HAI Hepatic Pump - Recovery Time Question

JONinAPPLEVALLEY
JONinAPPLEVALLEY Member Posts: 17
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
I might be having a hepatic pump placed into my abdomen next week. For those of you that have this, what was the procedure like? How much pain was involved? What was the recovery time? Thanks Everyone!

Comments

  • mom_2_3
    mom_2_3 Member Posts: 953 Member
    #2
    Pump
    Jon & Laura,

    I hope you had a good trip to NYC and Mayo. Please post about what you found out on your trip.

    As for your questions regarding the pump, I am sorry I can't be a big help as to exactly what the procedure was like as I had my colon and liver resected simultaneously with the pump placement so I don't think that my experience will be similar to those that have had only the pump implanted. Generally speaking I believe that you will have a similar incision as to mine (from the breastbone down) although yours will probably not go as far down the abdomen. Additionally, the pump will be placed in your lower abdomen (mine is to the left of my bellybutton) and there will be about a 4 inch horizontal incision near that.

    I did have pain from the incision and that lasted about 2 weeks. I walked hunched over quite a bit and had to fight to stand straight up. I am sure you were told you can't lift anything over 10 lbs for the first 6 weeks. I obeyed that religiously and didn't carry my little girl during that time. I also was careful when I raised my hands above my head. I didn't want to open up any sutures or incisions. About 3-4 weeks I was feeling pretty good (other than fatigue due to the liver resection). Additionally, you will have swelling around the pump but that will do down after a few weeks.

    Keep us updated!!

    Amy
  • PhillieG
    PhillieG Member Posts: 4,866 Member
    #3
    Similar to Amy's story
    I had everything done at once, colon resection, liver surgery, gallbladder out, pump in. It's hard to say about recovery time etc. My pump was sensitive to the touch for quite some time, if I was sitting next to my wife on the couch and her elbow grazed the pump I'd jump. I want to say that lasted a year or so but I'm not sure. It's not a bother now at all but this is 5 years after the fact. We're all different so who knows what your experience will be. When everything is said and done, it's the best move you can do in my opinion. You say you "might" have it placed in you, it's not a definite?
    Best of luck
    -phil
  • JONinAPPLEVALLEY
    JONinAPPLEVALLEY Member Posts: 17
    #4
    PhillieG said:

    Similar to Amy's story
    I had everything done at once, colon resection, liver surgery, gallbladder out, pump in. It's hard to say about recovery time etc. My pump was sensitive to the touch for quite some time, if I was sitting next to my wife on the couch and her elbow grazed the pump I'd jump. I want to say that lasted a year or so but I'm not sure. It's not a bother now at all but this is 5 years after the fact. We're all different so who knows what your experience will be. When everything is said and done, it's the best move you can do in my opinion. You say you "might" have it placed in you, it's not a definite?
    Best of luck
    -phil

    Thanks for the response guys
    It looks like I am go for next week. I really appreciate all of your help and guidance Phil and Amy!
  • ADKer
    ADKer Member Posts: 147
    #5
    JONinAPPLEVALLEY said:

    Thanks for the response guys
    It looks like I am go for next week. I really appreciate all of your help and guidance Phil and Amy!

    HAI pump
    I also had my pump surgery at the same time as my colon resection. The pump is located in the lower right portion of my abdomen. I had difficulty sitting for a while because of the location of the pump. I recall that it was tender for quite a while although there are no sensitive organs i behind it. Once it heals ,though, you just don't even know that it is there.
  • ADKer
    ADKer Member Posts: 147
    #6
    JONinAPPLEVALLEY said:

    Thanks for the response guys
    It looks like I am go for next week. I really appreciate all of your help and guidance Phil and Amy!

    HAI pump
    Oops - duplicate post.
  • dianetavegia
    dianetavegia Member Posts: 1,942 Member
    #7
    ADKer said:

    HAI pump
    Oops - duplicate post.

    Bumping for Melissa

    Bumping for Melissa
  • mom_2_3
    mom_2_3 Member Posts: 953 Member
    #8
    Jon & Laura
    Diane was nice enough to bump this thread up for another member going in for HAI treatment. We haven't heard back from you since your trip to NYC and Mayo. How did everything go? Would love an update!

    All the best,
    Amy

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