liver resections, colon removals, kidney leavers behind
Please, let me know of your surgeries, your outcomes at home.
Thank you.
Winter Marie
Comments
-
Here's a teensy bit of info
I had a colon resection, so they didn't take the whole deal. I won't kid you, there's a pretty good amount of pain with it, and I was weak for quite awhile afterwards. You have to pace yourself and rest when you first feel the need coming on. Don't try to hang in. Lie down!
*hugs*
Gail
P.S what about the kidney? Are you having one removed? I have not had surgery for that, but I was born with only 1 functioning kidney, and you can do just fine with one.0 -
Are you having all three at once???
That sounds like one heck of a surgery if you are having all three done at once, Winter Marie. I had the colon resection where they took about 18" of my colon out and then rehooked the two ends back up. Since there was enough to rehook back up, I didn't need to get the bag. But because the tumour had perforated through the colon, I had perotonitis (infection of the abdomen) BIG TIME, so had to be hooked up to IV antibiotics for 3 weeks before the surgery. I had been in so much pain because of the perotonitis, that by the time it came to the actual surgery, I was a pro at it (or immune to it, not sure which). So I did not find it "painful" at all. Now, in all fairness, ANY abdominal surgery is going to involve problems/pain that you didn't have before because to get to the colon, they have to cut through nerves and muscles. While they are rehealing, there are physical moves you can't do the same until you are healed.
So yes, if you are going to have no help from 2pm onwards, then I would suggest you talk to social services and see about maybe getting some homecare nursing for the first week or so that you are back home. Simple things like standing to make a meal.. you might not have the energy for that. Or, taking a shower... do you have to step INTO your tub, or do you have a walk-in shower? If you have to step in and out of the tub, you may need some help. Everyone is different, but these are things you might have to think about. Is your bedroom upstairs? You might not be able to do stairs for a week or so after you get home. OR, you might be able to physically do stairs but they might advise you not to. Remember, there is some pretty heavy duty healing going on in your abdomen.
I don't have any experience with the liver resections or removing a kidney.... but I would think they all fall in the same category as abdominal surgery, and involve cutting through the same nerves/muscles. But that sounds like a huge huge surgery if you are doing all three at once... and your grandson is coming to stay? Will there be someone there to care for him after 2pm? I know you won't be able to run after him, or take him out places... you are not going to be able to drive for some time, just because of the muscles that driving actually uses.
Hope some of this helps and gives you a picture of a colon surgery.
Cheryl0 -
they are
All the surgeries will be done at once, gyn/ob surgeon is on standby in case removal is needed there, I have 3 surgeons on board colon right side, liver left lobe, kidney right side, 4th surgeon, possible radiation surgeon for radiation on kidney side standing by, 5th is ob/gyn for seeing if tumor in ovary still needs removal.
Long surgery.
Winter Marie0 -
Oh well.
I guess I'll have to jump into this, too.
My story is similar to Kathy's. I was on morphine for almost a
month in ICU, and came off "cold turkey" (something that they
should not have allowed to happen). I spent about a week in
recovery, where I became dangerously dehydrated. I insisted on
leaving the hospital as soon as I got rehydrated, before they kill
me for good.
My wife was still too weak, and still recovering from a ruptured
cerebral aneurysm. So we did what had to be done, and I strongly
suggest you do the same:
Call and make arrangements for "visiting nurses". I had my surgeon
prescribe home care, and my insurance accepted it.
I was too weak to climb stairs of any number, and needed help to
do anything that took any serious amount of energy.
I had a "wound-vac" machine and peripherals that needed attention,
including the wound itself, that needed care. I could not take care
of those things in the state I was in (but I would have had trouble
even if I wasn't in Florida). (<---sorry)
You will absolutely require help at home for those things. It really
doesn't make too much difference what condition your husband is
in, there are some things that a family member should -not- be called
to task to do. It's a major learning curve, made more difficult when
someone is emotionally involved. Changing the wound dressings
is not something everyone can do without vomiting on the patient.
It took my surgical wounds six (6) months to fully heal. The wound
had become infected twice in the hospital (and had to be re-opened),
and once at home. When they changed from the "wound-vac" machine
to the common "wet-to-dry" wound management, maintenance
became difficult, since new pains were introduced with that procedure.
