Newly diagnosed Yank

Hi Suzanne

It's all going to seem very strange for a while (especially in the current environment). I can remember what it was like for me after I was diagnosed in 2010. You are very lucky to have someone in your area - many patients in the US make very long journeys for treatment. My biggest tip for post surgery is to walk whenever you can. Also, you will feel tired, overwhelmingly so at times and it will come out of the blue. Listen to your body, be kind to yourself.

Hope that helps?

Angela

Thanks, Angela.  That definitely helps!  I've been trying to walk most days before surgery, so hopefully that will get me in the habit of doing it. Any sense of how long it will be before I will be able to drive/return to work/travel?  Assuming all goes well?  What about the pain? Is it manageable?

It is all very strange, especially in this very strange time.  I'm glad that you seem to be doing well 10 years out.  That's an encouragement.

Suzanne

If I've learnt anything over the last 10 years it's this - everyone is different. It all depends on how physically fit you are before surgery, what the extent of disease is and the extent of surgery. It's very individual, so is pain management. I went home with just acetaminophen/paracetamol and I only took them when I needed them not routinely.

The hospital wouldn't clear me for discharge until they were happy I could walk a certain distance, climb stairs and could cope at home.

Angela

Hi Suzanne 

Im glad that you have found us on here as the more support you can find the better. Post surgery you will be really fragile so don’t expect to be out and about doing your normal routine for at least 4 to 6 mnths. Prep as much as possible beforehand and organise getting help from friends and family as you will need help to get to the toilet and shower , also have a food plan sorted as you will be on a soft foods diet (usually low fibre) until things recover. Apart from that I would get some good books and nice things to do afterwards for when you are recovering. The most important thing is to give yourself time and space to recover, I won’t lie it is hard work both physically and mentally but get organised beforehand and get as fit as possible pre surgery you’ll be fine x good luck x