Post op , what to expect

[Manchesterlady]

Hello ladies , came home yesterday , what should I be doing , got up and showered . Came downstairs and just resting . Still feel nauseous at the thought of food . Thanks

Sheila x

[Nancy222]

Hi Sheila,

This might end up being a double post. I had my reply written and must have pressed the wrong key.

Anyway, my first post indicated how impressed I was that you were showered and downstairs! Way to go!!!

Listen to what your body is telling you. It's likely wanting some gentle movement and lots of rest. As for food, try nibbling your way through light meals/fruits/yogurt. Each swallow is a success.

Good luck and keep us posted.

XXOO

[Caroles1]

Hi Sheila,

Be kind to yourself, don’t expect too much, there is no standard way to recover, lots of rest,don’t even think about housework, heavy lifting or vacuuming for at least 6 weeks, take as much help as is offered and don’t be too proud to accept it!

If you feel as sick (and was sick) as I was, I was prescribed Omaprezole, one a day to disperse acid and within a couple of days was back eating.

Some gentle walking will help you recover, nothing more strenuous and wear light loose clothing to help the scar heal.

You will soon be feeling better, we are all behind you,

Love,

Carole xx

[Hidden]

Well getting up and showering is a good step and would whack you, you will be surprised how little you can do right now and for the next few weeks. Try tea and some crackers or toast and see how that goes. You need to eat to get better

[Seasun36-uk]

Hi Sheila, what I can say is ‘well done’! You’ve done more already than many can do on returning home 🙂

Just keep going, slowly walking, plenty of rest, plenty of fluids, small snacks, deep breathing and treats (like watching a nice film, reading a light magazine/book). Best wishes xoxo 💐

[Coldethyl]

Take it slowly snd gently - my mum came up stay with me afterwards to look after me - I ended up getting no rest as she cleaned out cupboards that required my supervision and then dad came over too and I ended up going a big supermarket shop and cooking roast dinner! It’s important you do what you feel up to and put you first x

[Katmal-UK]

Hi Sheila. The fact yr up and showered is a massive start. take things at yr own pace. Dont try to do ANYTHING srenuous, give yr body time to recover. NO lifting, even a kettle, listen to yr body and you will heal in time. Baby steps, building up your stamina slowly. You will get there. lots of rest and relaxation xx

[Cropcrop]

Hi Sheila, congrats on getting home, that’s a really big step. I’m impressed you’ve managed a shower so soon but take it easy. Take little steps, you’ll be surprised how tired you get, rest up as much as possible while you heal, the heaviest thing you should lift is a cup, not even a kettle at this stage. Your body will tell you when you’ve done enough, listen to it very carefully and don’t worry if you need to nap, do it. Little walks around the house are important to keep your circulation going nicely too, it’s a balance.

Eat whatever takes your fancy and that’s nutritious if poss, the good old ginger biscuits were a life saver for me, it is important to eat for energy. I was really nauseous at first, it was due to a very sluggish bowel post op, once that started working the nausea went.

Keep well, you’ve done really well so far, be kind to you you’ve had major surgery. ❤️Xx Jane

[bamboo89]

Gosh, when I got out of hospital after 9 days, I was absolutely ravenous, ready to eat my own elbow (and shocked to discover I'd lost 11lb whilst in there) .... but restricted to a low residue diet for a few days, so seems we're all different. But the first morning I was home, I had my shower and then cooked eggs, bacon, tomatoes, mushroom and toast for two of us, so you can do some stuff, if you're up to it, so long as it doesn't involve anything heavy.

I live up three flights of stairs, and the surgeon told me he wanted me to go up and down those stairs at least once a day as soon as I got home, and more often if I could manage it, so moving around when you can seems to be a good idea. And yea, a shower every morning was essential to keep the wound clean according to the hospital, but I couldn't wash or dry below my knees for the first week or so. Otherwise, if I felt tired, I just slept - an hour here or there, on the sofa in front of the tv, in bed, whatever... you're not supposed to lift anything heavy, and I know some ladies can't even manage to lift a kettle with water in it, so that's one thing to watch. No taking out the rubbish, or picking up heavy bags... and definitely no vacuuming... I do remember lots of trapped wind though, and I found ginger ale was the best for that, sipping it seemed to help clear it, whereas peppermint tea (as advised by the hospital) was not only disgusting, but didn't help at all. Again, we're all different...

You will likely continue to feel tired after doing anything - my first appointment after 2 weeks back at the hospital, I had to have a sleep as soon as I got home, I felt like I'd run a marathon... so yea, sleep when you feel you need to, don't fight it off.

[Angie-69]

All I would say is don't over do it my body tricked me into feeling better than I was and ended up getting stretched scar etc that got infected...take it very slowly receive any help u can and dont rush foods....small n often easily digestible. U done so well already be proud of that but now sit back one day at a time...ya not even supposed to lift a kettle lol xx speedy recovery hun!!

[Zena41]

Hi still early days. All I did was rest and I’m glad I didn’t push myself too much it took me a month until I walked around a shop with someone supporting me. X