Surgery Tomorrow

[Motiva]

I had my CT results, appointment with the surgeon and pre assessment yesterday. Surgery in scheduled for tomorrow. Feeling nervous now. Any tips or advice from those of you who have got through that part of their treatment.

Thanks in advance,

F x 🙏🏼

[0462County]

Hello Motiva

Last year I had my hysterectomy for Ovarian Cancer.

Take in nighties, not PJs.

The following day after surgery you will probably be made to get out of bed. Once I knew I was confident to walk around by myself my catheter was taken out.

Take the pain relief offered to you even if you think you don't need it. I was on morphine for a couple of days post operation. It will hurt to laugh, cough, sneeze and if you have wind 🤦.

I am sure I have forgotten things to add to my list. Please let us know how you get on. The ladies on here are brilliant, no question is too silly to ask on here.

Love and hugs.

Beth xx

[Motiva in reply to 0462County]

Thanks so much. Will get a nightie.

[OvacomeSupport Partner My Ovacome Team]

Hi Motiva

Thank you for your post. I was really sorry to hear that you are feeling nervous about your upcoming surgery; it’s good to see that Beth has shared her experiences with you and hope this has been helpful.

Please know that the Ovacome support team are here for you if there is anything you would like to talk through. You can message us directly through this forum, email us via [e-mail] or call our friendly support line on 0800 008 7054. We’re here Monday – Friday, 10am – 5pm, to respond to questions about ovarian cancer, provide information resources or just have a chat about anything that’s on your mind.

I wanted to let you know about a list that an Ovacome member shared of recommended items to bring for a hospital stay that I hope will be useful for you as you prepare for surgery. This can be found here on our website: ovacome.org.uk/blog/what-to... .

In addition, Ovacome have an information resource about surgery for ovarian cancer which may be of interest and can be found here: ovacome.org.uk/surgery-for-... .

I hope this is helpful, that your upcoming surgery goes as smoothly as possible and that your recovery is straightforward.

Best wishes

Annie – Ovacome Support

[Doglover1410]

Take some ear pods and something to watch/ read/ listen to.

Trust the physios when they make you get up and walk about. You won’t want to but do it!!

Good luck xx

[Mariej2021]

I would echo the nightie advice for in hospital The first 24hrs I had catheter in and morphine button for pain relief I think they just kept me in a hospital gown post op and then next morning got me into a nightie Some people have an epidural in I didn't and the physio walked me on Day 1 So night gown and slippers that you can get your feet into without having to bend over! Something to look at/ read and a long charge lead if you have it Some lip balm/moisturiser a zip up fleece in case you are cold And loose trousers around the middle for going home The hospital stay goes by in a flash I found it hard to sit up straight for long while and went home in a car with seat reclined back So think about transport Good Luck All be over soon and you will be recovering xx

[Halo2O14]

Just wanted to wish you well for your surgery Motiva. I'd recommend big loose pants too! I wore maternity knickers afterwards and they didn't irritate me. Nighties, slippers for comfort. I took headphones and ipad to watch films etc. Loose trousers/clothing for the journey home. Definitely what the other ladies have said in terms of moving. They'll get you up the day after but the more you're moving the better for your recovery. Best wishes. x

[Beaver54]

wishing you all the very best for your surgery motiva, and a speedy recovery. . xx

[Atai]

Hi.

I had loose pyjamas, and might T-shirts as well as a cardigan, some wards are warm.

All the different drugs can make you constipated so do ask for something to help, and try to eat lots of fruit… straining to poo after an op is not a good idea 😉

You will need to follow the instructions for post-op care, even if you feel ok, because the no lifting /bending is very important, and definitively treat yourself , once home, to a nap , in bed, every afternoon, this will really help you heal and feel better too! 😊

some folk feel emotional, others feel normal, some veer between the two, it’s all normal and so be prepared for all of that too and warn your family/friends. I had a bit of a roller coaster of emotions but not for long ☺️

You will be fatigued for a while, take this into consideration.

Take a small cushion when you are being driven places, place it on your tummy before putting seatbelt on, much more comfy. Ask the driver to go slow, especially over road bumps etc.

Rest, rest, rest! But also make sure you have one or two little walks around the room or house each day; after a few days, try to stand at the sink to wash one mug, then verrry gradually build up, and the first time, just washing one mug feels like an epic event!

Good luck , speedy recovery ! X

[Tulips66]

You have got lots of great tips from all of the other ladies so I just want to wish you all the best with your surgery today. I will just add that when you get home be kind to yourself, it will take time to get your strength back, just move around a little more everyday to keep your lungs especially, in good order. No heavy lifting or ironing for 6 weeks ( which I am sure you wont mind anyway 🤣) Good luck hope all goes well X x

[Motiva in reply to Tulips66]

No ironing 😱

[Fluffyjumper]

I’ll echo the others - nightie, big pants, iPad or similar to watch tv, email. I wore fold over waist baggy yoga trousers after my op. Once you get home have regular short walks, an afternoon nap, help with household chores. Walking is very important. Bowels don’t like being moved/handled and tend to slow down after the op. You may feel bloated and ‘windy’ after the op. You’ll probably have to wear compression socks for a couple of weeks and have daily heparin injections to prevent blood clots.

