UterCa: What to expect post OP?

Seeing surgeon tomorrow - have endometrial cancer diagnosis from D&C. Scared about the post OP pain - difficulties at home etc. Any helpful suggestions? Ideas? Experiences? Thanks.

Hi WI Woman. I was plenty worried about post op pain too....I have allergies to many pain meds. I really did worry needlessly. The morning of my surgery (TAH/BSO), the anesthesiologist spoke with me about having an epidural along with my general anesthesia. This epidural was supposed to stay for about three days and completely numbed my belly. It needed to come out at about a day and a half, and my pain was managed by prescription pill after that. Because I had allergic reaction to the oral pain med, I discontinued it a day after I came home and did only over the counter. I was sore, but not unbearably so (at fourth day post op). This soreness gradually diminished over time---so I can now say that post op pain wasn't too difficult.

I discovered that getting out of bed was tricky, so I rolled to the side (arm under me), and pushed with that arm to get myself from prone to a sitting position, legs dangling over the edge of the bed. I used my recliner/rocker and found that if I put my hands on the back part of the arms of the chair, I could push myself forward to get from sitting to standing. I also had one of those "grabber" implements to pick things up from the floor. I kept things handy on a nearby table. I live in a two story house, with bedrooms on the second floor, and didn't have any trouble going up the steps at bedtime and coming down in the morning. I limited the number of trips initially. My husband was here for me the entire time of my recovery (we're retired) and it was wonderful to have someone handle what I couldn't. I was encouraged to walk, even if it was just inside my home.

I believe that there is a list on the site, for things to take to the hospital. I had a fanny pack along that held things I wanted close at hand....my cell phone, a cassette player, lip balm, hard candy. This helped to keep my bedside table less cluttered and items within easy reach.

I took slippers that slide on, so as not to have to bend...and it was wonderful to be able to shower and get into my own nighties, after the initial time in a hospital gown. You'll probably need a robe, as walking was encouraged in the hospital too.

Everyone said that the time leading up to the surgery was the hardest, and I didn't believe them. It really was so, in my case....

Wishing you a textbook surgery and easy recuperation. Let us know how you are doing!

Barb A.

	Quote:
Originally Posted by BarbA Hi WI Woman. I was plenty worried about post op pain too....I have allergies to many pain meds. I really did worry needlessly. The morning of my surgery (TAH/BSO), the anesthesiologist spoke with me about having an epidural along with my general anesthesia. This epidural was supposed to stay for about three days and completely numbed my belly. It needed to come out at about a day and a half, and my pain was managed by prescription pill after that. Because I had allergic reaction to the oral pain med, I discontinued it a day after I came home and did only over the counter. I was sore, but not unbearably so (at fourth day post op). This soreness gradually diminished over time---so I can now say that post op pain wasn't too difficult. I discovered that getting out of bed was tricky, so I rolled to the side (arm under me), and pushed with that arm to get myself from prone to a sitting position, legs dangling over the edge of the bed. I used my recliner/rocker and found that if I put my hands on the back part of the arms of the chair, I could push myself forward to get from sitting to standing. I also had one of those "grabber" implements to pick things up from the floor. I kept things handy on a nearby table. I live in a two story house, with bedrooms on the second floor, and didn't have any trouble going up the steps at bedtime and coming down in the morning. I limited the number of trips initially. My husband was here for me the entire time of my recovery (we're retired) and it was wonderful to have someone handle what I couldn't. I was encouraged to walk, even if it was just inside my home. I believe that there is a list on the site, for things to take to the hospital. I had a fanny pack along that held things I wanted close at hand....my cell phone, a cassette player, lip balm, hard candy. This helped to keep my bedside table less cluttered and items within easy reach. I took slippers that slide on, so as not to have to bend...and it was wonderful to be able to shower and get into my own nighties, after the initial time in a hospital gown. You'll probably need a robe, as walking was encouraged in the hospital too. Everyone said that the time leading up to the surgery was the hardest, and I didn't believe them. It really was so, in my case.... Wishing you a textbook surgery and easy recuperation. Let us know how you are doing! Barb A.

Thank you so much - I am scared and need a short recovery time as my Mom has Alzheimer'[s & is in Sunrise and my 89 yr old dad is dependent on me for most everything. So I can't be down too long. I'm planning to organize stuff so I can do it at home the first 2 weeks...I will buy a grabber...thanks. Did you need a Swelly Belly? I'm seeing the surgeon tomorrow & will know much more. I'm thankful I found the HysterSister website for all the good info. THanks again. Dawn

Hi Dawn,
It really wasn't that bad - They gave me one dose of pain killer post op (which made me feel like I was going to upchuck) then just ibuprofen and acetaminophen. My surgery was at about 3pm and I went home at 11am the next morning (I was ready at 7am - I needed to get some sleep!)

