I’m supposed to have my big surgery tomorrow - total hysterectomy, salpingo-oophorectomy and omentectomy. But surprise, surprise I’ve acquired a viral infection (colds, cough, sore throat and a terrible headache) three days before my surgery so it’s been postponed.
I’ve been asked by the hospital to see my GP on Friday to check that I’ve recovered and let them know. I was so peaceful waiting for the big day but having fallen ill the last few days made me realise how my current discomfort is nothing compared to what’s to come. So now I’m very anxious.
Any tips to help ease the nerves?
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purejoy12
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Hi Sorry your op has been postponed. I had the same op as you are going to have in October 2007. I admit I am the biggest wimp going but trust me when I say what you are experiencing with regards to being anxious is fear of the unknown. The op is nowhere near as bad as you are imagining. I had my op and was back home tucked up in my own bed within 4 days. The next day I was downstairs resplendent on the sofa and watching the delights of daytime TV. Ok so is was a bit uncomfortable but nothing like I was thinking it was going to be like. Do let us know how you get on, hope you manage to get the op over and done with soon. Big hug. Kathy xx
What an encouragement to hear Kathy. Thanks for your reassuring words. My first surgery in March where I had my appendix and left ovary and tubes removed was not an easy recovery. I had a minor laparotomy though and even after months I still have tightness and pulling sensation. I’m hoping the second time around wouldn’t be that bad. Hugs back to you xx
I agree - mine was scheduled and postponed because it was determined not safe to do the surgery so I had to have chemo first...when i finally had the surgery, it was just as Katml-UK above said. Fear of the unknown is the worst part. I did not find after surgery difficult or very painful. I was in the hospital 4 days and they took care of everything and when I came home, I just rested. Your body will tell you what it can do.
That's a bummer, but you really do want to be fighting fit! Its a big procedure and your body needs to be concentrating on healing the incision, the one you can see and also the one you cant see inside. Having an op cancelled is very stressful and bound to make you anxious, but believe me it could be worse, my debulking op was cancelled while I was in the pre-assessment department at the hospital, 5.5 hours we sat there for before they said sorry no beds you have to go home! Get yourself well and fighting fit and you will sail through the op. Good Luck Lyn xx
Oh my goodness. I can imagine how annoying that experience must’ve been for you. Thanks for your kind words Lyn. Yeah I’m hoping to recover soon for the big day. xx
Oh poor you! It must be so frustrating but you will get there eventually, my surgery was actually brought forward, I could have kissed the nurse who contacted me to inform me, I was really ready and was actually looking forward to it as I was so poorly. I really do understand your nerves but, like Kathy says, it’s nowhere near as bad as you think it’s going to be, you just have to be sensible once home, let your body tell you just what you can do (it will) and take all the drugs they give you, they do the job really well. I hope your cold goes very soon and you can get your surgery done sooner rather than later, take lots of care ❤️Xx Jane
Thank you Jane. They would’ve brought my surgery forward too had it not been for my cold. They said my original schedule had a complex surgery happening before mine so they prefer to move it forward by a day which of course did not happen. Take care of yourself too❣️
Distraction distraction distraction. Books, TV, streaming movies etc.
I bet it's quite stressful.. feeling ill and on top of it, dealing with a postponed surgery. I'm with the other ladies though.. rather get fit again before surgery.
Personally, I find the first 48 hrs after surgery most annoying as there can be a bunch of tethers/IVs/tubes/drains involved and it's a bit bothersome when trying to sleep. I tried to adopt a non-moving 'corpse position', as that worked best for me. Was glad for having a catheter during those hrs. Many hospitals feature a pain management team these days.. .. which is great as their attention allowed me to keep pain to a well manageable level, via pain pumps or epidural ( that tale being told by the biggest wuss in the country :)).
I'd say don't hesitate to ask for pain or anti sickness meds early on, when you feel you need them. Hold your tummy when coughing/laughing/sneezing. Maybe bring something to help getting bowels working again if you have a favourite, like prunes (check with doctors first). Peppermint tea may help with wind (did for me, at least).
Generally the op is often not anywhere near as bad as you may be fearing now. I actually felt awesome upon waking up, like on a massive drug high (probably true at the time) :).
