Hello,
My surgery is scheduled for 10 October. It sounds like a big op, so feeling frightened, especially after reading experiences shared about how ones body changes and complications post op. Any tips for the surgery and recovery would be welcome.
Thanks so much.
Hi @Aletejo
I had the debulking surgery in January - it was a fairly major operation - hysterectomy, omentectomy, and splenectomy - and I was expecting the recovery to be a nightmare, but I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly my body healed. I know that not everyone has this experience but I wanted to let you know that it is possible that it might not be as bad as one might think.
I had to spend 10 days in the hospital because of issues related to the splenectomy, and the first four days are a hazy memory because I was on a hydromorphone drip, but I am told they had me up and walking (aided) to the bathroom on day 2 and I know that by day 5 I was up and doing short laps around the hospital unit. By the time I was home on day 10 I was able to walk around the house slowly but otherwise quite normally, and could get in and out of bed and up and down off the couch unaided. Shortly after that I was able to go for walks outside.
I had the full vertical incision - pubic area to sternum - and I think 40 or so staples - which sounds horrible, but I didn't find the pain from the incision too bad (and I'm not particularly stoic when it comes to physical pain). The worst part of it for me was the gas pain that came after my bowels started working again.
My main bit of advice is to expect that your bowels will need a fair bit of babying for longer than you might expect. I tried to eat my regular high vegetable intake diet when I got home and suffered from a lot of pain in my GI tract because it was inflamed and sore and unable to digest all of that fiber. I had to eat plain, low fiber foods like mashed potatoes, apple sauce, rice, white bread etc for quite a while. I remember telling my oncologist at the 6 week check up that I was still experiencing bowel discomfort and her saying that it was normal after such an invasive surgery and to keep on the bland diet. Remember to drink a LOT of water every day and to use whatever stool softeners and/or laxatives they recommend.
For the hospital stay itself, I brought my own bathrobe and my own clothes, but I ended up just wearing the hospital issued gowns. I do recommend bringing your own toiletries - toothbrush etc.
When I was allowed to eat solid food I appreciated having food brought in from home because the hospital food was unappealing.
I brought a ton of distractions and entertainment (books, journal, phone etc) and used none of it. I was so high for the first few days and after that I didn't have the energy or the interest in anything that I brought.
My oncologist recommended that I bring chewing gum, because studies have shown that chewing on gum after surgery significantly decreases the amount of time it takes for the bowels to start working again. Something to do with saliva production and how that triggers the movement of the bowels.
I was lucky in that the room that I was in had a cot for family members and I had someone there with me the whole time - that was very helpful. I found myself wanting to talk at odd hours and it was so nice to not have to be alone.
I brought a notebook for taking notes, and that was very useful, especially when they were doing the discharge as there were a lot of different medications to take and lots of instructions.
I rested a lot when I first got home - napped once a day, and otherwise mostly rested on the couch - but by week 6 I was back to my normal routine in terms of energy levels and movement. And like I said, I was pleasantly surprised, even shocked, by how quickly the incision healed and how quickly the pain in the abdominal area eased.
I hope all goes well for you!!
Hi Alentejo
I had my operation December 2021. I had a full radical hysterectomy, partial omentectomy, biopsies of peritoneum, lymph nodes, bowel and abdominal washings taken. I was in hospital 4 days. I was up walking short distances the day after my operation. I had a full vertical incision from pubic area to above my belly button. I had dissolving stitches instead of staples. I couldn’t leave hospital until I’d been to the loo and walked the length of the ward. My bowls were sluggish after the operation and I was gassy and uncomfortable. Breaking wind a couple of days after the operation was a great relief.
Before my operation, I had struggled to walk, had backache, frequent urination, was breathless, tired, felt nauseous. I felt a lot better after my operation.
Recovery was relatively rapid once I got home. I went from short walks around the house, to walking in the garden and then 5 minute walks to the end of the street within a week back at home.
The operation and recovery was not as bad as I anticipated. After my operation I wore granny knickers, soft roll waistband baggy yoga pants, a pull on sports bra and a t shirt. I ate small meals. I had 28 days of heparin injections and did these myself every evening. I felt back to normal after 6 weeks, took 7 weeks off work and did a staged return to work over the following 4 weeks. I went skiing 3 months after my operation.
