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1299624 tn?1332803936

Has anyone had the vertical incision for cancer staging surgery

If you have had the vertical incision (from belly button to top of pubic area) incision for ovarian cancer staging, please give me some tips on how to cope after surgery.  Thank you.
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1299624 tn?1332803936
To all,  Thanks so much for replying and helping to ease my fears.  My surgery is scheduled for Monday, May 17th.  I will keep you posted on my recovery. Hugs to all.  Gina
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Avatar universal
Get the nurses to show you how to get out of bed.  I think you lay on your side, stick your legs out of the bed, push up with your top arm to a sitting position.  The proper technique keeps you from straining the incision.  

When you get home, try to sit in high chairs so you won't strain getting up.  We put extra pillows on a sofa which was too low.  I also found that my desk chair was very comfortable, so I sat at my desk and played games on the computer a lot while I was healing.  I was fine at the kitchen table, too, and read the newspaper there.  

Plan to walk a few minutes every hour or so.  Even if you're walking circles in your house.  This relieves the gas in your system and also helps you get stronger.  Walking is a safe exercise when bending, stretching, and straining aren't a good idea.  

Good luck.  You'll get through it, I promise.  
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107366 tn?1305680375
COMMUNITY LEADER
I didn't have a lot of pain with mine, either.  The incision itself healed quickly.  I had other issues from the ascites that had built up from my cancer, and it leaked through my incision until it was fully healed.  My incision was rather large, though (92 staples, and went from just under my chest to the pubic line.  My tumor was 40 cm).  Be sure to keep it clean, but after bathing, be sure to dry it well.  I found using my hair dryer on a low setting with cool air helped make sure it was fully dry.  The incision will probably itch as it is healing, but try not to scratch.  If this becomes an issue, ask your doctor if you can use some anti-itch spray.  Kismetfarm is right about pain control.  You'll more than likely have a morphine drip the first couple of days before moving on to a pill form of pain medication.  Remember, it's much easier to control pain by keeping your schedule of pain medicine.  If you wait until you are already in pain before you take it, it is harder to catch up with it.  So take it even if you feel you might not need it. You'll probably sleep better than you think you will.  Your body will be using lots of energy to heal, so you'll need more rest.  Along with that, be sure to eat and stay hydrated, even if you don't have much of an appetite at times.  Your body will need the nutrition to heal properly.  

When is your surgery scheduled?  Sending lots of good wishes for success and a fast recovery!

Gail
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Avatar universal
I have had two vertical incisions now and didn't find them too much of a problem (all things being relative of course!).  While you are in hospital the staff will generally make sure you have sufficient pain relief (and don't be afraid to ask if you are in pain) and by the time I got home I was comfortable enough with over the counter type meds.    Again if you are still in a fair bit of pain by the time they are ready to discharge you ask for something stronger.   I was so pleased to see my own bed again I slept wonderfully when I first got home both times *grin*.

Definitely don't lift anything heavy for six weeks (hernias are no fun)

All the best for your surgery.
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1299624 tn?1332803936
Gail,

Thanks for taking the time to list all of these items to make my recovery easier. Is the pain tolerable while you are in the hospital and at home (able to sleep etc)?  I have never had major abdominal surgery and I just want to be prepared.  Thanks again Gail.

Gina
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107366 tn?1305680375
COMMUNITY LEADER
1. ALWAYS keep a pillow nearby to hold against your stomach if you cough or sneeze
2. Ofter one or two days, make sure the dressing is off the incision and let it get air
3. Remember that even when the outside looks like it's healing well, you are still healing on the inside.  
4. Take a laxative or stool softener, especially if you are also on pain medicine.  You don't want to strain to use the restroom.  
5. Don't take on too much too quickly.  When they tell you to lift no more than 5-10 lbs, follow that advice! Don't risk tearing something on the inside.
6. Let other wait on you as long as necessary.  The world won't end if you can't do the dishes, or the laundry.  Take advantage of the down time to rest and recouperate.
7. Get yourself some good books or magazines...or supplies for whatever your hobby may be before surgery.  You'll have plenty to occupy your time while you heal.

I'm sure that's not the entire list, and I know others will comment.  

Best wishes to you.    

Gail
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