Surgery scheduled, any advice?

I had my surgery last July love hearts are really good for wind pain i didn't really have any questions as thay told me all what I needed to know but when thay say you cannot do anything for 3 months  please do as thay say I did go for walks but anything else was a no take care 

I know I felt quite worried about going into hospital for major surgery, you can’t help having that feeling, but try not too worry, you are probably overthinking things. I would suggest taking water wipes so that you can wash your hands (and face) when you want to- it is surprising how grubby you feel even though you are just lying in bed! A few night dresses, you will probably want to change every day or every other day. “Big pants” so that you don’t have anything tight crossing your operation site. A lightweight dressing gown for when you are out of bed, and a light cardigan for sitting in bed. Slippers you can safely walk in - I took a pair of sandals rather than slippers. Moisturising cream for your body - after a couple of days in bed my knees started peeling, I think they were rubbing on the sheets when moving, it was strange! A flannel and your normal soap/cream bar/etc. Pack or box of tissues. Shower gel or whatever you use once you are allowed to shower, shampoo and deodorant. I took my kindle and i-pad rather than having to hold a book or magazines but I didn’t really find I wanted to read. I listened to the bedside radio mist of the time. Lemon sherbets, ginger biscuits, lemon and ginger tea bags, if you like them, or/and peppermint tea and anything you feel will help with wind pains or help to pass the wind!

Hopefully this doesn’t sound a lot once you actually put them into a list. I gave some reasons that makes the list look big!

Good luvk for your surgery and look forward to hearing from you after your surgery.

Sendinglive and caring thoughts. ️

I was told to take in and wear those grippy socks that mean you don't have to bend and look for slippers but can get out of bed when necessary.  I had really acute pain in my tummy after surgery and assumed it was from the operation but actually it was trapped wind.  The nurse told me the way to relieve it is to rub your tummy clockwise and it will help let it out.  It did!  Be sure to take ear plugs.  Hospitals can be very noisy. Or earphones.   You are unlikely to feel like reading but listening to music/audiobooks quite likely.  

Good luck!   

Thanks for the replies and the suggestions. These are really helpful.

Do I need to pack sanitary towels? I've read that there might be some bleeding afterwards. 

I couldn’t bear to wear them as my feet get too hot! Even at the time of my op I hadto stick my feet put of the sheet as I do at home all year round!

I was was given them but by the end of the first day there was nothing.

I had laparotomic surgery a week ago, with omentectomy, hysterectomy and removal of cervix and some additional peritoneal tissue. There is still a little bleeding so recommend small sanitary pads. Everyone is different however.

Thanks Louise23, I'll pack some just in case. It's better to have them and not need them than need them but not have them!

I met with my surgeon yesterday. Surgery is scheduled for 24th March. I'll be having the a total hysterectomy (womb, cervix, fallopian tubes, ovaries), omentectomy, peritoneal resection, diaphragm surgery, and possible removal of lymph nodes. She has also said I need to be prepared for a possible bowel resection and stoma formation as the largest tumor is pushing up against my bowel and they can't tell if it is just resting against it or if it has stuck to it. If it's stuck they will need to remove part of my bowel as they can't just peel it off. 

I have to be honest is sounds terrifying but the surgeon was really reassuring.

How are you feeling post surgery? I hope everything went well x 

Like you, I was nervous about major abdominal surgery as I had never experienced surgery before. A week ago underwent a laparotomy and following 4 days in hospital am now recuperating at home.

I would recommend, if you have time, that you have a dental checkup prior to surgery. My dentist discovered a root canal abscess - although I had no pain -and the molar was removed 7 days prior to the laparotomy. This decreases possible complications.

Your consultant will go through the surgery in detail and also risks and possible additional surgery. I met with the stoma nurse who marked stoma sites and gave me a kit to look at. Although I didn't need bowel surgery in the end,  it was very helpful to know more about stomas in case I had one or have one in future.

EAH has provided an excellent list of what to pack. I would add that as you will probably have cannulas in your hand, make sure sleeves of dressing gowns/night dresses are wide enough. Mine weren't! The best nightwear are nightshirts and front buttoned nighties (not too long) as you'll probably have a catheter for the first 2 days. I also had two tubes of local anaesthetic passing into each side of my abdomen as well as a drain tube and a drip. A small pouch bag would have been helpful to carry the different bags! I improvised by tying up my gown into a pouch when I went to the toilet. I found low rise hipster pants which were below the incision more comfortable than big pants - a personal choice. 

The idea of getting out of bed was daunting however the physios were great and your confidence will grow quickly. I made an effort to get out of bed regularly and walk along the corridors.

Have every confidence in the NHS and the care you will receive.

Best wishes for the surgery, look after yourself well and think ahead to the summer.

Your surgery sounds very similar to what I underwent last week although the ovaries and tubes were removed a month ago when I had laparoscopic surgery. I was told I might need bowel surgery and lymph nodes removed, although this was not necessary. However, I was prepared for anything when I came round from the anaesthetic. Although the surgery went well, I was upgraded from 2a to 3C, subject to path lab results. However I feel grateful that I am not among the 20% of women with ovarian cancer who are too advanced for surgery.

I am feeling very well post surgery, although tired so am resting a lot. Previously I had been very active, carrying 50L bags of garden compost and renovating my house. The pain is not too bad, although I have to be careful moving and bending and am not allowed to lift anything heavier than about 1-2 kg. A good opportunity to catch up with reading though. Do accept any help offered!

My main concern following surgery was the lack of bowel movement. I felt like Mr Creosote in the Monty Python sketch! However this is normal and after 4 days bowels started up again. Similarly, liver functions tests were abnormal which I was told is what is to be expected, given the trauma of surgery.

I have surprised myself how much I am going with the flow and accepting different eventualities. There are so many positives in life even when ones world is constrained.

xx