operations RT & Chemo recovery advice

Hi Minmax

That is a big op you are having but you sound well prepared.  It will probably really wipe you out for a few weeks, I think maybe partly because of the long time you are under the anaesthetic. My ops have been big ones too although not the same as yours. Everyone is different in their recovery but initially I found I kept dropping off to sleep at the drop of a hat and sometimes didn’t get up from bed until late morning and then felt really lacking in energy and rather de motivated. Small tasks took on gigantic proportions and even showering was hard work for a time.

However over a few weeks things improved and definitely your suggestion of some light exercise helps get you back on track. I knew I was starting to feel better when I decided to get my husband to move the sofa so I could sweep under it after a few weeks of mainly sitting. Don’t know what motivated me to do that. I think it was the time I spent sitting in my armchair and looking at the fluff under the sofa. Not something on my normal to do list as I can think of much more appealing things I would rather do.

You can’t rush the recovery as it takes its own time but 6 weeks is definitely the turning point. I started making small goals to achieve every day and that helped. I am pretty much back to normal now.

Wishing you all the best for your op and like you have said your team are experts and will do the very best for you.

Best wishes.

Lyn

xxx

Agree with Lyn

Just take it easy and be kind to yourself. Try to run and you'll go backwards. Pace yourself and every day will be forward. We are all with you here Min...right from there first day you posted in November 2020 and through this too. xx

Agh Thanks Lyn I think the RT and Chemo and getting kept in for about a week with some blood issue should stand me in good stance I hope. Yes I know exactly what you mean about staring at the fluff. When your unwell you lose the zest for everything I found . Glad you have recovered X 

Thanks Dani I will. I think its just another kick in the nuts or testing my sense of humour . Apparently my chemo could have caused my heart failure but that has improved greatly so happy days so far lol X 

Good luck let us know how you get on. As Lynn says don’t rush. 
Hazel xx

Thanks Hazel Will do  X, Was suppose to be tomorrow but in 2 weeks time now so a bit  more mind time lol 

The most realistic advice I got was from a Dr friend who said that I could expect to have residual aftereffects (tiredness etc) from the anaesthetic over a period of one month for every hour I was under.  I have found that broadly right.  It does not mean that the whole period if recovery is hell, just that it does get slowly better over that time.  I am currently nearly 3 weeks post the most recent anaesthetic and do still like the odd nap and an early night!

Exercise will be your friend alongside patience.  I like to walk the dog in the mornings and quickly built back up to 6km each morning (honestly a bit too quick...).  For the first week I had my wife with me on short walks just in case I felt unwell.  Whatever you do listen to your body and pay attention.  Don't be scared to rest and take it easy around the house.

Thanks Peter I was actually suppose to be having operation today which has been put  off for 2 weeks as it requires a pair of surgeons . Well thats what they said . Well I am just taking it handy and resting and not doing anything to taxing , big day today bin day lol . I am not bothered about being tired as I will rest and am probably used to that with heart failure which they have improved greatly , So in general all looking good , Hope surgeon doent have a hangover lol 

I guess you need an ENT for removing the growth and a plastic surgeon for the repair.  I was chatting to a plastic surgeon the other day who specialises in war wounds and free flaps.  Absolutely fascinating listening to how she worked and the results the achieve.