Post Operation.................... - General Health Message Board

FUNGHI · 01-30-2009, 09:01 AM

Hi Chaps,

Am new to this so please bear with me..............

I had an operation a week ago (yesterday) and am looking for post op advice as the hospital has given me very little and nothing in writing. (which I asked for) It started off as keyhole for appendicitis, but they were unable to find it (hiding behind my bowl) and when did it was abcessed and starting to disintegrate, so I have have ended up with both keyhole wounds and a full apendectomy. What I wanted from the hospital was an idea of what would happen when, pain, things to look out for regarding the wounds, how long to keep dressings on for, timescales, exercise........not forthcoming. So I am looking to other peoples experience as a guide.

Many thanks.

auntjudyg · 01-30-2009, 12:35 PM

Yikes! Are you in the U.S.? And got no advise at all?

There ought to be a follow-up appointment with your surgeon. Is there? If so, when? If not, call the office to ask. But you probably need to call anyway for advise about changing the dressings. (No nurse is checking on this?)

The major thing to watch is your temperature. If it gets above 100 degree, you need medical attention ASAP!

Some pain is normal but it should not get unbearable (and do you have a prescription for pain?)

The other usual advise after full-incision abdominal surgery is to be very careful lifting things and certainly should not lift anything over 5 pounds - some would say for 1 months; others for 3 months; probably depending on the extent of surgery.

For exercise, walking would probably be best for starters. Step it up if you are comfortable and not straining. When recovering from surgery, you want to push enough to make progress but not enough to over exert, that just sets you back.

Keep us posted!

auntjudyg · 01-30-2009, 12:37 PM

Oh, if you don't mind, how old are you? Even the decade would be fine, if you don't want to say!

FUNGHI · 01-31-2009, 10:26 AM

Dear Auntjudyg,

Many thanks for your reply. I am in the UK. I have no follow up appointments with the hospital. I have seen my own GP who has changed some of the painkillers I was on, checked the wounds are ok and that my temperature is fine.

The hospital informed me that they would arrange for the district nurse to come and see me on monday to remove the stitches, but I have not heard anything yet, so fingers crossed. Am feeling a bit better and am trying to keep moving (within reason). Is amazing how much you rely on your 'middle' for doing most things. The biggest challenge is getting out of bed without feeling that I am 'wrenching' my insides, though this too seems to be a little easier, or perhaps I am getting a little 'wiser'. As I have never experienced any thing like this before, it has all been a big shock. I will be putting my 'thoughts' down in writing to my hospital, as I cannot be the first person to feel 'abandoned' by them without any guidance.

Anyway, once again thanks for your reply.

Regards

Funghi.

PS - 38