SUPPORT DURING OR AFTER LIVER SURGERY??

lizzybirdy

HELLO TO ALL,
I suppose this could be completely subjective but I wanted feedback from those who have been there.
My sister in law is scheduled for major liver resection May 9th & a pump will be implanted. She will recover in the hospital about 1 week & a month at home. They have 2 girls, 11 & 13, and my brother has been a great caregiver. Would it be better to support them when she goes in? Or after? I am on the opposite coast. I will ask them,or at least my brother, but my sense is he may just say they are fine, & we'll play it by ear.
Any feedback?? MArie is actually eager to have this done, finally, and has been a warrior.
anyway, I just wondered if there was a consensus on this.
I appreciate all your advice.
Gratefully,
Liz

carmen07

Hi Liz,
First I have to say that you are a great sister-in law. My husband had surgery liver resection in 10/04.
His surgery was on a Tuesday and he came home that Sunday. The first week home he was very weak. He would sleep most of the day. If you planning on coming east I know I would want the support after the surgery. I was fortunate to have worked five minutes away but appreciated the help from my family afterwards.
Also I read your prior post about Sloane and I do know someone that had liver rescetion done at Sloane and could not say anything bad. My husband and I have both seek Sloane for second opinions and our experience was nothing but good.
As far as the recovery it helped him to sit in a recliner chair. He found it difficult to sleep in bed lying flat. His surgeon also told him to excercise before the surgery (such as walking) because that helps in recovering. After his first week home he looked great and was back to work in five weeks full time. He also started his after chemo treatments the second week in July.
I hope that this helps.

lizzybirdy

carmen07 said:

Hi Liz,
First I have to say that you are a great sister-in law. My husband had surgery liver resection in 10/04.
His surgery was on a Tuesday and he came home that Sunday. The first week home he was very weak. He would sleep most of the day. If you planning on coming east I know I would want the support after the surgery. I was fortunate to have worked five minutes away but appreciated the help from my family afterwards.
Also I read your prior post about Sloane and I do know someone that had liver rescetion done at Sloane and could not say anything bad. My husband and I have both seek Sloane for second opinions and our experience was nothing but good.
As far as the recovery it helped him to sit in a recliner chair. He found it difficult to sleep in bed lying flat. His surgeon also told him to excercise before the surgery (such as walking) because that helps in recovering. After his first week home he looked great and was back to work in five weeks full time. He also started his after chemo treatments the second week in July.
I hope that this helps.

Everything helps! Thanks, Carmen. Sometimes it's stuff I need to process & I love to send any positive feedback or helpful advice on to them.Which I will do, from your response.
This board is full of great info & inspiration.
Liz

markatger

Hi Liz,

My liver surgey was not bad at all, actually the colon re-section was harder for me. I am young though (34) and I didn't have a pump installed.

The prep for the surgery can be a little stressful, both physically and emotionally. I had to do enemas, oral laxatives, and harsh anitbiotics which always make me throw up. I was also VERY nervous for the surgery. It was scary for me to get this major organ operated on.

After surgery was a lot easier than I thought it was going to be. I had an epidural and was walking the day after surgery. When they took the epidural out, I had a couple hours where my ribs ached (from the rib spreaders) until I got enough oral and IV pain meds in me. But it was weird, by the next morning I hardly needed any pain meds. After being released I took an occasional Vicodin for a couple days, but didn't need much.

During the hosptial stay, my mom and boyfriend took turns being there with me. My mom stayed all night with me the first night. I was in Intensive care for 24 hours after surgery, which I think is pretty common for liver surgery. But I really felt like I didn't really need to be there, but I suppose it was nice having your vitals closely watched. It is, of course invaluable having someone there with you, to get things for you and be your advocate. Nurses are pretty busy.

I stayed at my parents after my colon re-section, but after my liver re-section I felt well enough to go directly home to the condo that I share with my boyfriend.

He did grocery and misc errands for a few days...but I was able to prepare food for myself. I had no problem sleeping. I mostly slept on my back though. No problems really with any movement. I tried to walk often ... at least once day and more each day.

So hmm....just sharing a little bit of my experience. It is a tough call. couple days ahead of time would be nice...having some support prior and during the surgery and for the hospital stay. But afterwards could be harder for your sister than for me.

Anyways...sorry for long post ... hope helped somehow.

Maria

AuthorUnknown

I think they would appreciate your support any time you are able to give it - the more - the better. I don't think you should be concerned about showing how much you care. Best wishes to your sister-in-law.

lizzybirdy

markatger said:

Hi Liz,

My liver surgey was not bad at all, actually the colon re-section was harder for me. I am young though (34) and I didn't have a pump installed.