Morning Alentejo, big hug to you. I think the waiting is worse than the reality. Am guessing you are having debulking surgery? I had mine in March 22. Like you I was really nervous but everything was fine. Top tip there is a list on the Ovacome website of things to take with you that's really helpful. I was in hospital for 12 days and became very bored. My only issue was post surgery the wound bled slightly but my local surgery were brilliant and it was soon sorted. The thing is to follow the advice given. Rest, don't do too much too soon. Listen to your body. All will be well. Truly.
I ended up having a second major operation longer in time than debulking because I was in a car accident in the October and broke my back. I had spinal surgery so have two zips back and front!! So I speak from real knowledge. Follow the advice given, rest, don't stress, sleep when you need to. All will be well.
You will be in good hands. Another big hug Xxx
HiI had hysterectomy, omentectomy, appendectomy. Vertical incision belly button to pubis. I was home in 2 days and felt much better than I had in ages. As a result I went back to work in 2 weeks. My job is quite physical. No one warned me and my surgical wound broke open within a week of going back to work. Not the skin, the muscle underneath. I now live with a 4 month pregnancy stomach where my abdominal contents sit below the skin. Repairing these big hernias is sore, causes huge inflammation which helps the cancer. I wish I'd been a bit sicker post op and stayed home!!! A aren't have a hernia repair but my stomach is ugly and weird looking.
Hi Alentejo as the other ladies have said your body heals surprisingly quick. I too struggled with the gas issue and found peppermint water very useful ( others recommended peppermint tea to me but I didn't like the taste). Getting in a comfy position I used extra oillows in bed first couple of weeks for sleep adls couldn't lie in my usual position. They give you gentle exercises to do, don't be tempted to push beyond the few sets they suggest, give your tummy time to heal and build up slowly. Gentle walk each day was enough for me in first few weeks and I did go to bed for a lie down every afternoon as found my body relaxed better in bed than it did lying on couch. I am struggling more with the menopause flushes the surgery brought on than the recovery overall. Main advice is take it steady and if you sleep alot on and off just go with it as its just your body healing. Hope it goes well Jholly
Hello Alentejo - there is not much for me to add to all the wonderful advice and info already given. My surgery was March this year - similar to the other ladies a lengthy vertical incision. I was surprised to find walking a bit tricky for the first few days and even into week two. I woke up with a catheter and it was marvellous! No trips to the loo four million times a day/night as I usually did. So that was great. It came out on day 5. Bowel problems - yes I had those too, but speak to the nurse/Dr and they will advise. Sleep wise - my best buy was a bed wedge. I had that at home and it mimics the ability to prop your bed up so you are not sleeping flat on your back. It was fantastic. I put a couple of pillows onto it and hey presto - a hospital bed! I also bought a grabber - its amazing how many things I dropped during the first three weeks or so and couldn't bend over to pick up! So my grabber was sooo handy!
The most useful thing I took into the hospital was my ear buds - so if you have a phone/ipad, then take in a headset or some ear buds. I was often awake at 2am and would have been lost without having access to sound on my phone. I used to listen to the radio!
I took all sorts of nighties and clothes in and never wore any of them - I just used the hospital gowns which were easier to manage. I didn't want anything pressing against my tummy. When at home - I got into my nighties for a good couple of weeks and never put clothes on!
I did as I was told and rested/listened to my body and never pushed myself. I very slowly and steadily recovered. In terms of the operation - I have had not one issue as a follow up. which I think is amazing considering the op and what needs to be taken!
Good luck and please do pop on here for support - there is always someone who will stop by and listen and reply.... xx
The other ladies have given you excellent advice. The only thing I will suggest is that you bring a small pillow to put between your incision and the seatbelt when you're in the car going home. And take the pain meds on schedule before you start to hurt instead of waiting. Best wishes for your recovery. --Lani
I had a TAH, everything went, plus they took a section of my colon. I had 6 chemo’s following, “to be sure”. I healed very well. Wished they could have done laparoscopically, but my OVCA tumor was too big. Plan to sleep in a recliner for 1-2 weeks. Sendin g prayers and ❤️!
