Hullo, in one weeks time I’m off to hospital for one of these. I’m exercising, eating healthy food , feeling (sometimes) positive but apprehensive. Any advice, alerts or encouragement? I’m all ears, well eyes actually.
So far you are doing everything right by keeping your healthy and fit the only other thing I would suggest is that you keep your fluid levels up, about 1½ - 2 litres per day which can be water, soups, tea, coffee, squash, fruit juice (diluted) but avoid alcohol and fizzy drinks.
Apprehension comes along prior to any operation but if you can keep thinking positive if will help you.
I am assuming that everything has been explained what will happen during the surgery which will be by keyhole, the reason for this method is to minimise scarring and reduce discomfort afterwards.
Has it been explained that it is possible but unlikely that you may come out of surgery with a temporary stoma bag (ileostomy) if this happens you will need a second operation to reverse it once the bowel has settled down and healed but let me emphasise this might not happen but I mention it as once the surgeon can see what's happening inside you they make decisions for the best way forward.
You should be aware that every surgical procedure comes with a certain degree of risk and this procedure is no different, I won't go into the possible risks but you medical team will be well versed in this type of surgery and will be constantly looking after your wellbeing and will be on the spot should a problem arise but not everyone has a problem afterwards, think positive from now on.
Remember that the procedure is to improve the quality of your life and resolve your bowel problems and that should be the way you look at it.
What happens after the surgery and when you get home for a start you will feel very tired and for about 6 weeks afterwards you should not lift anything heavier than a bag of sugar or a half full kettle of water.
If you do have a temporary stoma this is what you make of it but you should remember that it is part of the cure not the cause of the problem and it is easily managed and should you have one we can talk about this later on but let's concentrate on the next week and getting you through the operation so you can resume a normal life, and everything is possible thereafter.
Please take a note of my name and if you need to ask me anything else don't hesitate to give me a shout on at anytime I'm around everyday and I would rather you ask questions no matter how small and get them off your mind.
I hope that this has helped slightly but please don't hesitate to ask me any questions that you or your family may have in the next week or in fact also after the operation.
You sound to be preparing well for the op. Have you had a look at some of the previous posts about right hemicolectomy? posted on 24/11 and I’ve attached the link below so you can see the replies
If you want to tag anyone so they see your post just put an @ infront of their name like I’ve done with yours and Maggies. Not sure when Maggiemee’s op is/was but hopefully some of the replies will be helpful.
Thanks so much Ian. That’s reassuring and helpful. Yes I’ve every confidence in the surgeon and I’ve had all the relevant explanations on risks. The explanations are of course necessary - but still frightening. It’s all happened in such a rush - the cancer having been discovered on a recent planned colonoscopy to remove some polyps. There is a surreal feeling about the whole situation - rearranging my life, coping with the family emotions , cancelling planned flights and sorting out gigs for my band! Having said all that I’m in awe of the courage displayed and support offered on this site by people far worse off than me. Thanks again
Just a little update from hospital where I’m almost 24 hours post op Early indications are that all went well although I freaked out when surgeon showed me a photo of the section of colon; appendix and lymph nodes he had removed. I must weigh a stone less ! Anyway he has confirmed there is nothing unusual he can see at this stage. Today there was a setback as there was a lot of blood and mucus but he says this is common with my daily aspirin dosage. I’ve had some platelets now which seem to have done the trick and although I have to stay another night in the I.C.U. I’m still hopeful all will be well. I’ve had some physio too. Much more difficult than I had anticipated in moving from bed to chair. ! But hey ho onwards and upwards. I’m glad that bit is over. thanks for listening. R
Hi . Well done on getting that tumour chucked in the bin although I dont think I would have fancied seeing the photos either! Baby steps now, listen to the physios and you’ll soon be home in your nice own bed.
Hi again Ian. I’m now back home after the surgery and re-reading your post. The op went well although I was in ICU for an extra day because of some bleeding. As you predicted I’m completely knackered so taking it very easy but doing my walking. I may well ask further advice in due course. Meanwhile thanks again.
Hi and thanks for the update, you certainly will feel knackered for some time to come, don't try and fight it if you need a sleep in the afternoon just close your eyes and take a doze.
Remember no lifting nothing in excess of kettle ½ full of water and at this time of year if you get a cold or cough don't forget to hold in your stomach by placing your arms over it to hold it in.
Thanks Ian - yes, I'm big on dozing - and I'm very mindful of your lifting advice. I play electric guitar in a funky soul band and the average Fender Stratocaster ( I have far too many) weighs around 4kgs so in order to practice over the next few weeks while I'm recovering, I've developed a way of my wife carrying the guitar to place it on my lap and then when I've finished I can slide it off, without taking any of the weight, to rest against a table.
Hi again - Happy New Year! I just thought I would let you know that I had my post op histology meeting with my surgeon on 30 December and he confirmed that the operation was successful and there is no cancer in the 29 lymph nodes removed. No further treatment is necessary at the present time. Obviously I have a programme of check-ups planned - blood tests, CT scans, colonoscopy etc - not much of a hardship. So, although this was a complete shock to me and my wife - and just 3 weeks from diagnosis to surgery - and at times seemed surreal, at least for the present, I'm counting my lucky stars and determined to enjoy 2020 to the max. The surgeon even authorized me to pick up my guitar,so that was an extra Xmas present!! I'm still completely knackered but am walking around the village for 20 minutes each day and - remembering your wise advice - dozing regularly ! Thanks for listening and best wishes to you for 2020.
