Post surgery

Crohn's Disease Forum

Help Support Crohn's Disease Forum:

vonfunk

vonfunk

Bourbon Bandito
Joined
Jul 8, 2010
Messages
1,652
Location
Toronto,
So by the time my surgery rolls around, I'll be living by myself. While my parent's want me to stay with them for awhile after I have surgery, I'm not really keen on the idea. It's a different city, too many people living here, dogs running around.
How able were you to take care of yourself after the fact? Is it feasible to be stay by myself? Am I going to need someone to take care of me?
 
Funk - I've had two major abdominal surgeries and a third to take down my ostomy (not major but still a pretty big deal). I found stairs tough, and I needed help taking care of my toddler at the time.

However, I think if you don't have stairs and can get by for a couple weeks without major cleaning, you can probably do it. Also, would you have a visiting nurse coming to check on you? I had one twice a week for a few weeks and it was quite helpful. The nurse would be able to evaluate how you are getting on by yourself. You would also want to make sure you have all the food you need in the house before the surgery. It would probably be a good idea to have someone stay with you for three or four days at least, just to get your meds, get your food, help you dress if you need it etc. Can your parents come stay with you for a bit (and leave the dogs at home)?

Good luck - what's the date?

-Amy
 
I stayed with my mom after my surgery. I wouldn't have been able to handle the house with my finace and the kids and the stairs and all that....it was much more peaceful over there, and my mom took care of me (like cooked, and did my laundry). I was with her for 3 weeks and while I was there, I had the home care nurse come and change my dressings, as well as a stoma nurse come and teach me how to take care of Oscar. I was on bloodthinners at the time as well, so I also had the lab nurse come and take my blood twice a week. I wouldn't have been able to do all that on my own. But, I had complications with my surgery, so that was likely a factor as well. I just felt generally weak, and needed someone to help me out. I could have gotten away with staying for only a couple of weeks, but it was my mom, and she convinced me to stay :)

Good luck on your surgery!
 
Its June 24th, still a ways off. But I need to start doing planning now. As far as my apartment goes, there are about 10 stairs in the place. I plan on reorganising the apartment before surgery. Part of it is going to depend on how well the surgery goes. If they are able to do it laproscopically, then it shouldn't be that bad. if they have to open me up then i may have to head to my folk place. I should be able to find someone to stay for a few days.
 
I couldnt have managed on my own the first two weeks to be honest! Honestly even turning the microwave on was a chore. But they cut me open like a xmas turkey and I had infections to add to the trouble. Bending over and reaching are STILL an issue 7 weeks on, as well as the fatique. If I'd had the money I might have managed if I had 'meals on wheels', but it still would've been a struggle. If you can get help, do it for the first little while at least. You will find laying on the sofa is mostly what you want to do! Best of luck to you!!
Misty
 
that's the thing it depends on how the surgery goes, I might need to make some sort of standby arrangement.

Who's had a planned surgery and who's had emergency? From my understanding they end to end differently.
 
My surgeries have been planned. I thought it worked out great for me-I was able to build my blood up before the surgeries with medications. I also was able to come up with a plan with the surgeon if there were complications, etc. that we both agreed on. And I was able to plan for after care as well. I recouperated fast and in six weeks felt much better.
 
Mine was an emergency, and open sugery as well. So I had no contingency plans for afterwards. And with the open surgery bending and stretching and all those lovely things we take for granted when our stomachs are whole, are pretty hard. If you're having laproscopic surgery, you'll likely be better off.
 
I had one emergency and one planned. The first was laproscopic and was the best thing I ever did, the second...not going there. I had my mom and my ex look after me the first time. The seond I had my now husband and had a nurse come in for the dressings and check for infections. My husband is mine rescue trained and has Advanced first aid, nothing fazes him. If you can, ask your doctor for an epidural, unless you like Morphine and all the hallucinations,, I dont but epidurals dont work for me.

