Major surgery worries

[Everythingthatmatters]

I am due to have major surgery in a couple of days time. It involves an intensive care stay and several weeks in hospital after. I’ve never had surgery before and now I’m absolutely terrified. Can anyone provide some reassurance? I’m particularly worried about time spent in intensive care and how comfortable this will be

I have had a few lengthy surgeries and I found them to be straightforward and virtually painless. The pre med and anaesthetic procedures were easy to cope with. The aftercare eliminated any pain totally, and I spent a day in a twilight zone recovering. I may have been lucky but I think that surgeries are top notch in the NHS.

I had a whipple in 2017 and it ended up being 14 days in ICU plus 7 more on the ward. I won’t lie, it was incredibly tough, but it’s been worth it as it’s made a long term issue a lot less painful. I was back at work after 4 months, and a lot more mobile after 2 months. It’s a hard slog returning to fitness but you’ll get there. Good luck.

I had a 10.5 hour operation and a 15 day stay in hospital (including ICU immediately afterwards). To be honest I was high as a kite on the drugs and slept most of the first few days.

The only time I ever felt discomfort was when they took me for an MRI the day afterwards but it wasn’t painful as such, just uncomfortable.

I honestly can’t remember the first few days afterwards and only snippets from being on the ward.

My best advice is just take each day by day and have a positive outlook. There’s a reason you need the surgery. Your recovery might be slow but there will be an improvement each day, even if it’s small.

Also, talk through any concerns you might have with both the surgeon and anaesthetist. Mine was that I would wake up in pain - they took it on board and made sure I was dosed up before they bought me round and checked regularly on pain levels.

After major surgery too you tend to be on more specialist wards with higher levels of staff. Even better if you’re at a teaching hospital as you have lots of people on work experience as extra hands.

My experience was REALLY positive. The only downside was the physio I needed afterwards was poor so I ended up paying for some privately. The physio in the hospital was great in making sure I go do everything to get home but was left a bit in the dark after that.

I don’t have much experience, but I would like to wish you well. I hope everything goes as smoothly as possible.

If you are in ICU you will be monitored very closely. I’ve only been in HDU - high dependency. You may not remember much of it as you are kept the time you need to have regular intervention, tests and monitoring

I know it’s scary but the surgeon and particularly anaesthetists and nurses are very happy to answer everything. Nothing is a stupid question and it’s normal to feel nervous.

Plan to have recovery time at home as normal general wards can be noisy and bright including at night.

If you are NHS be prepared that it may be postponed due to no ICU bed being available. I know you that’s hard when you psych yourself up.
best wishes OP

Hi OP. I haven't been in ICU but after several surgeries over the last 12 months, the thing I needed most was my own pillow and a non plastic blanket. The pillows and duvets are understandably made of plastic.

It may be an infection risk in ICU but once you are on a normal ward this may make you more comfortable.

Good luck.

I had a mastectomy last summer. It was absolutely fine. I hated not having coffee on tap so I took in a travel kettle. Make it as homely as you can. It really isn't as bad as you think. Being hooked up to drips and machinery is the worst part and I felt trapped at times but honestly it really isn't as bad as I thought

All icus I've worked allow it if you don't mind them getting a bit icky. Icu is really well looked after, it's v bright and can be noisy so recommend eye masks and ear plugs (most units have them if you ask but they're not amazing). Best of luck x

Thanks everyone. I’ve been told it won’t be postponed regardless of beds due to
the fact it’s life saving surgery. They have contingency’s in place. I’m pretty concerned about the number of drips, drains and tubes
afterwards and how well I’ll tolerate these.