The prep for the surgery can be a little stressful, both physically and emotionally. I had to do enemas, oral laxatives, and harsh anitbiotics which always make me throw up. I was also VERY nervous for the surgery. It was scary for me to get this major organ operated on.

After surgery was a lot easier than I thought it was going to be. I had an epidural and was walking the day after surgery. When they took the epidural out, I had a couple hours where my ribs ached (from the rib spreaders) until I got enough oral and IV pain meds in me. But it was weird, by the next morning I hardly needed any pain meds. After being released I took an occasional Vicodin for a couple days, but didn't need much.

During the hosptial stay, my mom and boyfriend took turns being there with me. My mom stayed all night with me the first night. I was in Intensive care for 24 hours after surgery, which I think is pretty common for liver surgery. But I really felt like I didn't really need to be there, but I suppose it was nice having your vitals closely watched. It is, of course invaluable having someone there with you, to get things for you and be your advocate. Nurses are pretty busy.

I stayed at my parents after my colon re-section, but after my liver re-section I felt well enough to go directly home to the condo that I share with my boyfriend.

He did grocery and misc errands for a few days...but I was able to prepare food for myself. I had no problem sleeping. I mostly slept on my back though. No problems really with any movement. I tried to walk often ... at least once day and more each day.

So hmm....just sharing a little bit of my experience. It is a tough call. couple days ahead of time would be nice...having some support prior and during the surgery and for the hospital stay. But afterwards could be harder for your sister than for me.

Anyways...sorry for long post ... hope helped somehow.

Maria

MORE THANKS!
IT'S SO GOOD TO HEAR IT WENT BETTER THAN EXPECTED.
i'LL SEE WHAT MY BROTHER SAYS ABOUT THE KIDS & THOSE LOGISTICS.
LIZ

Betsydoglover

Hi Liz -

I have never had a liver resection, but when I had my colon surgery I often thought about what it would be like if my children were still young. Frankly I could not imagine it! So I am thinking that while your presence would be appreciated at any time, if you could be there when your sister-in-law comes home from the hospital and help with the kids it would probably be hugely appreciated. Given your time is limited, I would guess that just post surgery might be the most helpful time.

Wishing your family the best.

Betsy

taraHK

I didn't have liver surgery, but I had two major surgeries (rectal and, two years later, lung). My kids were similar ages to your nieces. My "two cents" worth is that if you have to chose, it would be better to be there when she first comes home from the hospital. I bet she will recover relatively quickly, but that first week or so at home can be difficult -- she will be very tired. While she is in the hospital, of course she will be well taken care of. The main advantage of you going at that time would be to free up your brother so that he could spend more time with her. I liked having my husband be able to come see me in the hospital frequently!
Best wishes to them and to you.

hmsjws

My mother had 60% of her liver resected in Ocotber of 2005. She was in ICU for a week and in the hospital a couple of days after. I would recommend you coming to help after she gets home. My mom was ambulatory, but needed help getting up and down to a chair, bed etc.. due to the incisions. We also had to empty drains and change dressings every couple of hours. It took her about a month to really "feel better".

I wish your sister in law all the best. My mom has made a great recovery and her first cat scan since the surgery should no evidence of cancer.

lfondots63

Hi Liz,

I only had colon surgery but have 3 young kids the same ages as your sister in law. I'm sure she would appreciate the after care. It is hard with young kids and a house when you are laid up. Not sure how her hubby is with house work but another female around to help with the little things is great! Also for some of the pre-teen stuff and school stuff. Your sister in law should rest and with an active family that can be hard. Good luck to her and your family. Sending good vibes to all.

Lisa

lizzybirdy

lfondots63 said:

Hi Liz,

I only had colon surgery but have 3 young kids the same ages as your sister in law. I'm sure she would appreciate the after care. It is hard with young kids and a house when you are laid up. Not sure how her hubby is with house work but another female around to help with the little things is great! Also for some of the pre-teen stuff and school stuff. Your sister in law should rest and with an active family that can be hard. Good luck to her and your family. Sending good vibes to all.

Lisa

It helps to hear your experiences. Thanks to all for the support. Still haven't made plans. SOunds like the 1st week at home is the toughest. I could entertain the girls, get food, take them out, make sure the patient rests.It's hard being so far away.I really want to maximize my time, since it is limited.
Many thanks,
Liz