Concern about surviving surgery

[notforhire]

Anyone have diabetes, asthma and had total hysterectomy due to ovarian cancer.

How did you do after surgery. Wondering if I will survive surgery.

[Lyndy]

Hello I don’t have any of those but thought it might help to know that if you opt for the epidural plus general... they may be able to keep the general lighter than if you don’t have epidural. Also because our TAH BSO ops tend to be longer than many other surgeries we tend to get the best class of anaesthetic. Ask to speak to the anaesthetist and talk it through with them xx

[candyapplegrey]

Hi, I have mild asthma but no diabetes (I'm possibly pre-diabetic though) and had the op with all the extra bits (that I didn't realise weren't part of my womb) taken out as well. Just to reassure you that was all fine. It can be a long op but your medical team will take any pre-existing conditions into account (I hope - always worth telling them twice). I didn't even use the pain meds they put me on (fentanyl) in the end as it gave me hallucinations. They insisted on replacing it with oxycontin (anyone watch Justified?) but didn't stand over me so I tried and managed without.

You'll survive!

Candy x

[notforhire in reply to candyapplegrey]

Thanks so much! I feel better about surgery!

[SASSY196]

I am no expert but am very certain they wouldn't offer it if it wasn't safe and the best option for you. I had a pre- op assessment which I am sure you will have. This is a chance to talk about all your concerns and additional illnesses. They will run any extra tests they need. Then before the surgery you meet anaethist who runs through everything. In your case they may meet earlier. Please be confident that they will look after you. All the very best xxx

[Rhonddalady]

Hi, i have mild COPD , I had a total hysterectomy and debulking surgery. There was an 84 year old on the ward same time who just had the hysterectomy - she had keyhole surgery and was home after 2 days- I was home after 3 days.I was quite nervous about it and asked loads of questions at my pre op assessment.

I decided to go ahead because

1. They would not consider doing it if it wasn't beneficial to me.

1. They wouldn't offer me the operation if they didn't think I was fit enough.

So ask all the questions you can - write them down if you need to. Don't feel shy or silly about asking there are no wrong questions. Good luck with your treatment. Xx

[notforhire in reply to Rhonddalady]

Good suggestions. I am inspired by all the positive responses.

[Kwiskwos]

Hello. I dont have any of the conditions you mentioned, i am a nurse, though. i believe patients have their cardiopulmonary clearance prior to the operation to assess their risk of developing post operation complications. And also, doctors ensure that your blood sugar is under control before they do the procedure so that wound healing will be normal. Most importantly, your mental condition is a big factor for your recovery. I know that this is so much easier said than done, express your concerns to your health care team as well as to your support system. Words of encouragement can mean a lot. This is such a big hurdle for you to carry alone, i hope we can do a bit to ease your mind.

[notforhire in reply to Kwiskwos]

Thank you so much! I do need to change my outlook and you have helped me make a better effort.

[Slipper1]

Hi I didn't have your other health conditions but have had recent surgery and to say your individual needs are assessed prior to surgery and you are monitored so closely, the surgeon and their team will know your needs.

I met my surgeon prior to surgery, along with the anaesthetist and felt they knew me and my cancer. Its normal to be anxious notforhire, I was thinking all sorts of things as your fears override your thoughts. I changed my inner chatter voice to I can do this, I have an excellent team who know what they are doing and I trust them.

You can do this, keep strong x

[notforhire in reply to Slipper1]

Thank you! You inspire me.

[Slipper1 in reply to notforhire]

thank you, you can do this xx

[notforhire in reply to Slipper1]

Thank you for your support!

[bamboo89]

I'm not diabetic, but am asthmatic, have mild COPD and smoke - I was 67 when I had the full debulking surgery and clearly, I survived with very little trouble. I was in hospital for 8 days because they had to resection part of the bowel as well as removing all the usual stuff (omentum, tumour, ovaries, womb, etc) which meant staying for longer - I had antibiotics so I didn't cough because I did get a mild chest infection, frequent ventolin nebulisers and was on a morphine pump for 2 days following the surgery, which is standard procedure at my treating hospital.

You should be fine...in my experience, they monitor you constantly for all sorts of things.

Miriam

[notforhire in reply to bamboo89]

Thank you for making me feel better. Glad you are doing well!

[Porschadarling]

I have asthma and was very scared before going in for surgery...a natural response. I have to tell you the care was amazing and I was so surprised at how much negative thoughts and worries turned out to be needless. .The doctors were amazing at controlling pain and by day two I was just on tynol 3 . I had the same surgery as you..Let the doctors know about your concerns..they will be great at answering your questions. I have to say that the doctors in the Tom Baker Cancer Center in Calgary were totally understanding and compassionate...Cancer specialists that I have dealt were amazing to talk to.

My thoughts are with you...my recovery went really well and I think it likely yours will to!

[notforhire in reply to Porschadarling]

Thank you ! I feel much better!

[delia2]

Hi. I have severe asthma and my surgery took 7 hours and I was fine. The anesthesiologist won’t agree to your having the surgery if you’re not well enough but you want the surgery as your best chance of surviving the cancer. Good luck!!

[notforhire in reply to delia2]

What a great outcome. Thank you for responding. i am not so worried now!