So what hospital are you have it done in and do you have a good surgeon? Don't worry, you will be glad you did it. ;)
 
I'm going to Mt. Sinai, the surgeon was very straight forward, albeit delicate regarding the risks. My old GI who referred me stated that the reason he sent me to her is because if he needed surgery, she is the one he would want to do it. He sent me to a different hospital than the one he works out of.

And I'm cool with morphine, I have no issues from it, except that it's usually not quite strong enough.
 
You are lucky to get into Mount Sinai, I saw a Dr. Gordon Greenburg there, but only to confirm a 3 surgery at that time was my last hope. He is one of the big wigs there, and really knows his stuff. But I escaped it so far, and seem to be in a good stage. My only experience with my first resection was that I was hospitalized with IV antibiotics for a week prior and a week later and had 8 good years. My second, the idiot (small town surgeon, yes I learned the hard way) didnt believe in antibotics and was infected and operated anyways. I know there is no guarantees but if I do have a 3rd there is an amazing Dr Mapaso here state of the art this guy. Experience tells me to always check out the doctors prior.

Good luck and take it easy when you are done, overdoing will set you back. :goodluck:
 
Von,
I did alright alone for short periods of time. My hubby works for himself so he dropped by during the day. My sons live close enough that they took over if the hubby could not. The first couple of days, you really should have someone with you. Fixing meals can be a challenge. Your body will be in some shock and it is just really best to have someone around. My surgery was planned but due to my body not cooperating, it became emergency. I did not have laproscopic surgery. The staples drove me bonkers. As soon as you are allowed- WALK and WALK some more. It really helps. Make sure you have plenty of your favorite liquids at home. The surgery was the best thing for me.

Wendy
 
I had A LOT of help from my girly girl and my sisters, mother, and father. Honestly, I don't know what I would have done without them!

I don't have any great advice, but it looks like others do. Good luck, homey!
 
Who's your surgeon? I just had a consult with Dr. McLeod at Mt. Sinai. She seems really good and came with a great recommendation.
 
Dr. MacRae

on a related note I had my initial appointment with my new GI (who is conveniently directly beside the suregeons' office), he said everything looks good from a treatment standpoint and to not change anything. He also explicitly told me to continue smoking until I have surgery, so I guess that's a minor win.
 
Dont quit smoking?:confused2: Wow that is a first. I quit 6 months before my surgery because my gp gone anaethesist, says when you smoke,you raise your chances of not coming out of it. So I quit 9 years ago and feel better for it. Wonder why your doc said that? Do you know?
 
Because I have UC and he said that my smoking is probably a contributing factor to me keeping it under control. He said maintain how everything is until surgery.
 
Ah, sorry, didnt realize you had UC. As much as quitting smoking always good, it helps UC and have heard of that. Most people find when they have UC, if they quit the symptoms come back...so yes, doc is probably right!
 
Yep, stick with the smoking, for now. All of my UC flares came from everytime I quit smoking. And this final flare that re-DX me with Crohn's came after I quit smoking for good 4 years ago.

Ah, cigarettes, how I love to blame you for everything, yet quitting you led to my ill health. Oh, the irony.

Good luck, Von Funk! We'll be with ya till June 24 and well after that!

- Amy
 
Same here Amy, during my first flare the doctor outright told me that my smoking was keeping the disease dormant. Had I not quit I may have gone a couple more years with out so much of a peep from it.
 
vonfunk said:
So I should stocking up on tonic water and gin.
Click to expand...

:thumleft:The G&T will keep your "spirits" up!

On the smoking thing- I concur. I flared when I stopped. Been great since I started back. Nicotine is good for the bleeding. I do have an electronic cig. that I use sometimes. Well, at my desk, when the 'gators are biting.

Wendy
 
hi I also had to be looked after by my mum, but I have 2 children to think about(they came too) I think you need someone for a few days at least x
 
So I have it all sorted out.

I have a friend who is moving to Toronto, and doesn't have a place yet. She's going to stay with me for a couple of months. She's moving in about a month before surgery,to help me get this place in order, and then offered to stay during the recovery period.
 