Depending on how much colon they're removing, will determine
if you'll have a colostomy or an ileostomy. Both have their nifty
nuances and problems. If you are going to have an ostomy of
either type please heed this:
Take some time with your colorectal surgeon well ahead of your
surgery. The spot for the ostomy is very, very important, especially
if it will be a permanent ostomy.
An ileostomy should be off to the right of your navel by about
four inches, and below your normal waistline (usually by about
four inches). That will allow the pouch to point down the face
of your right leg while standing, and be pointing down between
your legs while on the toilet. That location will also allow you
to wear the clothes you normally wear, while having your
new appliance well concealed.
The location for the stoma, along with being in that area, should
be chosen where there are no folds in the skin that will impair
the adhesion of the appliance. When they help you find the correct
location for the stoma, you should be sitting, standing, twisting,
etc., to insure the most perfect placement. If it's going to be
permanent, you want to make certain you take those steps
prior to surgery.
They often will fill a pouch and stick in in the chosen spot, fill
it with applesauce, or whatever.... and let the patient wear it to
see if it's going to work out ok.
You should also insist; demand..... that the stoma is not only placed
in the proper area, but that it sticks out at least 3/4 to 1 inch beyond
the surface of your skin. The term for that stoma's length is called
a "spout", and it's very important that the surgeon creates the stoma
in that maner and length. It will provide you with less problems
in the future. I really can't stress that enough... really.
Life with a stoma is difficult at first. I could spend time and tell you
of my first six months, and how I had wished I had died instead
of having a stoma.... one that leaked so bad, and ate up my skin so
much, that I slept in the tub one night, being unable to keep anything
stuck to it to catch the waste.
It took me six months, to finally realize that everything that was
being done, was not good for my situation. So nurses or not,
read the manufacturer's literature, and ask questions from those that
have one. There are better and easier ways to get through life, once
you know what they are, and often, only -you- can decide what
those ways are.
Take some time and go to the <a href="http://www.ostomy.org/forum/viewforum.php?f=2" target="_blank">UOAA.ORG website, and search
through their archives, as well as ask questions. You'll get the usual
kind of diversity, with both right and wrong answers, but you know
how that works..... At least it will provide you with more insight
and knowledge, and perhaps take the fear out of what is about
to take place.
You ain't all that unusual, sweetie. We all have our experiences,
marriage-wise, and otherwise..... and I think once you get rolling,
you'll find that life can be ...uhh...uhmm...ahhh....interesting....
Yes, that's it. Interesting.
We'll all be here for ya'!
John0 -
Don't be afraid, you will beJohn23 said:Oh well.
I guess I'll have to jump into this, too.
My story is similar to Kathy's. I was on morphine for almost a
month in ICU, and came off "cold turkey" (something that they
should not have allowed to happen). I spent about a week in
recovery, where I became dangerously dehydrated. I insisted on
leaving the hospital as soon as I got rehydrated, before they kill
me for good.
My wife was still too weak, and still recovering from a ruptured
cerebral aneurysm. So we did what had to be done, and I strongly
suggest you do the same:
Call and make arrangements for "visiting nurses". I had my surgeon
prescribe home care, and my insurance accepted it.
I was too weak to climb stairs of any number, and needed help to
do anything that took any serious amount of energy.
I had a "wound-vac" machine and peripherals that needed attention,
including the wound itself, that needed care. I could not take care
of those things in the state I was in (but I would have had trouble
even if I wasn't in Florida). (<---sorry)
You will absolutely require help at home for those things. It really
doesn't make too much difference what condition your husband is
in, there are some things that a family member should -not- be called
to task to do. It's a major learning curve, made more difficult when
someone is emotionally involved. Changing the wound dressings
is not something everyone can do without vomiting on the patient.
It took my surgical wounds six (6) months to fully heal. The wound
had become infected twice in the hospital (and had to be re-opened),
and once at home. When they changed from the "wound-vac" machine
to the common "wet-to-dry" wound management, maintenance
became difficult, since new pains were introduced with that procedure.
Depending on how much colon they're removing, will determine
if you'll have a colostomy or an ileostomy. Both have their nifty
nuances and problems. If you are going to have an ostomy of
either type please heed this:
Take some time with your colorectal surgeon well ahead of your
surgery. The spot for the ostomy is very, very important, especially
if it will be a permanent ostomy.
