Writing a blog about recovering from surgery seems very apt for me right now, I’m currently 6 weeks post-operation number four in three years. Does it get any easier? No, the recovery doesn’t but the coping with it? Maybe.
This time I knew when I found myself at the bottom of that mountain, I would eventually make it to the top (I’m not there yet, it’s still a work in progress). I have to remind myself daily, I KNOW it will get easier but gosh, it’s tough.
Whether you’ve had keyhole surgery to create your first stoma or if you had multiple open surgeries to shift things around to give you a better quality of life, the recovery is savage. There is so sugar coating it. I have learnt some tips along the way though:
First things first, you had major surgery
It will take time to feel like you again. Giving yourself time is the most important thing you can do.
Rest
Rest, rest and rest again. Your body heals faster when you are asleep or resting. Getting yourself a pillow (I used the V shape one for support) could also be useful.
Eating well
This one is tricky, especially after stoma surgery. Suddenly food feels a bit scary but you want to make sure you’re getting all the right nutrition needed to recover. If you are struggling with food, ask your medical team if you would be able to have nutrition drinks to make sure you’re getting everything you need. It’s also super important to stay hydrated, this will help the healing process.
Movement
In the very early days, just getting out of bed and ‘sitting out’ in the chair in the hospital will help. Then start to make little steps, maybe to the end of the ward and back, then to the corridor. Once your home, try and get out in the outdoors to get some vitamin D and fresh air. Movement is key in recovery, but also needs to be done gently and gradually. Don’t start exercising until you’ve been given the go ahead from your surgeon/medical team.
Talk
Talk to your friends, your support network and other people you have around you. After surgeries 1 and 2, I shut myself off – I didn’t want to see anyone. By operations 3 and 4, I knew I needed my people. 10 days after surgery this time, I had my girls sat on my bed with me having a cuppa and a good old catch-up. Talking to them lifted my spirits and put a smile on my face; it made me feel a little bit normal.
Lean on people around you
Someone offered to take your kid to their after-school club? Or offered to make you dinner? Or a shopping trip? Or run the hoover round? Or even a coffee delivery? Take them up on it. You need all the help in the beginning and there’s absolutely no shame in that. When you’re back on your feet you can repay the favour.
The biggest one
Be kind to yourself. Always, always be kind to yourself and celebrate all of the wins. Big and small.
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