New diagnosis

The injections and the stockings are I think  “one size fits all” prophylactic measures on an assumption of not being that active post surgery. Having had cancer, being post menopause and having just had major surgery does put us at increased risk of DVT - however not all of us will be at the same risk as we will vary a lot in our levels of general health, activity and exercise. That is why I think the advice varies so much and is why it’s best for us to ask our own consultant/CNS about what we can stop. I decided to decline the course of injections (bar the first one at the hospital) so the I was told that wearing the stockings was especially important, plus twiddling my ankles and bending and straightening my legs when sat for a while, and getting up and walking around every half hour or so. My consultant was new and came from a London hospital where injections were not prescribed for everyone but advice was tailored to their individual activity levels. But the Southampton hospital where he did my op still advised them for everyone. So I was told post op that I needed them, but when I said I wanted to refuse, as I was an active person, he was happy to give me alternative advice. (I had also asked them to switch off the compression boots when I came round from my op). So a bit of a rebel! I was “religious” in my walking right from when I got home the day after my op, and it was the right decision for me. I’m not at all advising others to refuse the injections, but just want to make people aware that it is a choice. 

The surgical and gynae teams were so good but the aftercare and advice on discharge was not so good. I was told to take the injections and told to take the stocking of the day after surgery. I was given pain killers and my discharge note. I was given no information on how much I could do other than don’t lift heavy things and no baths. I had to ask about removing the dressings and if the stitches were dissolvable. I wasn’t given any advice regarding exercises or walking like how much to do or not do. Everything I did post surgery was cause I’d done my own research. I was quite disappointed in the lack of care. I had no idea how long it would take to get results and there was no information regarding who to contact if I had any questions or issues. I don’t have a direct line to anyone including the cns who I have to contact through a switch board and then hopefully she’ll call me back with in 48hrs. I’ve gotten more good advice from this forum, soo thank you all that!

Hi robot, that doesn’t sound satisfactory at all and I’d suggest that an email to PALS at your hospital would be a good idea.  I had no dressings when I came round from surgery as the wounds were clean and dry and would benefit from getting air. My consultant popped in to see me an hour or two after I was on the ward to see how I was and to answer any questions I had. He told me the stitches would dissolve. As soon as my catheter was out at 6.30 the next morning I asked the nurse if I could get up and walk around and she said yes as much as I felt comfortable with, so I did, and set myself little targets - like getting to the loo, getting to the nursing station etc, with little sit downs in between. As soon as I got home I went for a slow 5 mins walk round the block and that was fine so I did it again the next morning and also the afternoon. Really glad our little group here has helped you!

Good luck for today. :-)

Thanks for the good wishes. It all went as expected on Saturday. I'm home now and have managed a first short walk outside today with my daughter. Pain is subsiding, and I'm not needing as much pain relief now.

I was given stockings to wear for 4 weeks. No injections were mentioned or given. I have no wound dressings - they are healing nicely. I have some suggested exercises plus a follow-up booked with the physio in 6 weeks. 

I hope the rest of you are continuing to recover well.

Glad to hear you’re recovering well! I had no wound dressings when I came home from my op too and all was fine. Onwards and upwards re your walking and the rest of your recovery! 

Hi Green61,

Glad to hear you have started your recovery journey. I took my stockings off last Friday. It all got too much with the 30+C temperatures. I am still doing the injections. I recall it was about 8 days when I started to feel a lot better. Walking is great for body and mind!

Hello, after reading some of these reply’s I’m now more nervous, my mum had been going to her doctor quite a few times saying about bleeding, then she finally went back and said I really think I need to be referred! After wasting 3 months on antibiotics etc to someone who never goes to a doctor.  She was diagnosed with cancer of overies, tubes, uterus and outside the wall, she was first told they’d operate 3 months ago, then they decided to change her hospital, who then changed the consultant 3 times either due to his contract being up or another reason, each time she goes in for 7am! Then at 2pm is told there are no beds! She goes back home! This has gone on for a further 3 months? Her next new date is Monday but now I’m worried the delay since March and the lack of beds has jeopardised my mum even more? I don’t live near my parents but will be going there to stay for a while, but does anyone have advise at all because I feel like I’m trying to be positive and strong for them but inside I’m falling apart. And a massive good luck to everyone who’s going through it all 

Hi Walrus, I'm sorry to hear about your mother, that sounds really frustrating and stressful. I'm sure some of the others on here will have a better idea of times. Has your mother been assigned a CNS? They should be able to advocate for her, and they should be able to help you with timings for the cancer pathway. I might be inclined to contact PALS at your mothers hospital as well. Sometimes it's good to be the squeaky wheel.

Walrus, I am so sorry to hear what a nightmare this has been for you and your mother. I am surprised at the approach of the initial Doctor. I was told post menopause bleeding required urgent referral to a specialist within 2 weeks.

The situation at the hospital is just unbelievable. I hope Monday works out.   I agree with Robotxxx to contact the CNS and PALS.