An ileostomy should be off to the right of your navel by about
four inches, and below your normal waistline (usually by about
four inches). That will allow the pouch to point down the face
of your right leg while standing, and be pointing down between
your legs while on the toilet. That location will also allow you
to wear the clothes you normally wear, while having your
new appliance well concealed.
The location for the stoma, along with being in that area, should
be chosen where there are no folds in the skin that will impair
the adhesion of the appliance. When they help you find the correct
location for the stoma, you should be sitting, standing, twisting,
etc., to insure the most perfect placement. If it's going to be
permanent, you want to make certain you take those steps
prior to surgery.
They often will fill a pouch and stick in in the chosen spot, fill
it with applesauce, or whatever.... and let the patient wear it to
see if it's going to work out ok.
You should also insist; demand..... that the stoma is not only placed
in the proper area, but that it sticks out at least 3/4 to 1 inch beyond
the surface of your skin. The term for that stoma's length is called
a "spout", and it's very important that the surgeon creates the stoma
in that maner and length. It will provide you with less problems
in the future. I really can't stress that enough... really.
Life with a stoma is difficult at first. I could spend time and tell you
of my first six months, and how I had wished I had died instead
of having a stoma.... one that leaked so bad, and ate up my skin so
much, that I slept in the tub one night, being unable to keep anything
stuck to it to catch the waste.
It took me six months, to finally realize that everything that was
being done, was not good for my situation. So nurses or not,
read the manufacturer's literature, and ask questions from those that
have one. There are better and easier ways to get through life, once
you know what they are, and often, only -you- can decide what
those ways are.
Take some time and go to the <a href="http://www.ostomy.org/forum/viewforum.php?f=2" target="_blank">UOAA.ORG website, and search
through their archives, as well as ask questions. You'll get the usual
kind of diversity, with both right and wrong answers, but you know
how that works..... At least it will provide you with more insight
and knowledge, and perhaps take the fear out of what is about
to take place.
You ain't all that unusual, sweetie. We all have our experiences,
marriage-wise, and otherwise..... and I think once you get rolling,
you'll find that life can be ...uhh...uhmm...ahhh....interesting....
Yes, that's it. Interesting.
We'll all be here for ya'!
John
Don't be afraid, you will be fine.
If you don't have any other help you should have someone at least checking on you. After my liver resection, I was up and about after 5 days, but very slow. Then one day the room starting spinning and i couldn't get it to stop. Luckily I was laying on my back..but I was by myself. I remember, saying, I need my sister, and lord and behold if she didn't come walking down the hall. She was on her lunch break. She scooped me up, held me to her and said "breath, just breath"...and I came out of it. I had meals prepared or me week 2, and about week 3, I could stay by myself and feed myself. But it was a good 5 weeks before I felt fine enough to go back to work.0 -
This comment has been removed by the Moderatorherdizziness said:they are
All the surgeries will be done at once, gyn/ob surgeon is on standby in case removal is needed there, I have 3 surgeons on board colon right side, liver left lobe, kidney right side, 4th surgeon, possible radiation surgeon for radiation on kidney side standing by, 5th is ob/gyn for seeing if tumor in ovary still needs removal.
Long surgery.
Winter Marie0 -
Please get help
I had a colostomy, rectal tumor removal and hysterectomy and it was a very looooong surgery. I was in the hospital 16 days the first time due to bowel twisting which required second surgery. I was on a morphine pump so pain was not an issue. I was back in the hospital 3 days due to infection about 2 weeks later. I didn't really have much pain after I got home.
You will not be able to climb stairs, lift a gallon of milk, and plenty of other things you do every day. You will definately need someone to help you to see that you get your meds on time, hydrate and eat. You will be wanting to sleep most. You will also need to have help with surgical dressing changes in the beginning if there are any.
I even got a loaned walker for a couple of weeks, just to make sure that as I strolled around the house I didn't take a tumble as I was very weak.
I found it nearly impossible to sleep in my bed. I spent 99.9% of the time in the recliner for the first month. The only problem there was getting it to a reclining position. I finally gave up on the foot rest and just put something in front of the chair to prop my feet on.
