Operation tomorrow

It does sound like feedback is needed. The pain control after such a big operation needs mentioning. When I was in the drugs trolley came at regular intervals and I was asked in between how my pain was. 

I feel I was lucky in that I was up walking the day after but I did find the emphasis on mobility a bit much. The nurses pretty much turfed you out of bed at half 8 to sit in a chair all day or walk up and down. It just wasn't the done thing to get back in bed and I was desperate for an afternoon nap! I did find sitting uncomfortable.  I do see it's important to move but it's also major surgery and it's no good pushing people. Xxx

Oh goodness I’m the queen of naps.  Even before cancer my guilty pleasure on a Sunday afternoon is a nap.  Bit of a long story but my mum was a nurse and worked nights when I was young so I had to sleep at night for my dad and at during the day for my mum pre school age.  Even a lot of years on it’s not gone.  I’d be representing GB if it was an Olympic sport.  So after the doctors did the rounds I was found nipping back into bed for a good old nap.  Even if people gave me the look I didn’t care.   

Thank you for your reply BeKind. I had a few real meltdowns, by the time I finally got to see the pain team I made sure I told them about it! I think being in control is a major thing. Being allowed to get up and wash, walk etc should be when you feel able to cope with it, not forced in agony. I was shallow breathing most of the time, it hurt to even take a breath. I appreciate the staff are busy and even though I asked to wait untiI felt able to do it, it made the pain even worse. I was quite happy for them to leave me to do it myself in my own time. Now I am home I am getting on well moving about and sleeping much better which, as you say, makes a big difference. So far I haven't had problems with the blood thinner injections, I asked to see how they do it and one nurse took time to show me in paper towels before I injected myself. I can't believe I am able to do that myself. I hope they are able to help with yours, maybe a change of thinner type, if they have one? 

Thank you Arial88, maybe it was the extra work the surgeon had to do that made it more painful, I should find out more when I see him. I am glad that you didn't experience the same and that you are healing well. We both have the wait now to find out what is next. I am glad that bit is over now and I will now concentrate on getting my strength back. I am still on slow release morphine and oramorph when needed. I need it less and less now though so I am improving! xx

I think you have had more than your share of problems. I hope you get no issues with blood thinners too. They told me to keep taking them and take antistamines I'm not sure it's doing the trick if I'm honest! But it is what it is!

Thank you for replying Jagman. Sorry you had to have a 2nd op, hopefully you are all clear now and that the 3 monthly checks stay that way for you. At least we know they are watching us in future which will take a lot of the worry away. I feel better now I have posted here. I need to forget that first week or so and focus on how well I am doing now and getting back to normal.

That made me smile I have had a fair amount to naps. I couldn't nap in the chair. One of the kinder nurses told me to sit in the chair for an hour or until doctors had been. Even though I didn't go back to sleep, laying down was the least painful.

Good for you!!!! I too love a nap, like you, I have always tried to work a nap in the weekend! Such a joy to get out hospital and have as much nap time as I wanted!!! X

After a longer wait than I expected, I have excellent news following my operation. The results of my biopsies have all come back clear! I had been trying to accept that I would be having chemo but they are convinced I am cancer free and do not need it. I will be going for a meeting with them in May/June as the first follow up of them keeping an eye on me for 5 years.

I am so grateful that they found and treated me so quickly, I have been so so lucky. 

I have been healing much slower than I thought I should after this operation, I have since found out that they performed a half open surgery as well as the keyhole. I have a scar down to my belly button that I hadn't realised was part of open surgery. It explains a lot and I'm not so frustrated with myself since I found out. I am moving about a lot and getting stronger each day. I think my bowels still don't know what's going on, I was warned about it and I'm guessing I need to accept that part of the recovery.

I want to thank you all for your kind words of support. You helped me understand what to expect and took a lot of worry away. I wish you all good health and to those still awaiting treatment, I wish you all the best in your recovery.

Thank you xx

Hey there.  Oh this is amazing news.  I’m so happy for you. 

Take it easy with your recovery.  Listen to your body.  Rest rest rest then do a little walks and enjoy pottering around at home.  ️️