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Posted 3/27/2008 10:08 AM (GMT -8)
So i have not posted on here... i have just been reading and taking it all in. I have a question for all you that have had surgrey. After you had to surgrey were you able to walk around and move or were you mostly on the bed. Did you sleep alot? IF you had kids were you able to hang out with them. I just want to know how quick it will take my dad it be able to get back to somewhat of himself. Is it easier to sit or stand or walk?
Posted 3/27/2008 10:34 AM (GMT -8)
I was out of bed and walking within 5 hrs after the recovery room.  It was hard, but I did it about every 6 hrs. until I was sent home the next day.  I walked out the street and back as many times daily as I could, working up to covering a mile within the first week.  It is really important that he try to walk early and often, if just short distances, adding more as you recover strength.  Those who lay in bed too long will suffer in the long run with delayed recovery and healing time.  I limited my social activities(church, resturants, etc.) for 10 days until the catheter came out.  After that I went anywhere I wished.  I would guess that within a week after catheter removal, he could return to most activites that don't require lifting.  No riding bikes, lifting over 5lbs., the normal restrictions that come with abdominal surgery.  Hope he has a good quick normal recovery...
Posted 3/27/2008 10:35 AM (GMT -8)

Eagle, I was 52 this past October when I had the Di Venci surgery. I was talking to my kids four hours after the operation, and walking the next day. It should be no problem for your Dad to hang out with you when he comes home, he will need to take naps to rest up. I stayed downstairs and slept in my lazy boy, it was easier for me than trying to lay down and mess with the cathater. Walking will be good for him, but he will walk a little slower again becouse of the cathater. My kids came in and had meals with me, and we watched a lot of movies together, and two weeks after the operaton, I went to watch my son play Varsity football. Just take the lead from your Dad, he will let you know when he needs a nap..you can help him a lot the first few days by bringing him drinks, snacks and just being around to help out. He will be back to normal before you know it!

Beachbum tongue

Posted 3/27/2008 11:16 AM (GMT -8)

Eagle, it varies from person to person.

I was up and walking a little bit about 9 hours after surgery ended....then two or three times the next day, then released to go home after the second night.

Tried to walk for 10-15 minutes every couple of hours when I got home....sometimes in the back yard...sometimes on the street.

I went to lunch and dinner, with my trusty catheter along for the fun, several times.  It helped me emotionally to get out of the house and see my friends.

I found a recliner to be comfortable when I was sitting.  Even slept in one a few times.

Encourage your dad to do what he can to be active, but without overdoing it.

Good luck!!!

Posted 3/27/2008 12:41 PM (GMT -8)

Eagle:

my experience was the same as the other responders. 6 hours after surgery I got myself, my IV stand and catheter out of bed and went roaming the halls of the hospital. Mostly out of boredom but also to release the gas build up from the surgery. Instead of the real method of expelling gas I was just able to belch long and hard. Apologized to the night staff but they just laughed and said it was good to see me up and about. Getting around the house was easy even with the catheter, One bit of advice, if your dad is not going out of the house use the overnight bag during the day instead of the leg bag. I fell asleep with the leg bag on and it overfilled and gave me some massive bladder spasm. Leave room for expansion. Also spent alot of time on the computer since my wife was at work and my son in school. Sitting up for a long time does become painful around the rectum. I got a doughnut to sit on and this helped a lot. Your dad will be fine. As others have said you need to get mobile as soon as possible. Also do not let him pick any thing up over 5 pounds I don't know the relationship but 16 months after surgery I am going in next week to repair a hernia at one of the port sites.

Best of luck and keep us posted. Remeber there are no stupid questions so ask anything you want. Everyone here is extremely helpful and caring

Posted 3/27/2008 12:44 PM (GMT -8)
Eagle: Forgot to mention one thing that shows how fast you recover, also this is probably why I have a hernia. I was back to golfing 3 weeks after surgery.

Posted 3/27/2008 3:07 PM (GMT -8)
Eagle, my recovery mirrors most others here. I was in my room after surgery at 10:30 a.m. and walking the halls at 3:30 p.m. I went home the next day and was walking around the block with a long pair of basketball shorts covering up the catheter. I was very fortunate in that I had no gas or bloating whatsoever after surgery. Each day I increased my walking and by the end of three weeks I was walking 3 miles. While off from work I would take my daughter to the park almost everyday, although I had to wear a pad to catch any leaks. All in all my overall recovery was quick and successful, more than I ever hoped for.
Posted 4/8/2008 4:22 PM (GMT -8)

Helping to keep this journey together….

 

A personal journey by Kristen *Eagle 10

 

Tomorrow is the big day!!!

The big day...

A few questions....

New to Cancer

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