My mother stayed for about 4 weeks and boy was I glad she did. She even left homemade micro meals in the freezer. Funny how much easier it is to eat when the only thing you have to do is heat it.
At the hospital they should be asking you if you have help at home. If your insurance will cover it you need to get someone to come in at least part time.
Wishing you best outcome with all this and prayers for no surprises and a speedy recovery.
Hugs,
The other Marie0 -
John23 is rightLovekitties said:Please get help
I had a colostomy, rectal tumor removal and hysterectomy and it was a very looooong surgery. I was in the hospital 16 days the first time due to bowel twisting which required second surgery. I was on a morphine pump so pain was not an issue. I was back in the hospital 3 days due to infection about 2 weeks later. I didn't really have much pain after I got home.
You will not be able to climb stairs, lift a gallon of milk, and plenty of other things you do every day. You will definately need someone to help you to see that you get your meds on time, hydrate and eat. You will be wanting to sleep most. You will also need to have help with surgical dressing changes in the beginning if there are any.
I even got a loaned walker for a couple of weeks, just to make sure that as I strolled around the house I didn't take a tumble as I was very weak.
I found it nearly impossible to sleep in my bed. I spent 99.9% of the time in the recliner for the first month. The only problem there was getting it to a reclining position. I finally gave up on the foot rest and just put something in front of the chair to prop my feet on.
My mother stayed for about 4 weeks and boy was I glad she did. She even left homemade micro meals in the freezer. Funny how much easier it is to eat when the only thing you have to do is heat it.
At the hospital they should be asking you if you have help at home. If your insurance will cover it you need to get someone to come in at least part time.
Wishing you best outcome with all this and prayers for no surprises and a speedy recovery.
Hugs,
The other Marie
if you get an ostomy, make sure it's placed right...we didn't know any better at the time and the ostomy nurse picked a spot that was too far off to the side and it made emptying the pouch a messy, messy thing to do and couldn't be hid underneath clothes very well. Robert gave up on the hiding part. Thankfully, it will be gone the 21st.
Use hospice..they were very helpful taking care of Robert since I had to go back to work.
You might have shoulder pain also..there is a nerve that runs from the diaphragm to the shoulder and it can get damaged during liver resection. Robert had more pain from that than anything.
We are keeping you in our thoughts, Winter Marie and praying your surgery goes well.
Angela0 -
Winter Marie
I had my resection and iliostomy in October. The resection was pretty painful. You will need help and need to rest when needed. You have to take it slow and easy at first. It's a little painful and slow getting in and out of the car and off the couch. Heck, I couldn't even get to the sitting position to get off my bed for a week and had to have someone help lift my back up. Please be nice to yourself and allow this time to heal Winter Marie. I know it's hard with kids, my youngest are 9 and 11 and they were a huge help with a lot of things too. Are they giving you a iliostomy at this time? Because I have other stuff to say but don't know which way to go from here. ...about the iliostomy or the reversal. Whew... the reversal. A lot of info there, but it's getting better and easier. Let me know please?
Oh ya, I think I read on a post of yours that you go to Stanford? My surgeon there is Dr. Shelton there and I was wondering if you also see him.
Happy for you, Gail0 -
dearest winter marie what can i addJohn23 said:Oh well.
I guess I'll have to jump into this, too.
My story is similar to Kathy's. I was on morphine for almost a
month in ICU, and came off "cold turkey" (something that they
should not have allowed to happen). I spent about a week in
recovery, where I became dangerously dehydrated. I insisted on
leaving the hospital as soon as I got rehydrated, before they kill
me for good.
My wife was still too weak, and still recovering from a ruptured
cerebral aneurysm. So we did what had to be done, and I strongly
suggest you do the same:
Call and make arrangements for "visiting nurses". I had my surgeon
prescribe home care, and my insurance accepted it.
I was too weak to climb stairs of any number, and needed help to
do anything that took any serious amount of energy.
I had a "wound-vac" machine and peripherals that needed attention,
including the wound itself, that needed care. I could not take care
of those things in the state I was in (but I would have had trouble
even if I wasn't in Florida). (<---sorry)
You will absolutely require help at home for those things. It really
doesn't make too much difference what condition your husband is
in, there are some things that a family member should -not- be called
to task to do. It's a major learning curve, made more difficult when
someone is emotionally involved. Changing the wound dressings
is not something everyone can do without vomiting on the patient.