Hi Alentejo
You’ve had some solid advice so far and I’ll echo that you’ll probably be surprised how well you recover and feel afterwards.
Hospital kit wise, get full briefs which cover your tum and maybe a size bigger than usual. I didn’t have any dressings on my wound but it seems to depend on the hospital (same with whether you get stitches or staples). Long phone/tablet charger, download some of your favourite easy watch programmes/films to save using hospital TV. Some nice smelling toiletries just to make you feel good and good hand cream and lip balm as hospitals can be drying. I took a water bottle and some squeezy squash, fortunately there was a water cooler on my ward so lovely cold water. You’ll need some sandals/slippers to walk around in and you may want a cheap pair of flip flops for the shower.
Dresses or very loose, soft trousers which don’t press on your tummy are better to take in; and in the same vein, nighties rather than PJs. Some use a small pillow or towel when going home as a barrier between the seatbelt and your tum.
Xx
Thanks so much lovely ladies. Loving the top tips and encouragement! I've taken lots of notes to help me through the operation. Yes, it is debulking surgery and it will involve a long incision. I understand that surgeons can't be sure what they will find until they open me up, but it's unsettling to be given a whole different types of scenarios! Let's hope for the best. At least I'm responding to the chemos, just did the 4th yesterday.
Skyplus, sorry to hear about you car accident and surgery. Another challenge thrown at you. Wishing you well for a good recovery.
How did you find showering?
Jholly4, I would be interesting in hearing more about your menopause experience. I'm not 50 yet and the surgery will also induce the menopause.
Wishing you all well.
A
My wife has had 2 debulking surgeries over 6 yr. period. Each time, I took in a typical bottled water with one arnica pill dissolved in it. Recommended by our MD, it practically eliminates bruising and helps relieve pain. Each surgery, drs. and nurses were amazed at no bruising. One bottle, sipped over a day or two and then repeat til home and then perhaps another bottle. IT WORKS. Arnica is a homeopathic remedy with NO side effects - all natural. Will pray for you.
Thanks so much PastorEd,
This is a great tip and thank you for your kindness! I know of Arnica and it is good to hear about how well it works. I hope your wife is doing well? It sounds like she has been through a lot.
A
It’s a big surgery, which I have had twice. Fentanyl far more effective for first post op 2-3 days, than morphine which simply made me sick.
If offered, take that extra day in hospital.
Staples left less scar & no hernias later on.
Ask nurse to please wash yr feet! U won’t be able to reach, for a while & my in between toes felt sweaty & sore.
Except for having a temporary big tum, & extreme fatigue, with great pain control u will feel much better within a fortnight. Take it easy for next couple of months before chemo, eating super healthy with little to no sugar
Thanks so much Sherrym. Super grateful for your tips!
I had surgery for stage 3c ovarian cancer in July this year a month after diagnosis
I ended up with a temporary stoma because the cancer had pressed in my bowel and they had to take 6 lymph nodes
I was able to get up and walk about with 4 days once the drain and catheter were taken out
Best tips… hydrate as much as possible
Drink mint tea for tummy as everything in hospital can hung you up
Get up and walk about as soon as you can and try to ask for active recovery
Eat healthily when you get out of hospital
I’ve been swimming and walking to comedy etc and my operation was only 8 weeks ago
Dear Beatbigc - this is so encouraging to hear (and all the other helpful hints). I am about to start 9 weeks of chemo plus Bevacizumab (weekly sessions which I hadn't heard of) and then the big op. I've been told to expect a stoma. I haven't thought too much about the op, I guess that will kick in once chemo is underway, but it is so helpful to read all the suggestions and to hear that recovery can be amazingly fast. They tell me they will start more chemo "within a few weeks of the op" which is slightly scary - how have people found that?
Hi Beatbigc - my surgery is scheduled for 21/12, and I am told that I will have a stoma (I'm not sure yet whether it will be permanent or temporary) and I wondered how long you were in hospital after the op? I think I may be looking at xmas in hospital..... Do you know how long you will have your temporary stoma and how are you finding life with it?
Thank you Beatbigc, it sounds like you've recovered well. It's encouraging to hear from your experience!
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