Finally got a surgery date!

[Petalgirl]

Been waiting 18 months, finally getting my surgery 24th march. I will be having excision, bowel resection, uretal stents, hopefully keeping ovaries and uterus but who knows what they will find 🤷 Been rereading all the info they sent me ages ago, looks like I'll be staying in for up to 5 days. I am a single mum with 3 kids and a house full of animals. Any advice?? The kids are going to their dads for my recovery period (I'm expecting at least 6 weeks?) As we have to drive to school and don't think I'll be able to do that. Or the every day kid stuff.

What are some things I should prepare/organise/be aware of please? I feel like it's massive surgery and I'm just expected to turn up and cope. My parents are fab but live 20 minutes away, and lots of friends have offered to come feed me and tidy up.

Grateful for any advice!

[Pinkybow]

Hey! Congrats on your date 🥳My key advice is except every offer of help. Batch cook some meals in the freezer for the days you don't get help. Make sure you've got lifts for the kids for at least the first couple of weeks. Take your time in hospital to focus on you ❤️ hope it all goes well

[PandoraEx]

Sounds very similar to my surgery, I had bowel resection, oopherectpmy (only 1 removed) 2x kidney stents... & some other stuff I can't remember, it was a lot. Surgery was about 9 -10 hours. I would say I wish I had taken a sleep/eye mask as they keep the lights on pretty much all the time in the hospital ward and it can be hard to get some rest. You'll definitely need someone around for your first few days at home to help you get up/down. Don't push yourself too hard too soon! Good luck, I hope your surgery goes well.

[Petalgirl in reply to PandoraEx]

I had forgotten that from previous hospital stays! Will definitely get one, as I struggle to sleep as it is. Thank you, useful to hear how long it might take. Will tell my mum to go home and not wait around. How long was your recovery? I work in a shop so counts as physical as I stand all day. Not really expecting to be back at work very soon! I was feeling ok about it all but I am now suddenly feeling very overwhelmed.

[PandoraEx]

I was off about 6 weeks in total, I only sit at a desk though so it's not as physical. I was in hospital about 5 days as well so that sounds about right, they wanted to keep me longer but tbh you just want to get back to your home comforts! It is a lot & it is scary but you'll be OK!