It took my surgical wounds six (6) months to fully heal. The wound
had become infected twice in the hospital (and had to be re-opened),
and once at home. When they changed from the "wound-vac" machine
to the common "wet-to-dry" wound management, maintenance
became difficult, since new pains were introduced with that procedure.
Depending on how much colon they're removing, will determine
if you'll have a colostomy or an ileostomy. Both have their nifty
nuances and problems. If you are going to have an ostomy of
either type please heed this:
Take some time with your colorectal surgeon well ahead of your
surgery. The spot for the ostomy is very, very important, especially
if it will be a permanent ostomy.
An ileostomy should be off to the right of your navel by about
four inches, and below your normal waistline (usually by about
four inches). That will allow the pouch to point down the face
of your right leg while standing, and be pointing down between
your legs while on the toilet. That location will also allow you
to wear the clothes you normally wear, while having your
new appliance well concealed.
The location for the stoma, along with being in that area, should
be chosen where there are no folds in the skin that will impair
the adhesion of the appliance. When they help you find the correct
location for the stoma, you should be sitting, standing, twisting,
etc., to insure the most perfect placement. If it's going to be
permanent, you want to make certain you take those steps
prior to surgery.
They often will fill a pouch and stick in in the chosen spot, fill
it with applesauce, or whatever.... and let the patient wear it to
see if it's going to work out ok.
You should also insist; demand..... that the stoma is not only placed
in the proper area, but that it sticks out at least 3/4 to 1 inch beyond
the surface of your skin. The term for that stoma's length is called
a "spout", and it's very important that the surgeon creates the stoma
in that maner and length. It will provide you with less problems
in the future. I really can't stress that enough... really.
Life with a stoma is difficult at first. I could spend time and tell you
of my first six months, and how I had wished I had died instead
of having a stoma.... one that leaked so bad, and ate up my skin so
much, that I slept in the tub one night, being unable to keep anything
stuck to it to catch the waste.
It took me six months, to finally realize that everything that was
being done, was not good for my situation. So nurses or not,
read the manufacturer's literature, and ask questions from those that
have one. There are better and easier ways to get through life, once
you know what they are, and often, only -you- can decide what
those ways are.
Take some time and go to the <a href="http://www.ostomy.org/forum/viewforum.php?f=2" target="_blank">UOAA.ORG website, and search
through their archives, as well as ask questions. You'll get the usual
kind of diversity, with both right and wrong answers, but you know
how that works..... At least it will provide you with more insight
and knowledge, and perhaps take the fear out of what is about
to take place.
You ain't all that unusual, sweetie. We all have our experiences,
marriage-wise, and otherwise..... and I think once you get rolling,
you'll find that life can be ...uhh...uhmm...ahhh....interesting....
Yes, that's it. Interesting.
We'll all be here for ya'!
John
plan for the worst and hope for the best.
besides agreeing with john23 especially points about stoma positioning, but a good hospital should do this. My stoma nurse marked it out for the surgeon. i had this big x marked in the spot john talked about.
chronic diarrhea from chemo has been going on for a weak. bag leakages are disgusting.
the smell and noise is also bad, but I accept it with grace and a laugh. my pj are covered in poo right now. that the truth of the bag. accidents happen so be prepared. slippery elm is an awesome herbal remedy that helped me.
after surgery my stomach was in trauma, so could not eat for 15 days. that sucked. the ng tube is also horrendous but like the whole cancer experience it manageable.
i hope you have a great run, the doctors do a great job and the nurses as well.
take and accept any and all offers of help and support. if you don
t need them afterwards then thats great. I cooked dinner for the kids when I got home first night after 19 days in hospital. I was surprised how well I felt, but I was probably lucky in some ways.
best of luck and my prayers for your recovery are with you.
pete0 -
Winter Marie Darlin,
Don’t know why, but the reconnection was rougher on me then when he took out the part of the rectum and colon.
Re the liver, you will feel the pain in the right shoulder. All my pain was easy to control with my drug of choice Percocet. The old gut did feel like the doc walked around in there with his golf shoes on. You are tuff, so I know you can handle it.
