Surgery questions

[akpatti]

I am getting ready to have my first surgery and had some questions and was hoping some folks here may have some answers. I did ask the doctor some, but did not receive a surgery packet, so now have another appointment to ask more questions...but it is a week before surgery and I can't stand not knowing.
I have to have a open surgery instead of laproscopic because of it being a resection of duodenum. I am reading where it takes awhile for the bowels to start working and it varies by person, but that being said won't they not release you from the hospital until it is working again?
How much pain is generally involved in recovery? Is it worse then the strictures, generally the same, or less? The surgeon said 4-5 days in the hospital and I should be able to drive in a week. He also said about 6-8 wks total recovery because of it being a open surgery...is that normal?
I am tired almost all the time from the crohns as it is...I know that surgery will zap me even further...how long does it take on average to at least recover presurgery levels for energy?
I am a very active person between work and dog training...the part that I am having a hard time with wrapping my head around is being an invalid, ie unable to work, train, or do a lot of the basic household chores...how long after surgery in general until you were able to start exercising and getting back in shape?
Anything that you can share either surgery related or recovery I would appreciate. I do not know much about the procedure other then what I was able to google (most of it old). I am unsure, but it sounds like I will be tubed and cathed for a couple of days after? I am trying to get as much info as I can because it would help the nerves...at least I hope that it will.

 

[Snap]

:rosette1: Hey Akpatti---I probably won't be much help to you as I am not familiar with the surgery that you are having. My first surgery was 15 days ago, was an open abdominoperineal resection with bilateral ovary excision and ileostomy. Now, your recovery won't be as extensive as mine since they scooped out my guts (LOL)--but abdominal surgery is major no matter what you have done. I am going to assume that you will have a catheter and NG tube for a few days postop. I dunno if they will put a drain into your abdomen to be pulled out a few days to a week afterwards. Like I said, I am not familiar with the surgery that you are having--so I should probably just shut my fat mouth! Haha. Anyway, you will do really well---start doing your Kegel exercises now! Just wanted to let you know that I'll be sending healing thoughts your way---and keep looking for responses as I am positive someone on this site has gone thru the surgery that you will be undergoing. This is a great place to get advice and gobs of support and understanding. Hang in there!ika: Snap

 

[Terriernut]

Hello akpatti! Yes it can take awhile for the bowels to work. Some peoples work within 24 hours, others 4 days, others longer. I suggest you take some chewing gum, and chew on ice as that seems to help the bowels wake up sooner. You will be nil by mouth to begin with after surgery. Although some pain meds will make your bowels slow down as well. No, most hospitals wont let you leave until your bowels start working again.

Yes, abdominal surgery can be difficult, but most people will tell you that they wish they'd had it done sooner! Also, you will have some instructions not to lift more than say 10lbs for a bit as well. This is because you dont want a hernia! Recovery time varies. But you will want to take it easy for the first two weeks. It's traumatic on the body to go thru surgery, and it needs time to heal. Most people say within 4-6 weeks after a resection they feel really well. I hope you recover quickly so you can get back to your pooches!!!
:hug:

 

[akpatti]

Thank you for responses, honestly any info is better then letting me over think it. I have been trying to relax as stress makes it worse, but I find that am I getting anxious as the date approaches.
I have my husband continuing to work while I am in the hospital and then taking a week off once I am released...Is one week enough...for me to not have to be babysat? If all goes well I should be able to be on my own by then right?

 

[Terriernut]

After a week at home you should be able to take care of yourself. I was sent home after being completely cut open and getting a stoma and stayed alone all day immediately. Frankly that wasnt a good idea!! I wasnt home alone at night, but still! (parastomal hernia, because I did too much too soon, NOT good!)

Please, do NOT do housework, do NOT lift anything but a cup of tea. Shower when someone is in the house with you. General anethesia stays in your system awhile, so be careful! Bending and stretching may be painful at first, so dont do it!

It is completely understandable that you are scared! If you werent you would be abnormal! But, once you are recovered, and that nasty bit of bowel is out, I wish you remission and a pain free life for many years to come. So many here have had that, and I think you can too!

The dogs will help you to heal. Just dont let them jump on you. But do let them cuddle. They are the best helpers in the world for healing. Please keep us updated on how you are doing. (its a bit slow on the forum now, but we should be back in full swing after the New Year)

 

[akpatti]

Thank you. I knew lifting would be an issue, but didn't think bending would be. I'll try and set up computer projects or something to distract me for the first couple of weeks...that way I don't drive my husband nuts

 

[Terriernut]

Bending may be fine for you! I was cut from above my navel almost to the pelvic bone. But if it even tingles for you, best not do it!

You'll be fine! The hardest bit is being patient with your body to heal!