Feeling a bit flat after appointment with consultant

Hi Ejax. Wow, yet another Consultant who does nothing to instil confidence, just put the fear of God into us. I know they have to make us aware of the risks but normally they'll state they're rare!

I had a laparoscopic hysterectomy which included the BSO (removal of fallopian tubes and ovaries). I also hadn't had children but that didn't seem to involve a larger incision. I have 4 small external scars, top and bottom of belly button and 1 either side a little further out.

I didn't have to have an enema so sorry, I can't help with that but I believe other ladies here have so hopefully they'll reply.

Hugs, Barb xx

Hi Ejax, bless you - surgeons are a breed unto themselves and can often be a bit gung-ho and matter of fact. But they’re typically great at what they do and will do all they can for the best possible outcome. They just have to warn you and give you all the info up front just in case. Have you been given contact details for your CNS? I’d suggest giving them a call Monday for support and reassurance. If you’re anxious this weekend, you could call the free Macmillan helpline as they’re open 8-8 7 days a week. My hospital doesn’t routinely advise enemas and I didn’t have one pre surgery or pre treatment but every hospital is different. 

Thanks Barb....its reassuring to know other consultants have delivered in the same manner.   Fingers crossed that I don't need the additional incision. x

Thanks for your reply....I do need to speak to the CNS as I'm a bit confused - the enema is to clear out my bowels but up until 3am on morning of surgery I can have a piece of toast which I'm presuming would work it's way down to my bowels and not be cleared out.  Hopefully some other ladies will be able to advise. x

I remember asking my consultant what happens after the op - he said “we send your uterus off to the lab for testing”, and, as he said this, he cupped his hands and made a throwing-like gesture. I chuckled, copied the gesture and said “is that literally how you do it?” and he burst out laughing and said “please forgive us surgeons - it’s how we talk about things”. I told my CNS and she found it hilarious too and said that’s just like a surgeon.

Hi Ejax

Oh my goodness-yet another consultant with no bedside manner-there are so many! Yes, they need to warn of risks, but in most cases the risks are tiny. In my case, yes I was warned of death, paralysis, and a whole host of other things. I was given a 30/70 chance of survival. I thought 30 was better than zero, so went ahead!

I had much more extensive surgery than a hysterectomy, although that was part of it, I survived, was out of hospital in 2 weeks which is really good for my surgery, and had not a single post operative issue. More than 2 years on, I am doing fine. I had many more opportunities for complications due to the nature of my surgery and the extent of it, but I had none.

Please try not to focus on “what if”. These consultants often have no idea of the impact of their words on us as patients. Please don’t let it scare you-there are so many positive experiences to read about in the group.

Sarah xx

Hi Ejax, I felt the same after seeing my consultant. I have stage 2 Endometrial Cancer and the tumor was deep into uterus wall. I had my surgery on Tuesday there robotically, I didn't need to have an enema. All went well, I got back from theatre and was on a morphine pump overnight. I was in hospital fir 2 days as there was an issue with my body temp. I'm on very little pain relief, have to wear Ted stocking and daily Fragmin injections. I'm actually showered and dressed today and plan to go for a short walk after lunch. I realise different health boards take different approaches and I'm confident everything will go according to plan they just have to cover their backs with all the negatives. Good luck with your surgery and if I can help with any other issues you may have please let me know. Love Karen xx

Hi again, food typically takes 10-12 hours to work its way through - I’d imagine the enema is to make sure the lower bowel is clear perhaps as they may be intending to operate on you early on? It’s up to you but if it was me I’d be asking if, instead of the enema, I could make sure I’d had a poo the night before by carefully timing my meals. My instruction was no food after midnight, a special pre op drink before bedtime, and only water (and a second special pre op drink) after that. Not even water after 6.30am. So I had my main meal at lunchtime the day before my op, then kept things very light after that, mostly liquids.

HI Ejax, Like many others I didn't have an enema before surgery.  I also didn't have a special body wash to use in the shower before surgery although i see that lots of people did.  Most of us also get some high energy drinks to drink beforehand, this is to help the recovery process.   Hospitals do seem to vary!  However I did have to use an enema before my Radiotherapy sessions. This was just a tiny tube called a micro enema and was only intended to clear the rectum. It wasn't a big deal so perhaps you could check with your CN to ask if this is what you will have.

Hi Ejax,

My consultant was a woman and very non-committal until after my operation, and everything had been tested. I was stage 1A, and it was only then she gave me a Hi-five.  I, too, was warned about risks. (I think they have to do this). When I asked if it was all worth it, she cried me down, and said there was no alternative. I am now nearly 5 years post op, so glad I went ahead with the operation. I didn't need more treatment.

I'm guessing the enema is to clear the lower bowel. You never think about it, but the womb is very near the bowel. With both my pregnancies I had to make sure I never got constipated. If I did, there was a danger it would put pressure on the womb neck, which would then open up. 

I had keyhole surgery done by my consultant and was amazed how quickly I recovered, even at 72 years old. Good luck!!!