Feel better soon, Lena, and all the best for the op. Let us know how you get on when you can. xx. Maus
Thanks Maus. What you shared about post surgery made me recall how mine went last time and you’re right. It really wasn’t so bad (but yeah being high on pain killers did the trick for me too...haha). Now time to get distracted. 😩 Hope you’re keeping well. xx Lena
My first time on here but the whole surgery thing was a breeze compared to chemo. You will be fine, sadly expected to be pounds lighter but no such luck. Hope you recover soon from your virus and good luck.
Hello and welcome to the group. Funny you say that because I told my friends with all that’s to be removed I hope I should at least be a few pounds lighter 😂. Thank you for your encouragement.
Hi Purejoy---it will happen soon and you won't even remember the break due to your cold. Better to be in fighting mode to get better quickly. When I had my debulking, they kept me full of fluids and each day when they weighed me, I gained a fair amount (no eating yet) and I was NOT happy. By the time I got out of the hospital (with minimal eating) I had gained 20 pounds! Three days home, ALL gone. So yeah, there's that. But a Kat-Mal said, the joy of justifiably lying on your couch watching daytime TV is helpful for awhile Wishing you luck! Recovery can be quick....and then onward!!! oxoxoxo
Oh that’s quite a lot of fluids. 😮 Yeah, Netflix marathon is one option I have in mind while recovering...that and lots of books. Thank you for lifting up my spirits.
Sorry to hear you have to postpone the surgery that you were mentally prepared for . That’s tough . Anxiety is very difficult but with your cold sore throat etc you’ll be feeling very much below par which won’t be helping . Mostly the anxiety we feel before a big event is lots heavier than actually going through it but there are one or two things I have found useful . Writing down my fears one by one then next writing any facts , and then a conclusion !! Oddly it’s encouraging , and helps separate these turbulent emotions from taking over . The other thing I do ( can’t concentrate to read when nervous!) is to do colouring . I have several lovely books , some sassy pens and doing this makes me calmer. When you do have your operation please accept all the caring help offered and don’t put on a big braveface if you are in pain or distress. Nurses and doctors need to know an accurate picture. In a few days time you’ll be feeling less grotty and I’m sure things will improve soon. With love and best wishes for a healthy outcome ASAP ! Xx Denise
Hi Denise. Thank you for your lovely message and sharing your own experiences and words of advice. I’ve actually created my personal medical journal just summarising the facts I was told each time I see the Oncologist. I realised I can’t rely on my memory especially since life now seem to consists of medical appointments. But one thing I haven’t done is write down my emotions. Thank you for that suggestion. I think that would massively help. And about colouring...hmm, that made me look for the colouring book and lovely set of colouring pencils I bought many years ago! Yay! Now I’m excited to start with it...as Maus suggested too...distraction...distraction...distraction... All the best to you too. So grateful to have the support of ladies like you during this daunting journey. xx Lena
Sorry that you're feeling crappy, but don't assume that surgery will be worse than being sick or work yourself up. I know it sounds very woowoo, but the truth is your outlook and attitude have a ton to do with how you respond.
I've gone to work through several surgeries over the past 11 years and find that recovery is not so bad (can even be relaxing) if you surround yourself with healthy food, fun movies, and good friends.
You're gonna do great! Let your body heal so that you are ready to face the coming events.
Dear Purejoy , how are you ? You’ve been in my thoughts as it’s 3 days after we “ spoke” and I hope you’re over your cold symptoms so surgery may have gone ahead or scheduled soon . Somehow we find a way to get through our challenges as I’m sure you will . I’m about to begin 4 months of chemo , which I’m coming to terms with . I hope your anxiety has lessened considerably and that when you are ready you’ll let us know how things are going . Wishing you heaps of healthy wishes and good luck for the weeks ahead . Take care . Love from Denise xx
I’m getting better each day but still congested. My GP said I should be okay for surgery next week so I’m now setting my mind once again that it’s all happening. I’m getting some sleep issues not sure if it’s my congestion or my anxious mind.
I hope your chemo wouldn’t cause you much discomfort and if it does, that you’ll be well looked after by your family and you’ll be well managed by your medical team.
I had that total debulking March of this year, home in 2 days due to Covid fears. Was ok! Its nowhere near as bad as you may think. What I will say though, please watch your bowels, dont let yourself get constipated, its mega important.
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Wishing you luck! Recovery can be quick....and then onward!!! oxoxoxo
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