Questions on recovery, husband works away and I'm getting stressed
Posted , 3 users are following.
My husband is in the Navy and can't get any time off so we will be in different countries when I have my surgery and for most of my recovery. Also all my family and friends live too far away to be able to help (6 hours!). Thankfully my Mum can come up for a while. Initially I was thinking a week but now I'm thinking that's not long enough as once she's gone I'll be totally alone.
i'm having a 35cm simple cyst removed by laparotomy on the 7th July. How long will I be in hospital? What is the follow up care like in terms of hospital appointments etc? The hospital is really hard to get to by public transport (2 busses a day) and obviously I won't be able to drive but if my Mum was here she would be able to drive me. Is there anything I need to be aware of that I should consider?
any help would be appreciated as I'm starting to feel really stressed and alone
2 likes, 15 replies
Kazreeeen Carlee.
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Carlee. Kazreeeen
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Thank you so much for the reply. I think I'll need to speak to my Mum again!
1963Dawn Carlee.
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I am 51 and 3 weeks ago I had large dermoid cyst removed along with both ovaries and tubes. This was done by open surgery and I have an 8" scar along my bikini line.
When I woke from surgery I felt so bad for 24 hrs but think it was anaesthetic and morphine. 48 hrs after surgery I went home.
It's true the more you move the less it hurts. I started short walks the day I returned. After 2 weeks I could look after myself perfectly, had no pain but very tired.
it's now 3 weeks since my operation. I can do just about everything - no lifting heavy or stretching or driving- I have no pain and my energy levels are returning to normal. I can sleep on my stomach and though I am still swollen, this is starting to reduce.
I would have needed help at home for 2 weeks. However I still can't vacuum or carry shopping but there are ways round that. I'm looking at going back t work in 3 weeks where hopefully I will be able t drive.
I have one follow up appt 7 weeks from my operation.
My advice to you would be t have a plan a, b, and c just in case. Keep moving - regular walks even if only 5 minutes at a time and good luck!
Carlee. 1963Dawn
Posted
I have read a lot of women saying that moving about helps. I'm glad it will be the summer as I plan on short and easy walks around my little garden with my dogs (where they can be off lead and won't tug).
I am starting to feel a bit more relaxed about it all after reading everyone's stories.
Thank you!
Kazreeeen Carlee.
Posted
Carlee. Kazreeeen
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I won't need to drive anywhere and will be taking loads of time off work. I think my husband can get weekends off from about week 3 which will help massively
Kazreeeen Carlee.
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Carlee. Kazreeeen
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Thanks for your replies, I really appreciate it
1963Dawn Carlee.
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I have done everything I've been told to - nothing more and nothing less and I truly was ok after two weeks. Just very tired easily. I aimed t have a routine as soon as I got home. 7am alarm and get up. Rest. Shower and rest. Lunch and rest. Walk and rest. Read and rest. Dinner and rest. Second walk, rest and bed. I filled a mug with water then transferred t kettle so I was only lifting minimal. I was putting washing in and hanging on a low washing line. I co u of cook just avoided heavy pans. You get the picture? I focussed on doing what I could rather than nothing and am so pleased I did. The last couple of days my walks are now 45minutes each, I've done gentle gardening, ironing with someone else getting the board out for me, computer work, washed Windows etc and I'm busy all day. Just have an hour's rest about this time of the day. Friends have had lunch
Carlee. 1963Dawn
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1963Dawn Carlee.
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Good luck and let us know how you get on. Dx
Carlee. 1963Dawn
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In a weird sort of way I'm looking forward to the surgery now! I guess I just want it over and done with so I can focus on recovery
1963Dawn Carlee.
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I had a job interview 6 days after surgery and my goodness I looked a state. I was wearing white surgical stockings (which I've only just ditched), too swollen to wear trousers, grey skin from lack of proper sleep and morphine, and had the most ridiculous walk. Hey - I got the job though so it didn't affect my brain too much!
One thing too - I also have a dog and I still won't walk him alone as I can't hold the lead if he pulls so your suggestion of a dog walker is essential.
Good luck and as everyone on here says - often the thoughts and fear you have beforehand are much worse than the reality. Thing beyond the first 48 hours and you will be fine!
Take care
Carlee. 1963Dawn
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I'm so glad it's summer too so I can leave the back doors open and they can go into the garden as and when they want, no need for me to get up!
Carlee.
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everyone at the hospital has been fantastic and supportive which has eased my concerns a lot!
Surgery on monday!