Major Abdominal Surgery - Need A Handhold

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I had major abdominal surgery last Thursday - 8 plus hours. The surgery went well from the surgeon’s point of view but the in hospital recovery is getting me down.

The staff have been brilliant but every night it’s something else. The first few nights it was my lactate levels and they were worried about compartment syndrome, last night it was coughing, tonight I’m on IV antibiotics as my temp won’t go down.

I’m in pain, I still have 3 drains in - I can’t even have an enjoyable shower because of the drains….

I can’t get comfy, I feel like a pin cushion, I can’t sleep. I miss my girls - I have a 16 and a 13 year old at home. My amazing DH is being brilliant as is my mum.

I’ve been told to expect to be in until at least Thursday - my 16 year old has her first Higher on Tuesday and I won’t be there.

Everyone is amazing and wonderful and professional but I’m just feeling sad.

Hi OP, I had major abdominal surgery a number of years ago, when I was in my 20s, and the recovery was the hardest thing! It sounds to me like you're doing really well, if you're considering a shower presumably you can walk OK? I think that took me 7 days ish. Are you able to eat or drink yet? If not, you will feel SO much better physically and mentally once you can eat. I'm not sure what the drains are but I HATED the naso gastric tube. Awful thing.

I do remember that every bump in the road of recovery felt like such a blow. I am keeping everything crossed you can lose some of the tubes soon and ultimately go home.

If you've developed coughing and high temperature I'd be concerned about having caught covid, which is the last thing you need. Unfortunately very common due to insufficient protections for patients in hospital.
Hopefully you start to feel better from your surgery and any complications. It really does take more of a toll than you realise.
Even when you go home, take it easy.

It sounds as though they are looking out for and being proactive about any signs of sepsis.
You are bound to be feeling emotional with being so unwell and missing your daughter's exam feels huge but she will appreciate your support and will be okay.
Maybe someone can help you get her a teddy or something as a wee mascot through the exams? As well as chocolate, or ice cream, of course!

The staff have been brilliant - yep, covid, sepsis and compartment syndrome worries. I actually feel a lot better and a lot less stiff and sore after my antibiotics. I was brave enough to slightly sleep on my side last night and i actually slept a wee bit.

I sent my DDs ice cream through just eat yesterday to cheer them up and that cheered me up