Appoint with Mr Baig to review the diagnosis made from the Colonoscopy and the CT scan at the multi-disciplinary team meeting. The recommendation was a colon resection to remove the tumour and surrounding colon.
The operation was planned for 25th August with pre-op appoint on 17th and Stoma training on 23rd.
Arrived at the Chanctonbury Suite at 7.30 am for preparation for the operation. This included taking a lot of tablets, putting on pressure socks and changing into a theatre dress. The nurse also covered the previously signed consent form.
Once ready I was walked to the anaesthetic preparation room climbed on the table and had a canula needle inserted in to the back of my have. while this was being done one of the anesthetise team talked to me about his training and career. He had been at the RD&E and reminisced about pubs that he frequented when he lived in Exeter.
I don't recall being put under at around 9 am, but when I came to at about 4 pm I was greeted by Mr Baig who told me that the operation was completed to his optimal expectation and that he did not need to leave me with a stoma. what a relief! There were three insertions, 2 small cuts on the right of my abdomen and a longer one down the centre through my navel. The operation was completed by laparoscopy as was Mr Baig's best hope. He also told me that he had telephoned Lynda after coming out of theatre just after 1 pm.
Following the operation I had 5 nights in a 6 bed side ward on Chiltington Ward. There were 8 other patients who occupied the other beds during the time that I was on the ward. The first night was very uncomfortable. I was out of bed on the second day and had a walk down the corridor late afternoon. By the third day I was able to explore the second floor more and by the evening I went down to the see the penguins in the serenity garden with one of the other patients. I went down by lift and walked slowly back up the stairs to the second floor.
Food was adequate, my meals were small as the colon need to recover. One unexpected challenge was an allergic reaction to a lamb casserole on the Sunday evening. This was one of the dishes felt safe for me on the limited menu that was created the catering manager for me. I believe that there was a spice in the ingrediencies that triggered the reaction. I was given antihistamine to help calm things.
When the registrar did her ward round on the Monday morning, day 6 I was offer the opportunity to go home that day, August Bank Holiday. I grabbed at the offer and phone the friend who had offered to collect me. I left the hospital around 6.30 pm and was home by 7 pm. Relieved and grateful for the care and treatment that I have recieved.
My key post operative challenge was constipation. The Enhanced Recovery Programme nurse, Jayne Munday suggested orange juice, walking and chewing gum help the digestive system return to a better condition. It worked.
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