggs.  Chicken sandwich.  Just soft easy to digest stuff. 

If you can get someone to stay with you for a few days do but I’m sure if your used to being on your own you’ll be politely telling them your ok on your own before long  

I hope it all goes well  xxx

I had MOAS and CRS and HIPEC  at Basingstoke Peritoneal Malignancy Unit.  I had my omentum, peritoneum, caecum and part of my rectum removed also a huge tumour on my ovary.

I was 4 weeks in hospital.

I had to come home to my friends house as I was totally washed out and no way could I have been on my own alone with my dog managing Walkies etc.

Even no three months later I've only just got my bowels back to some semblance of normality and I am still weak and unable to feel confident in the shower without a seat. I am doing some cooking and I am going to shops and managing to the basics. Also to take my dog for a walk round the park, but she is old too and can't do much.

I'm just about to start chemotherapy  and no way could I manage alone, Wholly out of the question!

Hi - not sure what op you’re having - as that may impact recovery timeframe.

I suppose, if I was living alone, I would ask for home support - err on side of caution - and cancel it, once I felt strong & confident enough to do things on my own. I would probably hire a dog walker just in case. 

I had my op last month, and I was in alot of pain when I got home. It took me ages to go up/down stairs & there is no way I was up for walking outside because I was nackered! 

I had my husband & older kids who helped me out a lot, but in retrospect, knowing how much pain I personally experienced and the impact it had on my mobility, I wouldn’t have Ben able to manage on my own. I know I would need more practical support.

so best to get those key helpers in place, just in case…or stay with a family member or friend initially? (…but I appreciate, nothing beats your own bed). 

During pre-op the hospital did ask me about social support - so they may be able to refer you for social services support based on your needs.

Food wise - keep it simple & quick. I got a soup maker which was brilliant. I batched cooked before my op and put loads in the freezer - that really helped, so I continued having nutritious meals poat-op… just avoid gas-forming foods like beans, heavy fibre, cauliflower, sprouts, etc.

It’s good that you’re thinking, planning & being practical - you’ll be fine x my biggest advice is, always ask for help, no matter what. This is a major operation, so if you’re not feeling confident, do not leave the hospital (regardless of pressures) until all your social support is in place x

Thank you for your reply.

Bless you, you have really had it rough.

I hope things improve for you. Xx

My cancer is grade 2. I'm having just part of the lower bowel removed. I don't know what the correct name for the procedure. 

A friend has offered to stay with me for a few days when I come home and walk the dogs for me. Plus take care of me. 

I have the option to stay with my son and family if I want too. 

My problem is I had been a full time carer for 44 years until my husband died last August. 

I have always had to look after myself.  So having help is so foreign to me. I think I will find it hard to be looked after. 

@clickoff

I'm so sorry for what you are going through, and so soon after the death of your husband. I can only echo what the others have said - we are all different and recovery times will vary, but you will definitely need someone around for a while when you get out of hospital. You will be told not to lift ,stretch or bend for a while and will be very tired. 

You say you've been a carer for 44 years - my hat goes off to you, now accept that it's your turn to be cared for for a little while, and don't be unwilling to ask for help now you will need it for a time, 

Thank you. 

I appreciate that. 

Sorry to hear of your loss Clickoff xx 

All that care and compassion that you had given to your husband, bring all that energy inwards and bring it to yourself. Be self-compassionate. Be selfish. Priorities your care. You now don’t need to be tough, independent or self-sufficient. So ask for as much support post-op as you need, (in fact over-estimate - don’t under-estimate your care requirements)…this in turn, will aid towards your full physical and psychological recovery xx