Feeling a bit overwhelmed

Hello FlorrieMcWorrie

It’s awful trying to process what’s happening  and as much as when you first get symptoms you want it dealt with ASAP it’s frightening when it does go that way. Even despite covid, they’ve still got timescales that they try to adhere to, and the sooner it happens the less chance of your op being cancelled due to covid. My op took slightly longer (6 weeks) as there were no “clean” wards In my local hospital. But I’m out the other side now and just waiting on histology (still!) Take this time to get yourself and your household ready, as you need to be kind to yourself when you’re back home. Clean and hoover now and then you won’t have to sit and stare at it when you’re back home  and you can concentrate on getting better. Best wishes

Deb x

Thank you. I have to go for my Covid test later today and am planning to clean tomorrow. Good idea! Hope your recovery continues to be good.

Hello FlorrieMcWorrie, don't be alarmed by the speed at which they're moving! Be pleased, so much better to having to waiting weeks between each test, then results, then another test and all the worrying. It doesn't give you much time to hoover from top to bottom, clear out all your cupboards, instruct others on how to do the hoovering and batch cook for the freezer though does it LOL!

Just pack a bag with Bridget Jones's, Nighties -  rather than PJ's, toiletries, book, phone and charger, loose clothing and remember a pillow for home journey.

It seems like your GP and health trust have almost achieved how it's supposed to go. How it does go if you're a private patient!!

Wishing you well for Wednesday, sending big hugs, Barb xx 

I had my surgery on Wednesday and it all went ok. It was a robotic hysterectomy, a pretty new technique at my local hospital. They took extra care with the anaesthetic and looked after me really well because of underlying health conditions. I was glad to come home after just one night on the ward. Peace and quiet! I’m not too uncomfortable - just a bit sore and bruised but am able to move around. I live on my own so have a friend checking in each day. My biggest concern is that I haven’t had the slightest urge to have a poo yet. They started me on 200mg dioctyl capsules twice a day while I was in hospital and I’ve continued taking them. How much longer before I should seek further advice? Thanks.

I should add that my diet is high in fibre - had vegetable and lentil soup the last couple of days as well as fruit.

Hi FlorrieMcWorrie,

it sounds like you had really great care in the hospital and I remember how good it was to come home.

I passed wind 3rd day post op and it was the highlight of my day,. I also took stool softeners and drank plenty. It is important that you avoid straining when going to the toilet. After the second day I just took paracetamol and not opioid painkillers that an slow the bowel. Worth having a word with your GP tomorrow and perhaps they can add or increase the diocytyl.

Sending you good wishes for your recovery.

Honey

Thank you. I’ve only taken a couple of paracetamol at night so am avoiding the opioid painkillers. Just had a jacket spud with baked beans and salad for lunch so fingers crossed  things start to move soon.

Hi FlorrieMcWorrie. Great to hear you're home, all went well and you're not too uncomfortable. I remember years ago you weren't allowed home until you've "performed"  but nowadays they send you home really quickly. Did they not send you home with Movicol or Normacol? Different NHS trusts do different things, I was sent home with Movicol and senna tablets, had to wait a couple of days until I performed but eventually I did. Trapped wind was my problem, really painful. Any anaesthetic seems to affect your bowels so I'd give your CNS a call tomorrow & mention it to her. Given your diet is high fibre I think it'll just be a question of time.

Nice to know your friend is checking in on you, take it nice and easy a let your body heal itself.

Sending cotton-wool hugs, Barb xx 

Hi Honey.I did smile at your post. I think Nottingham must've thought there was an episode on the Richter scale when I passed wind and eventually performed. 

Barb xx 

Hi FlorrieMcWorrie,

Glad to see its over with and you are home.

My daughter advised me to take Movical, which worked after one sachet!!! I did drink a lot in hospital. I woke from the operation very thirsty and the nurses laughed at the number of times they had to empty my catheter bag! Don't know if that helped the bowels!!

You seem to be eating all the right things to help, but don't wait too long to get help. My husband had problems in that direction once. He was on Co=cadomol. He ended up on a Sunday night going to an emergency clinic and they gave him suppositories, and said don't go more than 3 days. (He was on day 6!!!) xxxx

Thanks Barb, I have got sachets of Laxido that I was given when I had chemotherapy last year and the combination of that and the anti-sickness meds bunged me up. I just wasn’t sure about taking them on top of the laxative that the hospital has already given me. The trouble is, the more time that passes, I’m feeling more stressed that I haven’t been able to go yet, and I’m sure that doesn’t help!