Recovery after initial surgery

Hi,

I was very down after my rectal surgery in Septmber of 2005. I was hospitalized twice after surgery with blockages....fortunately the blockages resolved themselves on its own. I did not want to get back on chemo. But I did the 4 rounds. I'm now off of chemo prior to having another surgery for liver met. If she has to do post surgery chemo treatments, try to take it one treatment at a time, rather then facing the whole thing at once. That helped me.

It took me a while to get back to work. I have mixed feelings about getting back to work. It is good to have my mind on something else. But the added stress is not welcome. I just work 4 hours a day.

Oh, I also was on a drug - Reglan to help stimulate my bowels post surgery. It probably contributed to my depression. It has medical warnings for people who have depression. So be aware that if your mom is on any meds including painkillers that these may have an effect on her mood.

I hope she feels better. Take it one day at a time. Hope she can do things that make her happy - focus on herself. It does get better.

Best wishes,
Maria

nanuk said:

this is a pretty invasive surgery, and it takes a long time to adjust. I wasn't right for a year or more after my surgery. Anti-depression meds might be in order-ask her doctor. Nanuk

Depression..hell yes.....emotionally there were good and bad times(good thing my dear Jen was there to help).Trying to motivate oneself even within a month of surgery takes a fair bit of effort. I would imagine she is still sore(I was for quite a while) and as Nanuk said this is a surgery that is pretty invasive...trauma does strange things to us emotionally. Of course the prospects of chemo has to play a part as well and maybe she is concerned about that..I know I was...very concerned. I sought the help of a clinical phsycologist who was a part of the cancer team at my hospital. He helped me mainly thru listening to my concerns and making suggestions as to how to cope. Maybe your mother may have access to one?
Is it normal to be depressed..I think so..my surgeon described bowel surgery as one of the most traumatic surgeries one could have. He even said to me if he had a choice himself he would choose open heart surgery rather than have bowel surgery...now that surprised me!
Ross and Jen