Introduction

Hi Peajay

They should not let you out of hospital until they are sure that you will be able to manage at home. So make sure that you are honest with them regarding any pain, mobility issues and any concerns about managing at home.

Put your wellbeing before putting on a brave face.

Who will look after your dog while you are in hospital?

Kegsy x

Hi Peajay

I had my lobectomy at age 70 in May this year. Although I have a husband I do most of the household stuff like shopping and cooking. If you have a freezer and cook I suggest you make some meals in advance. Also stock up with favourite comfort food and chilled food. I also bought a triangular pillow which helped me sleep more upright in the first two weeks home. Initially I walked for a short while (10 minutes), four times a day. I also found the NHS warm up exercises that last only 10 minutes. After a week or so I ventured further when I went out also increasing my daily walks. I quite often had a sleep in the afternoon. 

A diet high in vegetables, fruit and wholemeal products plus protein is good. It helps to stop constipation from morphine. I found my taste buds went a bit haywire. The best things to eat for me happened to be citrus flavours. I don’t generally eat sweets but Starbursts were particularly good every now and then.

Good luck with your operation, chemo and recovery. I’m sure you will be well looked after.

All the best xx

Hi Kegsy, thanks for the advice.  I have a friend who is going to look after my dog while I'm in hospital and then once I'm home is coming to walk him in the morning before they go to work and then will come again in the evening once they finish work, so I'll just have to manage him during the day. 

Thank you for the advice Daisychain, it's much appreciated. 

Hi Peajay, welcome to the group. It is good to hear you will be having support from your friend with your dog. That will certainly make things easier for you. Kegsy is right, please make sure you are well enough to come home, don’t run before you can walk as they say. 

I hope everything goes smoothly for you, and you are back home soon x 

Thank you Chellesimo, I'm not used to being off my feet as I've always been healthy and independent so this is the thing that's worrying me most. It's the fear of the unknown I suppose. 

Hi Peajay

Very pleased that you have someone to look after your dog while you are in hospital; one less thing for you to worry about. while you are in there.  Also your friend will be bobbing in twice a day once you are home, again a positive thing.

Your surgeon will advise you what light exercises you can do on your return home, and the Occupational Physiotherapists will help with post op mobility issues (if any!).

I am sure you will fly through the op and be home before you know it.

Kegsy x