Post surgery fears

Hi KarenMary

Im sorry that you haven’t had the follow up.

My surgeon saw me two weeks after my LAR to discuss the outcome of my operation and check my tummy to make sure I was healing well. I also saw my Stoma nurses as a follow up then six weeks later for a check of my stoma template. 

Could you phone your team for advice? 

Thanks for responding Artsie. Sounds like your team have a more caring protocol. I spoke to one of the specialist nurses today and she confirmed I would not see anyone and should go to my GP. She also said a nurse will call me with the histology results when available and after 6 Weeks to check everything was ok. Apparently they want to limit visits to the hospital for my own safety. I’d prefer to risk it and get face to face reassurance to be honest.

Hi KarenMary, like you mine was a telephone call.I had what felt like a lump under one of the port holes and I thought it might be  a hernia. My op was last November by I think March it started hurting. I went to my GP and it was an abscess. I had to go straight to hospital. I had it drained, I’m still having it dressed but it’s nearly cleared up. So my advice is don’t leave anything you are worried about go and see your doctor and try to save yourself any unnecessary worry. Sending hugs xx

Thanks Nelly, yes, makes sense. I’ll try and see a GP. Just been farmed out to a new GP practice so haven’t seen anyone there yet. Not ideal that this will be my first visit with no trust built up yet but it has to be done. Glad to hear you’re getting better, take care x

Hi KarenMary. I had to have a telephone call from the doctor before I could go and see her face to face. . Hope you get seen quickly to put your mind at rest. You take care too xx

Hi To all

This is winding me up. My GP is running around in scrubs so busy ever since 2020.
The reason he saw me was because of me being picked up by FIT and I demanded a blood test as I felt so tired all of the time. I phoned like usual for the results and was told that I had to see him! 
okay he’s a lovely guy but doctors need to see face to face. Not a phone call. 
Do you know I got antidepressants from a stand in doctor. He didn’t know who I was. And I haven’t had a review since December!

Sorry for the rant maybe I need to go to the room. It’s probably a better place for a tantrum. 

I really hope that your lump is checked and you’re given a swift treatment. Keep us posted. 

Hi KarenMary

I had my bowel resection in May 2018, & a follow up with my surgeon about 4 weeks later - which I found personally reassuring; yet also, like you, had been concerned about a small hard lump under one of my keyhole entry points...which my surgeon examined, & assured me was just scar tissue. Once this follow up was completed, I was then passed onto the colorectal team of nurse specialists, who were of great support in the early months - & who I still have contact with - following the six monthly CT Scans & blood tests, that are ongoing for five years, following bowel cancer diagnosis.

I am surprised that you were not offered a face to face follow up - but presumably this must vary according to the hospital you were under, yet also, changes following Covid.

I would suggest seeing your own GP - for your own peace of mind.

Wishing you a speedy recovery

Marianne