Sorry you have to put up with your husbands drinking problems on top of this crap. Every time I was tempted to go back to drinking, I would compare my life with drinking to my life without drinking. Without drinking always won. Wish you were near as I would just love to have a long hard non mellow talk with him.
What got me to quit was the scary old woman got a lawyer and was going to bug out on me. I went up to our bedroom and got my 38. Put it to my head and was about to pull the trigger. That is when I figured I was just going to make one big **** mess. The simple fix was to just stop drinking. Went into the drunk farm that night. Best damned decision I ever made in my life. That was 8/23/1983.
Think positive.
Kerry0 -
Winter Marie
I've only had the colon resection but, I also had a small bowel resection with it. I was plenty happy in the hospital with the dilaudid. woo hoo. doesn't take much chemical to either make me happy or make me sick.
Once home, the first thing and only thing I had done for me that I couldn't do for myself was to take my mattress and box spring off my bed frame and sit them on the floor. My first umph into bed and I knew it wasn't going to be fun to get in and out for a while. My bed was to high to easily and comfortably get in and out. After removing the frame, I could just roll in and out of bed. It made a big difference especially because my dog couldn't get up and down without help before and I had a 10lb weight lifting restriction. But, it made such a big difference for me too in the up and down and in and out of bed.
Surprisingly, after the first couple of days the pain wasn't too bad. Get lots of toilet paper for after the bowels wake back up and make sure that you have it handy for bathroom runs. Try to get out and walk the neighborhood a little at a time each day. That makes a big diference. Be sure to get plenty of rest too. Try to do things in spurts and not all at once. I didn't get to eat for 12 days and was only on semi-solids for the last 3 days when I finally got home so I was starving. I wished I had gone a little bit slower the first day or so with the food when my bowels really woke up.
Of course I didn't have a liver resection so I'm sorry can't help with that one. I will be thinking of you and praying for you while you are in surgery .... I'll be getting chemo so I'll have all the time in the world to do that. Good luck ... how exciting that you can finally get this done.0 -
Bowel resection, total hyster here....
...rectum, sig colon removed, J-pouch created a new rectum out of descending colon.
I was in hospital for 8 days, then came home and rattled around in my house mostly by myself, since my beau was still working alot...
BUT, I agree with others....arrange help. You will NOT be lifting anything for awhile. And don't think you can, darlin'....one of my friends had complications because she ignore this...
So, the other question is, is hubby able to take care of himself after 2? Or should you find some place for him to go (maybe Betty Ford clinic?). I was married to a 'soft' alchoholic...sat in his chair, drank himself to sleep most nights...but wasn't in need of my help.
Does it hurt? Well, that's all different. I have an ENORMOUSLY high pain threshold, so I was different than most. But do NOT be a pain hero. Pain gets in the way of healing....
BIG hugs to you, dear Winter Marie!!! I wish I was going to be here to help...I have a really good bedside manner ("Reaching for that bag of potatoes? I think NOT, missy!!!")....ROFL!
Hugs, Kathi0 -
Ha!KathiM said:Bowel resection, total hyster here....
...rectum, sig colon removed, J-pouch created a new rectum out of descending colon.
I was in hospital for 8 days, then came home and rattled around in my house mostly by myself, since my beau was still working alot...
BUT, I agree with others....arrange help. You will NOT be lifting anything for awhile. And don't think you can, darlin'....one of my friends had complications because she ignore this...
So, the other question is, is hubby able to take care of himself after 2? Or should you find some place for him to go (maybe Betty Ford clinic?). I was married to a 'soft' alchoholic...sat in his chair, drank himself to sleep most nights...but wasn't in need of my help.
Does it hurt? Well, that's all different. I have an ENORMOUSLY high pain threshold, so I was different than most. But do NOT be a pain hero. Pain gets in the way of healing....
BIG hugs to you, dear Winter Marie!!! I wish I was going to be here to help...I have a really good bedside manner ("Reaching for that bag of potatoes? I think NOT, missy!!!")....ROFL!
Hugs, Kathi
Picturing Kathi in a dominatrix outfit. Crack that whip!0 -
colon surgery, two liver resections.Lori-S said:Ha!
