Right Hemicolectomy?

Oh wonderful news that you have a date to get things sorted.  My operation was a resection so different to you but on day 2 after my op I was pooping a weird liquid.  I hadn’t managed very much at all of the bowel prep so was definitely not that.  I now refer to it as my hospital poop.  Pure liquid with an awful smell.  I had read about it on here so I thought I was prepared until it came and the first I knew about it was the smell.  The nurses were amazing.  One nurse wiped my arse while I sobbed.  The hospital gave me pads and what could only be described as string vest knickers to hold them up.  My visitors had to check me before they did the lap of the corridor walk with me.  It happened for 2 days where I had no control  and then I would go if I went for a wee.  After 4 / 5 days everything settled down.  I brought a box of adult nappies and pads for my bed and I wore them at home for the first 2 weeks to be honest I didn’t need them but I couldn’t cope with running to the loo or messing anywhere at home (I have carpet).  They gave me security.  Also just to mention the liquid I passed made me quite sore and now I have thrush.  So definitely get water wipes and Sudocrem and some thrush cream.  

You will be fine and take an iPad to binge watch all of the tv that you can!!   I can highly recommend Slow Horses on Apple TV  

Hi Arial88,

I had a LHC last April.  I only wore pads once and that was when I was going on a long car journey about 5 weeks post op. 

I did fart while in the hospital bed and some liquid came out but the doctors and nurses said it was completely expected and just changed the bedding and gave me a new robe.  I wouldn’t worry -they are used to it on the colorectal wards. 

I did wear pants to bed for a few weeks but never had an issue. 

I was in hospital for 8 days (open surgery) and off work for six weeks.  I’ve not managed to work full time since but that’s mostly been chemo related. 

I had no pain at all after the op (except wind).  I didn’t need any pain killers once the epidural was out, others did but they check regularly and give extra pain relief as needed so no need to worry about that. 

I hope it all goes well!

CerysM

Thanks, this is really helpful! I was thinking of getting some nappies for post op. What a strange world we now inhabit! I can imagine I may do a bit of sobbing too. Feeling v anxious now, even though  it's great to have a date. The string vest knickers sound fun  . I am on HRT and due a withdrawal bleed when in, great! Hoping my body does the decent thing and suspends activity on that score. Nearly went cold turkey on the HRT but still taking it.

Thanks for binge watching tips! Good to hear you are recovering well. I can't wait to finish work now. Working next week,  from home,  totally not in a work headspace!!!!!!! Xx

Hi thanks so much. It's really reassuring to hear from people who are out the other side. It sounds like you did really well post op, given it was open too.

I hope you are doing OK with chemo, I may need that too, not sure yet.

Take care of yourself xx

I found it near impossible to concentrate at work.

I also found the guys with the anaesthetic gave me amazing stuff to calm me down  I was really nervous on the morning of my op   They gave me something before the epidural I was super relaxed and don’t remember anything after the epidural until I woke up.  My pain was managed really well post op too   I was told it was better to prevent pain than to be in pain and try to reduce it.  

Remember be kind to yourself it’s physically and emotionally draining.  Also be proud of yourself.  All of the unknowns are scary and you’re facing them head on.   

I’m back to work on Friday!  I’m kind of looking forward to it   I feel really well but still tired I’m bored of sleeping and bored of my house.  I feel extremely lucky that I feel well enough to go back.  

i have a funny story about HRT and the monthly bleed.  I came back from hospital and the thrush had kicked in.  It was so sore I couldn’t sit down.  I was also terrified of having a poop anyway 5 days after coming home from hospital I was sat on the toilet and blood everywhere.  I rang a friend who is a GP. I’m bleeding.  She said could be the thrush.  I’ve had thrush before and had not bled out like this ever.  I had no temperature other than the blood I felt ok.  Should I call an ambulance Obviously I was sobbing and she said which hole is the blood coming from?  To which I said I’ll call you back Turned out my period had arrived.     

At 52 I nearly called an ambulance because I had my period.  My friend doesn’t mention it because she’s a professional but my partner and daughter will not let me forget.  

xxx

Hi Sweetie,

Would agree very much with what Scoutabout said. I had the same op last September. Get some Tena pants. I had a 14 day period that started on the day of the op. I have to say that after my bowel started working and I crapped the bed a couple of times and leaked period onto everything that the nurses and healthcare workers were so amazing that it was nowhere near the issue I thought it was going to be. 
My main problem was trapped wind and it was the only cause of pain and discomfort for me. If you get some wind-eze, peppermint tea, ginger tea or anything that can help. Because I felt so full of gas, I would try to let it out if I thought it would work, but often it was just the stinky liquid nightmare that came out rather than the gas.

I was in for 7 days because my bowel took a bit of time to get going again. It’s 4 months since I had the surgery, but I was driving after 4 weeks and felt much more like myself then. The advice I would give is DON’T RUSH!  You WILL get better, but it won’t be immediate and you’ll definitely have good and bad days physically and mentally. Go easy on yourself and certainly don’t set targets or goals- let your body tell you what to do and celebrate the accomplishments. I was ridiculously happy when I could make my own cup of tea and carry it into the lounge. 
It takes time, but you HAVE time. I still feel joyous that all that disgusting cancer in my pipes has been completely destroyed. My remaining colon ( my semicolon as I call it) works like a dream now, no poop issues at all and that was unheard of before. 
Just remember that the surgeon will have done the op many times before, the nurses have cleaned up many periody, pooey, vulnerable ladies before and that you’re not alone at all. It won’t be the best few weeks of your life, but it will be saving your life and giving you many more years to experience.

We’re all here for you xx

 Nic xx

Oh that's made me laugh! I too would be calling the ambulance ! Am 53, so v similar age. It's so easy to forget your body is still doing its normal stuff too!

Thank you. I have taken a bit of a dip mentally, very nervous re operation so good to know meds can help things along! Am also paranoid about getting unwell, daughter currently has a dreadful cold. Then I imagine they will go in and see the tumour is actually inoperable due to it growing massively over 4 weeks! You are right, it is draining and tiring.

Good luck returning to work!! Amazing.  Take it easy and let us know how you get on! Xxx

After a left Hemicolectomy, I didn't think to buy these, & didn't need them. It took a few days to produce a bit of a poo/ The hospital usually don't discharge you - until you do.

Lots of best wishes

Marianne

Thanks Nic for your lovely reassuring words. I think the anticipation is worse, am a chronic overthinker!! You are so right, to know it is out of my body will be amazing.  It's all v strange as aside from tiredness I feel normal atm. 

So good to hear your colon is in fine working order! I was getting bogged down in stories of long term bowel dysfunction,  again,  too much overthinking! I can really imagine how joyous carrying that cup of tea felt! 

Take care of yourself xxx

Thank you, reassuring I will be in the right place and not discharged too soon! Hope you are doing well xx