Too scared to know what to ask

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good morning

I have been diagnosed with ulcerated  caecal cancer recently after becoming extremely anaemic

Surgery was proposed but anaethetist says  I am not fit for surgery. Due to heart and lung problems risk of serious post op complications is too high

My surgeon  has referred me for a second opinion as to my fitness for surgery but  now I am frightened  to even think of surgery

Anyone else been in this dilemma as no surgery of course affects the prognosis

Many thanks

  • Hi 

    Sorry yo hear you are dealing with additional stress . It is not uncommon for an anaesthetist to raise concerns or seek additional information from other specialists like cardiologists , before proceeding or not to surgery . In fact it would only be good practice in the circumstances. Surgeons are inclined to work with dedicated anaesthetists and if it was not one they are normally working with they may seek another opinion . A more experienced anaesthetist may have a different clinical view point . As you can see there are so many variables however it’s good they are getting a fuller picture for you to also form your on attitude to risk . You also might like to hear how an oncologist would manage your situation to control the disease if surgery were not possible .

    Taking the time to get a full understanding of your situation and also so you can know what you are most comfortable with . Are you going to get the opportunity to chat your concerns through with them too? 
    I can totally understand why this is fear inducing but a lot of that can be reduced by good information to give you some clarity. 

    Take care ,

    Court 

    Helpline Number 0808 808 0000

  • Many thanks

    The new surgeon says you would not refuse surgery on one heart and lung test, especially when the patient  is anaemic

     i am to see lung  specialist to assess my fitness for surgery and the operation will go ahead if they get the OK

    It was pointed out that having surgeey now is better than waiting for ne to go into obstruction when it will mean emergency surgery

    I am Scared but the tbe surgeon inspired confidence

  • Hi ,

    That sounds much more reasonable. I am sure they will get something sorted for you 

    It is never straightforward but one way or another they will make progress for you . 

    You sound reassured !

    take care ,

     Court 

    Helpline Number 0808 808 0000

  • Hi folks

    The second opinion on my fitness for surgery is now mild to moderate risk and not high as the first anaethetist assessed

    I am to see another per op anaethetist next week who will put all these results together and make the final decision

    What risk is too high to go for..

     So so stresssful

  • Hi ,

    That sounds more encouraging news . Have a good chat with the anaesthetist. They will go over everything with you . They are used to seeing patients with multiple conditions and will be honest with you if they are uncomfortable.

    Getting a fuller picture really goes give more clarity going forward. It is very anxious for sure but they are taking the time to  get a full assessment and keep you safe . 

    take care ,

    Court 

    Helpline Number 0808 808 0000

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to Md16

    Hi Mid16

    I’m so sorry to hear that you have all this stress regarding surgery.

    A few years ago my husband was diagnosed with lung cancer.  He has Parkinson’s and angina.  There was much concern over whether or not he was fit for surgery.  He had to go to hospital for extensive fitness tests and they agreed to do the surgery.  He had one lobe of his right lung removed and he coped with the surgery well and was soon back home.

    Has anyone discussed the possibility of having the op without a full anaesthetic?  I don’t know whether it would be possible but some ops are now being carried out with an epidural or spinal block.  Talk to the anaesthetist next week.

    Take care,

    VickiLynne

  • Good morning everyone

    My surgery is now booked for  next Monday after further  heeart and lung assessments

    I am to have a spinal and a general

    I am scared of everything !   I  can't stop thinking about having a needle in my back and panicking if I can't feel or move my legs

    I have got to pull myself together and just tell myself to appreciate all the input I am getting and be grateful

  • Hi ,

    I think it’s perfectly normal to have be a bit anxious about a procedure you have never had before . 

    However I heard someone saying recently that due to Covid procedures like that are being used more and more so they are well skilled in doing them and the anaesthetic staff know it’s frightening and will talk you through the whole thing and reassure you . 

    You sound as though you appreciate the efforts being made but have to deal with the emotional side of trusting others in a difficult situation . That’s entirely reasonable to me .

    I am glad you have your date and more importantly it will lead to you returning to full wellness and putting this all behind you .

    Maybe some others will pop on who have had one . It was an epidural my mum had for two of her surgeries but she loved them as she woke up pain free and gave her time to get to grips with her recovery . There was also a higher staffing ratio post op so she got so well taken care off.

    I will be thinking about you ,

    Court 

    Helpline Number 0808 808 0000

  • Hi, , the main anesthetic will be the GA, and the spinal will probably be for pain relief after. That's what I had anyway, not sure if things are changing. All the best and a speedy recovery.

  • Hi 

    I had an epidural as well as general , the epidural was for pain relief , I too was scared stiff of having one but I have to say I barely felt it going in and before I knew it I was under the anestetic,  when I came too my legs were not numb, hope this puts your mind at rest

    Love Peacock62 xxx