Surgery date !

Well that’s all good then...

As far as cleanliness goes... you’ll be bed bound for a good part of your stay so blanket baths to start with then a bowl by your bed later. It’s such a relief to eventually have a shower once all the tubes are out! So your normal suitcase of toiletries for that!

i can’t remember getting into pjs but it would have been pretty late on again because of the tubes and wires.

I wouldn’t bother with snacks as you’ll be tube fed, but given soft food before discharge. The first jelly and ice cream is fantastic! 

My friendly anaesthetist gave me some throat sweets for my sore throat, as a result of intubation and the uncomfortable ng tube. Other people have found lip balm useful.

Im sure people here whose surgery was more recent will have better recall than me and be able to tell you of their needs. I’m guessing that you won’t have visitors due to the current restrictions so you’ll need to take in whatever you need. Don’t forget any medication you normally take. But the hospital will give you a list of essential items to take in, so you just need to think of your comfort for near the time of your discharge.
Don’t forget to take in your phone, iPad and chargers. With downloaded entertainment.

All the best for the preparation and of course the surgery itself. I hope you’ll keep us posted with your progress.

Hi Jayne, I don't have much recollection of the first few days after the surgery. I'm sure you will be put into the hospital clothing to go to surgery. For me it was hospital gown, net cloth pants and elastic stockings. Leave your dignity at the hospital entrance lol. I definitely found lip balm or vaseline helped my dry lips, caused by not being allowed to drink anything for a few days. I was given an ice cube on a swab to quench my thirst. Have you been practicing some deep breathing exercises, that helped me prepare for surgery. Everything will be a bit of a whirlwind over the next week or two,so good luck and kind regards Frank.

Hi Brent and Frank, thanks so much for your detailed replies. I’m really scared but at the same time just want it over with.  I’m nervous about what they’ll find in there too?  I was abit disheartened after the results of my ct scan just before my final chemo 6 weeks ago, my nurse rang to say it was good news, the tumour was stable and no spread so surgery would definitely go ahead but they couldn’t see any shrinkage at all. I think considering at the start of chemo on the 20th feb, I couldn’t even get soups down let alone any actual solids to 3 chemo sessions later, being able to eat anything, in fact, you would now think there’s anything wrong and I’ve managed to put 2 stone back on, I think I’d convinced myself it must have shrunk? But heyho, I’ve just got to man up and get on with it. My husband Barry is allowed to come to my meeting with the surgeon this Friday, which I was surprised about, but I’m presuming that’ll be it when he drops me at the doors next Friday til I’m ready to be discharged, I can’t imagine he’ll be allowed to visit me. Thank you both again so much Brent and Frank, your stories are really inspirational on here, I don’t post very often myself but you are always so positive and encouraging to everyone on here. Take care and I’ll keep you informed. Lots of love Jayne xxx

Often details discussed during meetings with surgeons Are a bit of a blur later on. I valued my wife being present during meetings as a second pair of ears. As a hearing disabled person I often now use an ap called Otter during any meeting with clinicians this gives real time speech to text on my phone (effective subtitles) but also stores the text and an audio recording. But that wasn’t around six years ago!
At the very least I would advise you should take notes but ideally record the meeting (with the permission of those present).

I kept a journal the whole way through my journey, where, as well as day to day progress, I kept questions and responses.  It was interesting to record progress - the removal of tubes and wires - during my stay in hospital.

Yes that’s a really good idea Brent. I’m going to write things down before I go and hopefully it’ll all make sense!  Thanks so much for your help, I’ll keep you informed. Lots of love Jayne xxx

Aww Jayne that is such good news, I replied to you on another thread before reading this so just ignore it.  All that waiting and wondering and now everything is happening so quickly, which is good because you don't have much time to think about it lol.  Looking forward to all you updates and wishing you all the very best for a smooth and speedy recovery.  Loads of love Jayne xxxx

That's great news! I'm sure it must vary from hospital to hospital but it could be worth double checking with them as I was told not to take anything into hospital at all. I was told the ICU ward receiving me will not take any patient possessions so my family brought my things in for me when they came to visit. Although with restrictions at the moment it may work differently.

Initially you'll be in a hospital gown and compression stockings. You don't have much choice with all of the tubes. I couldn't even get the strings done up at the back. Once most of the tubes were out and I was more mobile I switched to very loose oversized tshirts but front buttoning pjs would probably have been an even better idea. When it comes to keeping clean for the first few days at least it'll be bed washes with the support of a health care assistant.

Good luck,

Chris

Hi Jayne, aww thank you, I’m terrified but relieved at the same time if that makes sense?  Good news things are looking promising for Alan too. Anyway I’ve replied on the other thread lol. Take care, lots of love Jayne xxx

Hi there Chris and thanks so much for replying. I’ll have to ask the question on Friday when I see my nurse and surgeon as in an ideal world, yes, I’d be happier going in with nothing and a Barry bringing in what a need after but I’m presuming I’ll not be allowed any visitors in the current climate? I’m hoping I’ll be able to use my phone whilst in there so I can at least keep in touch with him and my mum and dad who are going out of their minds with worry before I’ve even gone in !  But we’ll just have to see won’t we, it can’t be helped and safety is paramount at the end of the day. Another probably silly question if you don’t mind me asking?  It’s all the tubes and drains and needles etc I’m really worried about, can you feel them, are they uncomfortable and how soon will they start taking them out?  Sorry Chris, 20 questions or what?  Anyway I hope you are fit and well and staying safe too. Lots of love Jayne xxx