Panicking now

[Prisella21]

I just got a theatre date for next week for a right hemicolectomy because of a large (2mm) caecal polyp. I'm so worried I put it's off over lockdown because I'm a single parent and I have 2 daughters (3yrs 7yrs).

Please if anyone has had this surgery were they in hospital for 7 -14days. Are visitors allowed ? Any advice appreciated

[maggieL]

Hi Prisella21. Please dot not worry unduly. I had this operation for a 50mm cancer or the caecum. two and a half years ago when I was 69 years of age. Mine was done by keyhole surgery and I was out of hospital within 5 days. There is some soreness afterwards of course and you will need help looking after your family, and must be careful for a few weeks afterwards as it is a major operation. No lifting or housework for a while. I have been fine. I dont know whether visitors will be allowed owing to covid rules.

[Prisella21 in reply to maggieL]

Thank you so much ❤️

[Jenreader]

Hi Prisella21,

I had a right hemicolectomy March 2020, just before lockdown. I was in hospital for 7 days, it would been less but my system took a sulk & stopped working and I had to have a nose drain for 48hrs to kick start it again. (Which sounds worse than it was) It is major surgery so you do need to be careful for a few weeks and will need support to look after your children. It was the first time I'd ever been in hospital so was anxious, but I needn't have been, you are tired & weak during your hospital stay but the physio's are good at getting you up & about. I don't think you'll be allowed visitors, please don't put it off again though.

[Prisella21 in reply to Jenreader]

Thank you so much this really helped.

[Prisella21]

Thank you for this it really helped. There are so many risk factors to consider.

[Nicole_GCCA Partner]

Dear Prisella21 ,

I'm glad to hear that you are having the surgery and not putting it off.

Regarding stay in the hospital, as others have commented, a lot of this has to do on you reaching milestones that are part of the recovery process for your particular surgery, so the time could vary depending on how you are hitting those milestones and recovering.

Regarding visitors - we've seen that this varies depending on the facility, so even in the same town or country, there can be specific rules that the hospital or facility has in place as policy.

By contacting the hospital, they should be able to let you know exactly what their visiting rules are.

Now that parts of the world are getting vaccinated, that also has changed the rules that many hospitals have. If someone has been fully vaccinated, they should have a photo of the front and back of their vaccine card on their phone. (Or a copy of the vaccine card).

If it turns out that you will not be allowed visitors, planning ahead can be helpful. For instance, scheduling times with family and friends that you can video chat with, or speak on the phone, might be a nice way to not feel so alone if you can't see them in person. Even having family and friends write cards or notes to you that you can't read until you are in recovery in the hospital, might also give you a bit of cheer to open one or two a day, to have something to look forward to.

Everyone recovers in their own way and you may not feel up to doing much except regaining your strength and working on those milestones that the medical team wants to see you hit before you are released. If you are up for doing a hobby or two, that could be a good way to pass the time - whether that be listening to a podcast, or doing an adult coloring book, crocheting, or maybe just binge-watching a program on Netflix or a streaming service.

Please keep us posted, we'll be thinking of you!

~Nicole, GCCA Staff Member & Colon Cancer Connected Site Administrator.

Just a reminder - this group is here to offer support, share experiences, and offer our thoughts - but this is not medical advice, and you should always consult your medical professional(s). Additionally, for all emergencies, seek urgent medical care, never delay.