Very happy to hear that! The first two weeks after you get home are the worst. And you will want some company just for your own sanity.

Misty
 
I wasn't keen on staying with my folks, I still have 3 brother there, and there are tiny dogs that like to jump on people. Not a good situation post surgery. Not the hard part is telling my parents that I'm not staying, they'll learn over Easter. Although I might head out there this weekend.
 
Mountaingem said:
My surgeries have been planned. I thought it worked out great for me-I was able to build my blood up before the surgeries with medications. I also was able to come up with a plan with the surgeon if there were complications, etc. that we both agreed on. And I was able to plan for after care as well. I recouperated fast and in six weeks felt much better.
Click to expand...

Hi, just wondering what you built your blood up with? And was this for low iron and Haemaglobin. I'm going in nxt week for a resection and am very anaemic so was just curious to see if I can try to get this up?
 
Caring for Hubby oming home after surgery

My Hubby has just had his colon removed and has a tempoary ilestomy due to severe Ulcerative colitis. He should be home next week as it all went well but just wondered what kind of support he will need. I work part time and will have to continue as hes is on ssp which isnt very much and we have a toddler. we also live in a small cottage with lots of steep stairs and i was just wondering how other people were after surgey and what they struggled with, a bit concerned about the stairs for him. if any one has any advice that would be great x
:eek:
 
Can you tell us what country you are located in?

If in the UK, he must tell them at hospital. The phsio's will have to make sure he can navigate stairs before they let him out.

I will say that going up and down stairs will help with getting him back to health. But NO lifting...not even a full kettle!

I managed at home all day by myself when I was let out. But I sure didnt feed myself well. At night I had help. But I didnt have a toddler to take care of!

Misty
 
Thanks for your reply were in the uk, hes had home help round but he told them he wouldn't need any help cos hes a typical man!!! but i would rather make things as easy as possible for him as i know with the little one it will be a bit of a juggle trying to support his needs as well as hers if you know what i mean. just wondered do they come and check the house then first? i never seem to be there when they come round so cant ask anything and hes a bit forgetful from all the morphine so its a bit difficult getting info!
 
I've had 3 surgeries and one thing I can say is that stairs were never a problem when I returned home. That motion just does not seem to cause any pain or pulling (at least for me!)
 
LOU said:
Thanks for your reply were in the uk, hes had home help round but he told them he wouldn't need any help cos hes a typical man!!! but i would rather make things as easy as possible for him as i know with the little one it will be a bit of a juggle trying to support his needs as well as hers if you know what i mean. just wondered do they come and check the house then first? i never seem to be there when they come round so cant ask anything and hes a bit forgetful from all the morphine so its a bit difficult getting info!
Click to expand...

Uh huh! The first 2 weeks are the worst. He'll need help on days you aren't there. Maybe not home help per say, but someone checking in on him. Whether he likes it or not! After the initial 2 weeks, he should feel alot better. But honestly it can take 3 months before he will feel like a proper normal person again.
Good luck!
Misty
 
I forgot to add Lou....If he does too much, he'll be sooooo sorry! He will set himself back. Or get a stonking huge hernia like me! :eek: And now I need MORE surgery. So tell him that!

Misty
 
thanks misty, i will make sure he doesnt do too much and that weve got people checking in on him. will update when hes home hopefully next week x
 

Similar threads

valleysangel92
Hello Old Friends
Replies
1
Views
267
my little penguin
my little penguin
R
Nearly 4.5 years in with Crohn's.
Replies
2
Views
1K
ras96mg
R
T
Ideas on why I have so much discomfort/pain in the lower abdomen?
Replies
7
Views
1K
thatguyyeah
T
K
So confused after apparent relapse
Replies
6
Views
1K
Opieshuffle13
O
K
This has destroyed my life.
Replies
27
Views
2K
kephra
K

Latest posts

Back
Top