When I woke up the pain was like bad period cramps. During recovery, I didn't have much pain at all aside from a spell of sharp stabbing pains that suddenly cropped up while getting up from the couch a couple of days after and went away just as suddenly a couple of days after that (I think a bit of something got hung up on something else in there - I felt it slip out and then no pain after that) So be careful about making any sudden moves. After the couch incident, my cousin assembled a super comfy chaise lounge-like arrangement by putting a big thick floor cushion on on end of the couch to sit on (raised me up) with a pillow behind my back and then added another big pillow on an ottoman which I could push out or pull in with my feet and get up with my arm.

You will want to avoid twisting and using your abdominals for a while. But your arms and legs will be fine. You will be able to go for relaxing walks. I actually went shopping 2 days post op (well we went for our walk in a place that had nice stores) - it really wiped me out tho, and then the stabby thing happened, so pace yourself!

Also, my handlers were very ingenious about making super healthy easily digested foods - we had a lot of fish and healthy brothy soups with gently cooked down greens, carrots, garlic, and some noodles and wontons - we went very sparse on the meat and not too much toast either! After 5 days they went home well rested and a tiny bit lighter! You want to keep yourself "moving" if you know what I mean. Especially if you have to do any pain medication. I also took a gradually decreasing daily dose of senna for a couple of weeks.

I was able to have mine laparoscopically (LAVH) - just 3 little poke holes that are hard to find 1 year out. You should ask to see if you can do this too. It's as much the comfort zone of the surgeon as anything. Also be sure your surgeon is a gyn/onc so you can avoid having to have more sugery later and to be sure they do all the sampling they need to and have the proper testing facilities at the ready. I was able to have less nodes sampled because they were able to do pathology on the removed stuff while they were working.

Don't let anyone rush you into moving faster than you are comfortable with - especially if you are grade one. But it's nice to get it over with too. Oh, and make sure you use the time to get as much rest as possible!

Take care.

Hi again, Dawn. I didn't need a swelly belly, but had talked to the Dr. about it beforehand. He said that he'd prescribe one if I needed it. I'm a big lady and thought that my tummy would pose a problem, but thankfully it didn't. I did have some swelling for a while (periodically), but I had expected it and it gradually went away.

Barb A.

I agree with all the advice the ladies have given you. The grabber will help you alot!

I really did not have much pain because they were great at pain control and always on time for my next dose. I was in excruciating pain prior to my big surgery, and that pain was gone. It is odd, had a huge surgery and was in far less pain afterwards than before the surgery. Even if you don't think you may need it, be sure to get a script for pain meds for when you get home. There may be times you really need it, and you shouldn't try to just deal with it, causes the healing process to go slower.

I'm sorry you find yourself in this club. But wishing you well and a quick recover.

One of the things that has helped me the most is sleeping with a pillow under my knees. This really helped from pulling on the stomach muscles/incision! Taking the pain meds on schedule is sooooo important. Manage the pain - don't chase it (meaning don't wait until you are hurting to take it. It is there for a reason.

Good luck sweetie - glad you found this site!

WIwoman:
I also have an issue with pain meds... I specifically asked for anti-nausea meds to be put in with my anesthesia. You really don't want to be throwing up after surgery. I had it with my D&C and also the surgery (mine was vertical/abdominal) and I was fine with one day of Demerol and then just ibuprofen... I agree, get a script for pain meds just in case.
I also got that stabbing pain that leaf-lee described. I was told it may be from the ligaments and nerves rejenerating post surgery.
I would like to add one other thing... It is important for you as a care-giver to take care of yourself. You will be of no use to your family if you rush this and end up hurting or worst case, needing more surgery. Even if they do your surgery laproscopically(?) there is a lot of internal healing going on... Take these few weeks for yourself to heal properly.
It really sounds as if your family needs you. Best to you.

Thanks for the reply - how was your pain? Bowel problems? Urination problems? Recovery time? I'm a big gal also & everything I'm reading is scary...Merry Christmas Dawn

I didn't have too many problems... the important thing to remember is to try to get some walking in during the day... It helps get the gas out of your system. I took Phillips stool softeners when I got home. Just make sure it doesn't have the laxative in it.. just the softener. You don't want to be dealing with cramps. Drink plenty of fluids and you may want to try to urinate even if you don't feel the need. As I remember it took a while for my bladder to wake up. Some women have UTI's post surgery, but I didn't have any problem.