new update and question

wildangel
wildangel Member Posts: 81
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Thank you to all who replied to my post below. I wanted to make a separate post because I didn't want this to get lost.
Mom is in the hospital now getting the "clean out" and they are giving her massive amounts of anti-biotics.
The Anesthesiologist came in and told her that she was going to be in "rough shape" after such an "extensive surgery" so he is going to implant a pump into her spine to give her a constant epidural.
Is this STANDARD? Just how bad will she be?! I know this is bad- but if she is THAT advanced why don't they just remove the mass and make her comfortable.
I am quite nervous about all of this.
Thanks for listening. I will post after her surgery tomorrow.
Angela

Comments

  • oneagleswings
    oneagleswings Member Posts: 425 Member
    #2
    Hi- A friend of mine's Mom had rectal surgery and a colostomy in her 70's and they used a post-op epidural for pain relief and she was very pleased to have it- helped her recovery along too-let us know how everything goes with the surgery- will be thinking about you.
    Bev
  • Moesimo
    Moesimo Member Posts: 1,072 Member
    #3
    First , I wish all the best for your mom. I had an epidural for my pain control and it was the BEST part of my surgery. Your mom will probably be in rough shape for a few days, maybe even a week, but it sounds like they are going to try to get all the cancer out. I was 46 and very healthy and had been a nurse for over 25 years, and I had NO IDEA how terrible I was going to feel initially after my surgery. But, I got through it and your mom will too. Initially you will have take hour by hour progress, but then you can have day by day progress. This is major surgery and she is having more than the usual colon cancer surgery.
    Your mom is lucky to have you, be there to support her. Also remember to take time for yourself, and take all the help that is offered to you both.
    Your mom is in my prayers and if you have any other questiions, feel free to ask.
    Keep us posted.

    Maureen
  • Btrcup
    Btrcup Member Posts: 286
    #4
    Angela, my hubby had two colon surgeries. The first one in Feb 2004 they gave him a morphine pump for the pain; the second they gave him the epidural. He was much more comfortable with the epidural. I'm not sure if this is the same thing your mom is getting, but I believe she may be better off with the epidural for pain.

    You and your family will be in our prayers.

    Linda (Baltimore)
  • taraHK
    taraHK Member Posts: 1,952 Member
    #5
    yes - I think morphine pump or epidural are the two (main) options for post-surgical pain relief. Some prefer one and some the other -- but epidural was certainly offered to me after both my surgeries.
    Wishing her (and you) all the best!
    Tara
  • jsabol
    jsabol Member Posts: 1,145 Member
    #6
    Hi Angel, I had the epidural after my colon resection. I have had a few other unrelated abdominal surgeries, and I was so pleased with the epidural. I woke with no pain, no nausea. They left it in for 3 days, and I think it really sped up my recovery. I thought it was a miracle to be that pain free after surgery.
    Best of luck to your mom. Judy

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