Stir Crazy

Heya, 

If all you've had is your bog standard hysterectomy, then your immune system isn't compromised from that. However your body is working hard to fix everything they cut through. So all resources are being used up at the moment on that, which could leave other systems a bit slower or weaker than normal. 

There are a lot of bugs around at the moment, and some nasty ones that are giving apparently healthy people pneumonia. So for now I'd probably avoid anywhere too crowded, but also because you don't want to get bumped or jostled. Why not try a wee walk around your block just to get out and get some fresh air? Or could the OH drive you to a park or the coast, depending on where you live, to just sit on a bench with a hot chocolate or some fish and chips? 

As for the flu jab, did the pharmacist give a reason? And did you tell them you have/had cancer? Because as far as I was aware, that should put you at the top of the list. And this jab isn't a live virus, so even if immunity were compromised it wouldn't matter.

Lass

Xx

Hi Lass 

Thanks for reply

I had a radical hysterectomy (that’s probably bog standard) and a lot of adhesions removed from various organs plus small bowel biopsy.

i wondered if other people were nervous about going out and about and how soon they did what, but I know everyone is different. Silly question perhaps 

The chemist was aware I’d had hysterectomy. His reason was I should ask my GP

Heya, 

Doesn't sound like they removed any lymph nodes then? Those being removed are the only thing that might affect your immunity. 

I'm annoyed at your pharmacist as people are being told to go to them because the doctors are so busy. Personally, I'd phone your GP practice tomorrow and ask for a nurse appointment for a flu jab. See if the receptionist will book you in, because it's not the GP who administers the jab. Last thing you want is to hang around a waiting room full of sick people too.... 

Def not a silly question, everyone is more nervous after a cancer diagnosis. Then after any op, nevermind as big a one as a hysterectomy, you're additionally nervous too. I've not had a hysterectomy as I had hormone treatment for the womb cancer. However for my thyroid cancer I had my neck sliced open twice, right across the front, and then my chest opened for a thoracotomy where they removed half ish of my breastbone to get into my chest cavity, before stapling it back in again.

I def didn't want to get any bugs that would make me cough, so didn't fancy being out in public spaces, especially confined ones. And I def didn't want to get jostled after the thoracotomy cause boy was that sore! 

Lass

Xx

Hi Lass

The surgeon visited me quite soon after the op and I was on morphine so a bit spaced out. I remember him saying something about the lymph nodes but didn’t take it in. I’ll call my CSN tomorrow about that. I have five wounds so think quite a lot was done. Though it’s nowhere near what you’ve been through.

He said he wasn’t expecting what he found as my ct scan was clear but that didn’t pick up the tissue sticking down my ovaries and other organs which he said were moved around! I think it was Endometriosis but will have to wait til mid January for next clinic appointment and results.

The chemist is a bit of a Pratt and it was my husband who went in to ask him and I think he was easily fobbed off! Good point about booking with the nurse thanks.

I really appreciate you taking the time to reply. You must be thinking count yourself lucky and get on with it!

How are you feeling?

Heya, 

Yeh, always good to know what was done to you so you know if there's anything you need to watch for going forwards. Lymph node removal in certain areas can give you swelling problems in your legs for example. Though I'm sure the other ladies here will know more about that. 

5 wounds sounds like even though a lot was done, it was still all done laproscopically? If so, that's a definite plus as it's less trauma to your body which makes it easier to heal. Fingers crossed for Jan results!

Ah yeh, husbands and folks with an inflated sense of self importance. Never a good mix. Lol. What is it they say? If you want something done properly.... Lol

And not at all. You can never compare one person to another, because what you're going through is probably the worst thing that's ever happened to you. While what I'm going through might look on paper as worse, it's still the worst thing that's happened to me. But that doesn't take anything away from your experience being your worst experience. Just as those who on paper are worse off than me, doesn't take away this being crap for me. Does that make sense, I think I lost myself halfway through. Lol. 

But if you click my name on the left, you'll see my profile and can have a read of my story. Just make sure you have some time, it's not short. Lol. I was first diagnosed with incurable metastatic Thyroid cancer in 2012. So that's some time to cover! 

But right now, I'm a hey and sore all over because 2 days ago I taught myself how to lay carpet by recarpeting one of my attic bedrooms. Somehow I managed to pull both ass muscles and my inner thigh/groin. No idea how. Then today I was out for 4 hours going around markets with a friend. Sooooo..... Most things hurt. Lol. But tbh, that's kind of usual as I'm always trying to push myself and do what I want. Though it's not always possible due to the pain and fatigue. But meh, it is what it is.

Lass

Xx

Hi Christmas,

My first outing was about two weeks after my operation. We had been invited to a friends house by the sea for afternoon tea. I made sure I sat down a lot and thoroughly enjoyed getting some fresh sea air and some different company! It was this first step back into the world that made me decide we should go away for a few days. We have a small motorhome, so again, in fresh air, not near crowds at 3 weeks. I made sure I put my feet up each afternoon while hubby went walking! I was very worried about bending down for pans, but managed that quite well in the end. The change of scene did me good.

I had lymph nodes round the womb taken out, but the only result of that is slight swelling of one ankle each evening. Its down by morning. I've only had one cold in two years, so can't say I've had any bad effects, yet! There again, I don't like crowds of people, and prefer my own company, so am not near germs normally. As Lass says your body will be busy mending itself for a while. My consultant reckoned it would take 3 months to get my level of fitness back.

The first time I tried travelling on the bus I was nervous. I 'guarded' my tummy. But it was fine.

Just take it slowly. xxxxx

Thank you Lass and Nanny

your replies are really helpful and reassuring that I’m not just being a whimp!

it has now been two weeks since the op so I’m planning to go for my first walk outside today and I am fortunate to live opposite a park. It will be nice to see how the resident Squirrels are getting on tormenting the dogs (they don’t seem to hibernate as everyone feeds them).

Lass: I have made a double appointment for flu jabs for me and OH for this afternoon thanks to your advice. It’s with the GP nurse so hopefully won’t be in the dreaded waiting room too long!

Nanny: like you I don’t catch colds and had flu only once in my lifetime following an ill advised drinking game when I was quite young - never again!

I won’t be travelling on any buses though ;0) I’m not that brave!

best wishes to you both xx

Hi Lass and NannyAnny

Well I’ve been outside amongst the great unwashed and survived!

First walk in the park (not yet twice around the daffodils more like once around the play area but it’s a start).

then went for flu jab. The nurse agreed to jab my OH as I said I need him fit and well. I thought that was good of her then she spoiled it by saying ‘don’t expect it next year’!

ive heard that endorphins released by laughing carry fighter cells (or something) that attack cancer so am watching Life of Brian ..not everyone’s cup of tea but it makes me laugh!!

Hi Christmas,

That sounds good! Increase the distance slightly each day, and you'll be surprised how soon you heal up. I had a flu jab when my husband had throat cancer. They said it was to protect him, so well done. xxxx

Hi Christmas,  well done for getting out and about for a walk and on getting your flu jab. My husband has one due to asthma, he always tells me I should have one too as I'm  his carer!! Ha ha well the boots been  on the other foot this year, he's  had to care for me, he did very well, though he huffed and puffed doing the cooking even with me in a chair in the kitchen giving instructions!I  have still not  had a flu jab though.  I started taking short walks, increasing daily 5 days after my op, I  had keyhole though and it was August so warmer. keep laughing and take care.