Surgery recovery questions

[bunnyceleste]

I have a consultation next week to arrange my first surgery after 10 years of living with crohns. So far I know it will most likely be laproscopic, a resection of my terminal illeum to remove a small but gnarly stricture. I feel at peace with the decision to go ahead with surgery, but I am a little worried about the recovery period. I know everyones experience is a little different but I have some questions about what to expect afterward. See, I live alone with just my dog and dont have a ton of support. I have a few people who can stop by for an hour or two and to take my dog out but I dont have anybody able to stay with me 24/7 for days or weeks. Im wondering how much help people needed and what was most challenging during your recovery time? Any tips on how to prepare beforehand (Im already stocking my freezer with tons of smooth single serving pureed soups..)

 

[2thFairy]

Well, right off the top of my head I will say that even if your surgery is laparoscopic, you will need help with things like doing laundry for at least the first 2 weeks, as generally you are advised not to lift anything more than a few pounds.

I've had many open surgeries and many laparoscopic ones. I did okay being on my own with laparoscopic surgeries for the most part, but needed someone to stay with me for the first 2 days after getting home from the hospital. With resection of your terminal ileum in particular, I don't know what to advise there....I don't know what sort of particular obstacles you may or may not have with that. I know that many people around here have had that done, however, so I'm sure someone will be able to be more helpful that I am.

I wish you the best with your surgery and your recovery!

 

[David]

I wish I had some answers for you, unfortunately I do not. I saw you requested additional support though so I wanted to respond and at least bump your thread so more people might see it

 

[warge]

Hi

It is 11 days since my surgery(open) I was in hospital 5 days and since coming home i have got an infection and having to go back to the hospital each day for the dressing to be changed. My husband was with me the first day but has been working every since, I just rest as much as I can and he does all the jobs in the house thank goodness. I can make my own meals like soup and sandwiches but i could not make a meal without him.

I feel very tired and in pain a lot of the time but now the infection is being treated should get better. I am not going to the toilet as much so hopefully it has done the trick.

Still early days yet but getting better each day.

I have been told by lots of people that it is the best thing they had done so it cant be all that bad.

Hope everything goes well for you.

Warge

 

[Grumbletum]

Hi Bunny - I hope you don't mind me calling you that! Like the 2thFairy says, it's mainly lifting that's to be avoided - I read somewhere nothing heavier than a kettle - and I think that's a pretty good measuring stick. I'd also say anything that involves excessive bending and stretching, and definitely no hoovering. Do you drive? My surgeon said at least 3 weeks after surgery and only when I felt I could comfortably do an emergency stop.
They get you up and moving around the day after surgery and walking a round a bit will aid your recovery. If all goes well, I don't think you'll need anyone 24/7. I was well and mobile enough on my release ( 7 days post op ) to take a taxi to the airport and a short flight to home.
Stocking up is a good idea, as I did feel a bit tired and slept quite a lot the first week back, so didn't feel much like cooking. Also if someone could do your shopping for you for at least the first week, that would really help.
I think there is a temptation when you're at home to maybe try things you shouldn't or forgettting that you shouldn't
, but your body will soon tell you if you're overdoing it. If you've got any specific questions, fire away and I wish you all the very best with the surgery.

 

[Adam1971]

Hi there. I too just made the decision to have a resection, in the same location as you. I have been told all the same things as those who have already chimed in, so all I can say is I am with you on this! I too am wondering what the recovery process will be like just how out of it I will be. I do hope that you will arrange to have a friend come around and check on you. I also wonder if a day or two of having a visiting nurse is a possibility, just to check on you. Don't hesitate to call the doctor if you need too once you get home.

Best of luck and keep us informed!

Adam

 

[ForeverCrohns]

Hello Bunnyceleste

I had my ileum removed laproscopicly three weeks ago. every person is different but I can tell you from my experience what I felt and what I experienced after surgery also what kind of help did I need.

What to expect:
-The surgery pain itself is bad only the forst few days then it gets better
-I experienced sever pain in my right shoulder and diaphragm and I freaked out but there was no need to freak because it is from the CO2 the pumped into my body to see better.
-even if it is a laproscopic surgery it is a big surgery so do not underestimate it like I did .. I expected to not feel very tired but until now I feel very tired.
-You will experience frequent diarrhoea for few months depending on your body
-I had and still have a lot of gas too its like my intestines are angry.

What Help You Might need:
-Make sure you drink enough fluids so keep as much Gatorade as you can to prevent dehydration and increase your salt intake
-make sure you get help grocery shopping and delivery as it will be difficult for you to go out and buy things and also you will not be allowed to carry heavy things so you will need someone to do it for you or to have it delivered to your home.

I hope this helps and If you have any questions please do not hesitate to PM me..

Good luck!

 

[warge]

I am well on the way to getting better now after a setback with infection. I know that the packing of the wound is going to take a while but I am feeling better every day. I have no sickness at all and (excuse the graphic description) the bowels are beginning to get back to proper motions I am no longer completely liquid It is interesting to note that the indication to go to the toilet has changed slightly and not going as much

I stopped taking pain killers yesterday completely

Onwards and upwards - hoping to get walking next week after being taken out this week. I have been very lucky that my husband is doing all the jobs and my daughter is taking me for my dressings done each day, I dont know what I would have done with the help.

 

[CheerBear12]

Hi after my first one laparascopic I needed help with everything but it depends how you are before hand I was in a real bad way. Pain wise absolutely terrible don't mean too scare you sorry xx