What helped you the most after major abdo surgery?

[scaredpersonnumber4936]

I am due to have a fairly serious operation soon that could come with a long recovery process and I am FREAKING OUT.

I have never had any kind of abdominal surgery before. Although I have had the pleasure of some really traumatic healthcare experiences. I have been trying to plan ahead and prepare myself but don't know anybody who's been through this to ask questions.

I live alone and don't really have an army of people I can call upon for help as I recover. So when I've been googling for ideas on how to help myself the many articles about how "the most important factor in my recovery was my spouse" have not been so helpful!

If you've been through abdominal surgery and were facing it again, what would you want to make sure you had ready?

What would be at the top of your list? What wouldn't you bother with at all this time?

Was there anything that surprised you or you weren't prepared for?

Lowest point in your recovery? Highest point?

If you found it distressing that your body didn't work the way it used to after surgery, how did you manage that?

What was the one thing that helped you the most?

Keep an eye on your wound. I developed a wound infection the day after I got out of hospital. Cue antibiotics and district nurse calling each day to dress it. I did have my doctor do a house call who arranged the district nurse. It took a while to clear and I even had to go back to see the consultant. Once I was able to drive I had to get it dressed at the clinic.

Some great advice, I would add in terms of clothing loose t shirts are good, or if you're using button up pyjamas be careful you don't have a button right where your wound is. Cardigans are easier than pulling a jumper over your head.

Deactivate your doorbell, it's pretty crap hobbling to answer the door only to have a delivery driver try to get you to take in a parcel you can't even lift, for your neighbour to come just when you have hobbled back to the sofa.

It's not very common but depending on the surgery you have an ileus is a possibility. Might not be relevant but no fun when your abdomen is tight as a drum and so swollen your own loose PJs are too tight. It was sorted with a NG tube but I felt they went on so much about being active after surgery they downplayed the fact that some people feel rubbish. I so hope you don't but if you do feel ill you can't help it.

If after surgery you are not recovering in hospital as quickly as expected be politely assertive in advocating for yourself if you can.

Good luck OP!

And @fudgesmummy

My bathroom, kitchen and bedroom are all on different floors.

I slept on the sofa (same level as bathroom) for three weeks because I couldn't do stairs.

Also live alone, and for the first few days my mum came and made me a "packed lunch" to see me through the day.

Don't shower for the first time without someone else in the house in case you faint.

Get used to sleeping lots, get a load of VERY easy watching stuff on the telly, get plenty of Lactulose because codeine will bung you up and straining is not fun.

Good luck - my surgery was emergency and unplanned, so you've got a massive head start.