It won’t be as bad as you think.

[Kjpip]

Good luck with your op today 🤞 When I had mine it was honestly much better than I was expecting. As the other ladies have said, try to move around a tiny bit the next day, the worst thing immediately afterwards for me was trapped wind and a tiny walk up and down the ward will help to release it. (And you won't care because the other patients in there will be exactly the same!) Let us know how you get on xx

[NewtonEmma1900]

There is little that I can add apart from my experience re underwear post surgery.I was advised to wear ‘big pants’, but for me they still cut through my incision which stopped above waist line. So I wore bikini style pants that came below the incision but I also wore a soft cami top which did not rub any part of my abdomen. Loose waisted tracky bottoms or a loose dress for home if you can go without tights.

Other than that take the pain killers, once home take it easy but also very slowly introduce some gentle walking. Good Luck, I am sure you will be fine.🙏

[Skyeplus]

Hi, a lovely person shared this with me. I think it might be the list that Ovacome share.

I was in for 12 days for my debulking surgery.

Good luck. It will soon be over and you will get the best of care and on the road to recovery. 🥰🥰

I also wished I had a cardigan as it sometimes got cold believe or not.

Phone and charger iPad/tablet and charger Small extension lead Earphones

Sleep eye mask

Large V-shaped pillow

Dressing gown (light one)

Notebook & pen

Diary

Medication

Toiletries

Face cloths x 2

Adult colouring book & pencils

Hairbrush

Deodorant

Hand &body cream

Dry shampoo

Wet wipes

On my tablet I downloaded box sets of things to watch

Audio books

Meditation apps

Small trolley suitcase (put it on the chair next to bed at night and use it as a charging station for phone & tablet. This is why your extension lead is a must.)

3 night dresses (to the knee)

Very comfortable slippers - ones you don’t mind if they get ruined,

An extra long cable for charging your phone as the socket is usually located behind the bed

[Realistic]

God bless, stay positive & get well very soon love & hugs SheilaFxxx

[Voyager3]

hi Motiva. I had my op in December. Morning after I was told I would be going for a shower to which I thought no chance. Encouraged by the nurses I did and it was the best thing I did. I was also advised to get Peppermint tea as this would help pass wind

Stay positive and take life slowly X

[Motiva in reply to Voyager3]

Yes I would love a shower but as yet can’t imagine how. I will let the nurses coax me. I like peppermint tea so will do that too. Thanks Voyager x

[Ruebacelle]

Hi. First stay upbeat and glad they are doing something. My pharmacist gave me homeopathic medicines to take before and after that helped strengthen my system. Good luck

[Motiva in reply to Ruebacelle]

I have heard good reports about slippery elm.

[Pianoplayer731021]

Hi, just sending my best wishes that your surgery will go smoothly and you will be comfortable afterwards. Take care, Donna xx 🙏🥰

[SopSinger]

Take a small pillow or cushion for your tummy for the car ride home. Seatbelts can be really uncomfortable!

[Motiva in reply to SopSinger]

Thanks I take one in for chemo that a friend knitted me. I will get it brought in when the tine comes. F x

[Django123]

I second the suggestion to bring a pillow for the drive home. Also be sure to take your pain meds on schedule even if you're not hurting--once you start to hurt it's harder to control the pain than it would have been to prevent it. Best wishes for your recovery. --Lani

[Motiva in reply to Django123]

Thanks Lani. I have a nice local anaesthetic infusion in the rectus muscle sheaths now. Can’t imagine how it feels without that. F x

[Irisisme]

Hi Motiva,

There’s not much to add but I don’t think anyone has mentioned help in getting up with a rolled towel, or the cushion you’ll have with you to go home with. Holding something to your stomach, when you can bear it, will help those muscles that have been damaged through surgery. It is really painful when you start to bend in the middle to sit up, but it will pass.

The advice re: constipation is so important. I didn’t have a stoma but my colon was paralysed for several days. It was terrible, so ask for laxatives from the start - and if necessary use incontinence pants - being ‘loose’ is so much better (less painful) than being constipated!

Wishing you an uneventful recovery!

Iris🤗

[Motiva in reply to Irisisme]

Thank you Iris. I will try the cushion as I had hiccups earlier and that was sore.

F x

[Jannibags]

You've had excellent advice on here, I would've said exactly the same. Really just wanted to say I hope it all went well and that you're back home resting now. Take care😘

[Motiva]

Thanks. Yes back home and resting. Pain less each day. The nightie for the urinary catheter and cushion for the car were invaluable pieces of advice.

Very appreciative,

F x