ICU after debulking surgery?

[LILLIAN577]

I know I know it all depends on how much has to be done and how well my mom who is 74 years old does. Im concerned can anyone give me ideas of how bad this could be I dont like to go into things unprepared>

[melenzbee83]

Hi,
my situation was also similar to the above one, i had radical hysterectomy, removal of ovary and a bowel reconstruction. Although i am very young and fit my surgeon and anethesist sent me to ICU for 2 nights as a precaution. I then spent another 7 nights in the normal ward.

From my personal experience i would personally request ICU as i was given 2 -24-hour nurses at all times which often can not happen in the normal ward due to the nurse-patient ratio. I would def talk to your doctor and find out as i was told about ICU moments before having my surgery and i totally freaked, but looking back it was the best thing i could of done. wishing you and your mum all the best.

[cath81]

my mum who is 72 had a very successful radical hysterectomy and was sent to ICU for two nights. given your mum's age, she might have to spend a night or two in the intensive care ward.

but not to worry... some hospitals send older patients to ICU as a precationary measure, because physically, they are weaker. once her condition is more stable, she will be transferred to the normal ward.

[Ramsay14]

My post operative experience was very similar to JC145.  I had all female parts, omentum, appendix, and sigmoid colon removed.  I was in the hospital for 4 days and never in ICU.  The morphine pump was great.

[JC145]

I can only speak for myself.  I was not in ICU, but did spend almost a week in the hospital.  I was given pain meds and I had a morphine pump (which lets your Mom push the button whenever the pain is too bad .. but it is timed not to allow her to do that too often.)  I used the pump occasionally the first few days and was in good spirits.  I was not allowed solid food until I moved my bowels .. which was a bit of a problem as the pain meds tend to constipate you.  I was only allowed soft food .. jello, etc. I also had a saline drip running for hydration.  I made myself get out of bed within a couple of days of the surgery.  It hurt bit time, and I could not walk straight up .. used the hydration pole for support .. but walked a little each day.  It really speeds up recovery.  Once home, tylenol extra strength worked great for me.  

I had the regular debulking surgery .. female stuff and the omentum.   A few other small areas were also removed.  If your Mom has more extensive surgery, it may take her a bit longer to move around.

The pain will go away .. it will take a little time.  I had 2 C-sections prior to this surgery, so I had a little idea of what to expect.

Good luck & God Bless ...

Judy

[jane65]

Dear Lillian,
I can see by your posts what a caring and loving daughter you are, and your Mom is truly blessed to have you to care for her.

You're right, we can't give you a definitive answer, please be sure to ask her surgeon all the questions you have. You won't be bothering him, they expect and anticipate the family's need to know what lies ahead.

Keep in touch with us, we're here to give you all the support we can.
Best of luck to Mom and best wishes for her good health.
Jane