Picturing Kathi in a dominatrix outfit. Crack that whip!
Winter Marie....to be perfectly honest the liver resection is not easy....I would say at least a couple of weeks at home and 6 weeks before a complete moving around again. I would vomit the percocet so this left me without pain killers....make sure you have a viable pain killer before you leave hospital. Getting in and out of bed is not easy....I was able to qualify for homecare so I got one of those metal bed sides that just slips between the mattress and box spring. I really think it would be good if you could get some help Winter Marie.....i know you are one tough cookie and you are going to do well but some help with cooking and tidying the house would be good....
hugs....mags0 -
The sooner you walk, aftermaglets said:colon surgery, two liver resections.
Winter Marie....to be perfectly honest the liver resection is not easy....I would say at least a couple of weeks at home and 6 weeks before a complete moving around again. I would vomit the percocet so this left me without pain killers....make sure you have a viable pain killer before you leave hospital. Getting in and out of bed is not easy....I was able to qualify for homecare so I got one of those metal bed sides that just slips between the mattress and box spring. I really think it would be good if you could get some help Winter Marie.....i know you are one tough cookie and you are going to do well but some help with cooking and tidying the house would be good....
hugs....mags
The sooner you walk, after the nurse tells you, and the sooner you past gas the better you will feel, but the first week you will be on high pain meds. Also when you get home the pain med may constipate you so you may want to ask about a stool softerner to have on hand. Also, plan to lose 10-15 lbs. I was on liquids for 5 days.0 -
Maybe too much info....
Winter Marie,
It’s going to hurt. For in the hospital, ask if they can place an epidural before surgery for post-op pain management. These are “walking epidurals” unlike the labor epidurals where you can’t walk. I had one for each of my last 2 surgeries, and they helped a lot. Mucking about in your innards is a source of lots of pain.
Also, recent studies have found that showering with Hibiclens before surgery cuts down on post-op wound infection. At Memorial Sloan Kettering, the advice is to shower with Hibiclens the night before and the morning of surgery. I had an infection after my first surgery (no Hibiclens) but was fine after the second. I don’t know whether I would have had an infection without the Hibiclens, but you’ve read enough about wound vacs to want to do anything to avoid them. (Plus wound infections make the scars even nastier! I looked like I had 2 navels. My surgeon did a scar revision as part of my recent hernia surgery, and I’m glad that my belly looks more “normal” again. That second belly button bugged both me and my husband.)
I feel very fortunate that despite being resected in 3 places (sigmoid resection, plus a right hemicolectomy and a piece of my ileum removed) my surgeon was able to put me back together such that everything functions normally. I never had a bag. I will forever kiss my surgeon’s feet – clean or dirty!
I had all sorts of complications, both common and uncommon, which kept me in the hospital for 4 weeks with my resection. NG tubes (ugh). Pneumonia. Wound infection. Ileus. Hopefully, you’ll have smooth sailing, and avoid all of that nonsense, but it can happen.
You will definitely need support/care at home. I agree with John that you need to speak to you dr to request a prescription for home health care, and have a daily nursing visit.
Also, emphasize to the discharge planners that while you don’t live alone, you do NOT have a responsible adult in the house to care for you. Remember to tell them that while you have a husband at home, he is not able to care for you. They will help you plan, and may extend your stay for a couple of days so that you are better able to take care of yourself. The hospital cannot release you into a known situation of no care.
I couldn’t do anything when I got home. Getting up was difficult. To me, it was a triumph when I could walk to the end of our very short driveway and back. That being said, start walking as soon as possible post-op, and walk as much as possible. You need all the help you can to get your strength back and what’s left of your bowels moving again. My husband cooked, cleaned, waited on me hand and foot (I needed it.) Because of my infection, we had a nurse visit every day for a month. It’s no fun.
Keep up with the pain meds when you get home, and don’t stop suddenly. It’s better to ease back, both because you can learn what you can tolerate reasonably and also because you may have become physically addicted to the pain meds. I did – Tramadol was not my friend. I had to ease off of that over 3 weeks to avoid nausea, shakes, and other symptoms of addiction.
Yet somehow, despite the pain, anguish, despair we get through. You have many people in your life who are pulling for you, who will share a bit of your pain if it can take it from you.
Alice0
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