First Liver Resection

No dent.  Good bit of pain but you'll get through it.  Congratulations on becoming operable!  

I've had two liver resections, both left a large l-shaped scar and a hernia on the first and a double hernia on the second. The last surgery, I pulled  the lat muscle in my back, and trying to lay on that hurt worse than the surgical wound. Taking it easy and not lifting any thing heavy bugged me the most. Once it's done, you'll feel better, just don't get too dependent on the pain meds, stopping oxy or hydrocodone can be a trial unto itself.

herdizziness said:

Two,liver resections

I've had two liver resections, but also had colon resection at same time for both, was up and walking the next day, pain is quite bearable, the first couple of days are a bit rough and no, you won't have a dent.

where the bottom of the "L" is (first resection was just a straight cut down from chest to way below belly button no "L", just on second one) I find I am numb, so when they do those belly shots (forget what they are called, but by third day I pointed out I was walking constantly so they quit giving them to me) that's where I have them do it, kind of a side benefit, it's been two years now and still numb around the bottom of the "L" which doesn't bother me, it's just a small area of numbness, maybe an inch around the cut.

I am so glad you are getting a resection, whoooo hooooo!!!!!

They are very good about pain control usually at the hospital, they give you a pump that you can push the button when you feel the pain coming on, feel free to use it as needed, I first tried not to use it often, but they brought up the point I wasn't going to be addicted to it in just a few days, and why suffer if you don't have to.

I also wore my own clothes after the third day, as it made me feel more human, my doctor actually encouraged it once he saw as he said it makes one feel a little more human and helps you mentally.  I wore jeans and for my top, I had t-shirts that I cut the top sleeve (so I could get it on around the IV's) and cut length wise so I could tie it on, it worked great and made me feel so much more human, then walking around in a hospital gown.

Best of luck (you'll be fine) and way to get those tumors out, Yea!!!!

Winter Marie

Of course I don't want to have a resection, the ablation was such a breeze, but just in case. 

I  LOVE the idea of wearing your own clothes and not laying around in the nasty hospital robe or a nightdress, which is what I took to the hospital. I bet some old clothes, that you may not want to wear again, would be perfect. Chop them up to make them more comfortable. I would wear a dress. I couldn't bear anything around my waist after my abdominal surgies (I've had several - not all Cancer related), not even underwear. A dress sounds good to me,  as long as its easy on, easy off. 

Yeah, this is an excellent post. 

Thank you Winter Marie. 

janderson1964 said:

I have had 3 liver

I have had 3 liver resections. I was up and walking the following day although very slow and short distances. It took me about 4 weeks to feel close to normal each time. The more you walk, the faster you recover. Set goals for yourself. Its not too much worse than laporscopic colon resection.

well congrats on getting a resection......very best thing ever!  I have had 2 liver resections and the good news is that my last one is five years ago .....!!! I also was up walking the day after both surgeries and Jeff is right....i think 4 weeks is a realistic recovery time.  I am just going to fire off some random suggestions.  I never took the oxy for pain control...it made me sick to the stomach and constipated so I just used Tylenols once I was out of hospital....I had pain pump in the hospital.  Try to get your house, sofa, bedroom nice and comfy for the time you come home.....someone here suggested a small back pack.....get it ready with bottled water, a snack, a book and your meds.....whatever you think you might want....get set up in bed or on the couch and that way you don't have to move so much in those first days. Treat yourself to some nice new comfy clothes for post surgery....sundresses or really loose yoga pants work well on those big surgical scars.  If a friend offers to cook you something.....say yes!!!!! thank you.  Try to get lots of nice protein for the amino acid building blocks.....this will help you rebuild tissue.....take in 6 small meals a days rather that the big 3.....try scrambled or a hard boiled egg....a bit of cheese and crackers....you need protein.  Take a stool softener and do NOT get constipated. Get some new magazines or cable tv in your bedroom....Get comfy slippers that you do not trip on.....take a pass on the flip flops. Try listening to relaxation tapes.....I used Belleruth Naparstak......you can hear a 45 minute talk on utube......this would help me sleep several times a day.....

all very best of luck.....it is totally doable ....stay in touch

best love, maggie