View Full Version : I'm back home from hospital (but still very much in pain)
Kirsten
09-01-2007, 01:03 PM
First of all, let me thank you for all the prayers, thoughts and wishes in Tenna's thread! I'm glad that I'm finally back home! Being greeted by my beloved girls was wonderful, even though it breaks my heart to turn down Luna's wish to sleep on my belly... I wish I could make her understand why that's not possible at the moment.
I'm still very tired, and - sort of - depressed; I don't know why. Maybe it's because I'm so much in pain since yesterday! The first days after the surgery were much better, and I'm afraid I walked too much on Thursday (when I heard the news that it was NO cancer, I was so happy that I had enough energy to walk into the park around the hospital, and I even walked stairs... BIG MISTAKE, for now I'm paying the price for it, and can hardly move. Last night, they even had to give me painkillers, which make me feel very tired today.
On the Friday morning, I was kind of shocked when the senior physician told me that I was one of the rare cases where these tumors were detected in such an early state that they haven't become cancerous (and I hope they did not overlook any cancer cells!!!). She actually said I'm the lottery winner at her station, because usually it's already too late for the patients when they have noticed something's wrong. So she told me life obviously has still some plans for me, and that I should be grateful that my gynekologist found this last week, and sent me to hospital.
I know I should do a happy dance now, but right now, I'm still kind of shocked how close it was... :eek: It's such a scary thought!
Another thing that made me upset was that I learnt I have two myomas in my uterus, and a bad case of endometriosis. The removed a lot of that endometriosis stuff from the outside of my bladder and my inner pelvis. I really wish they had removed my uterus as well. Not only that I'm tired of all the bleeding and the pain, but if the myomas grow, I'll need another surgery sooner or later, and I also feel that my bladder problems would get better without that endometriosis ****. At times, I need to go to the bathroom 4 times in an hour, and that's utterly annoying and doesn't allow you to live a normal life!!
Will write more the next days, when I'm feeling better. Just thought I'd let you know that I'm back home! :)
BTW, has anyone here heard from Pawla? How her surgery went and how she is doing?
Kirsten
Randi
09-01-2007, 01:55 PM
Kirsten, I'm of course glad to hear it wasn't cancer. Now, be sure to relax and get a good nights sleep, even though Luna can't sleep on your tummy, you can still enjoy cuddling with her and Lily. :) I'm sure you'll feel better tomorrow when the good news has sunk in. ;)
Take care!
Grace
09-01-2007, 01:57 PM
So glad to hear you're home with your two private duty nurses http://bestsmileys.com/medical/1.gif
Speaking from the experience of several surgeries over the years, each day will be better than the one before. The pain will decrease, until one day you will be pain free. Honest.
Killearn Kitties
09-01-2007, 02:15 PM
So glad to hear that you are back home. Now let those furry nurses make you feel better. :D
Catty1
09-01-2007, 02:50 PM
HUGS! Gentle.
I know what you mean - Oscar would want to even WALK across my tummy, and my hand would automatically go in protection mode!
You had all that endo, and myomas? Maybe once you heal up from this, you can see what to do about further treatment!
Below are some "Checkpoints" from Hystersisters.com Even though you did not have a hysterectomy, you might find these really helpful in terms of what you might expect - and how you know when you are doing too much!
http://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/view_postop.htm
http://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/view_postop34.htm
I couldn't lift my furbabies for a month..."nothing over 10 lbs(4-5 kg)" - and they ARE! :D
Felicia's Mom
09-01-2007, 03:59 PM
I am glad you are home again. God Bless You!!
joycenalex
09-01-2007, 04:03 PM
so glad you're home. rest up, sleep well, maybe with a pillow on your abdomen to discourage the kits and get better soon
Catsnclay
09-01-2007, 04:26 PM
So glad to hear you're home with your two private duty nurses http://bestsmileys.com/medical/1.gif
Speaking from the experience of several surgeries over the years, each day will be better than the one before. The pain will decrease, until one day you will be pain free. Honest.
Grace said it correctly. You WILL get better and better each day, but also be prepared for the "good" days, then you may have a day or 2 of "bad" days to follow.....it is normal!
I have been reading and keeping up with everything, and I am SO glad that they found this in time. Be grateful that you have a doctor with a good eye!
I am happy that you are home now and in the best company of Luna & Lilly :D
......and I know they are extremly happy to have their mommy home!
Heal well.......
lizbud
09-01-2007, 04:34 PM
It's good to hear that you're home now.You've had quite an experience
but now that it's done, just relax, rest & feel better soon. :)
krazyaboutkatz
09-01-2007, 06:19 PM
Kirsten, I'm so glad to hear that you're now home.:) I hope that you'll start feeling better each day and will make a speedy recovery. Please rest, relax, and just do as the doctor says. Please take care.
mike001
09-01-2007, 06:32 PM
Glad to hear the good news Kirsten. Always a down period after surgery, don't worry you'll be up and about in no time with good news like that.
Daisy and Delilah
09-01-2007, 06:37 PM
I'm glad to hear you're home, Kirsten, and all is well. I know you're going to be like a new woman in no time. :)
Bengalz
09-01-2007, 07:49 PM
Welcome home Kirsten and with good news too :) I hope the healing progresses well and that you are able to feel better soon. Your girls must be so happy to have their mommy back :)
sirrahbed
09-01-2007, 08:55 PM
I am so HAPPY to read that you are now home, dear Kirsten :D :D
I wonder if you could put a pillow over your belly and then let Luna sleep on top? That warm pressure might even feel good. I think I might be inclined to keep a pillow on anyway...to avoid tensing up anytime a kitty or anything else comes near.
Please keep us updated - I appreciate it very much. Tenna was so GREAT about posting :)
Dorothy39
09-01-2007, 09:11 PM
Kirstin~ You've been through such an ordeal, and we're so glad that you are HOME FREE and on the Mend!!!!
Wishing you a All the Best!!! ;)
phesina
09-01-2007, 09:59 PM
Dear Kirsten, WELCOME HOME! So glad the surgery is done and you are now home with your girls.
And I'm SO glad this was caught before it became malignant!
Take care, rest up, and feel better.
Hugs and purrs,
Pat, Peony, Sydney, Poppy, Elmer, and Priscilla Angel
momoffuzzyfaces
09-01-2007, 10:03 PM
I'm so glad you are home. It's all over but the healing now. I'm sure your two fuzzy nurses will having you feeling better in no time! :D
Maya & Inka's mommy
09-02-2007, 10:44 AM
Hey!! Happy to hear you are back home, Kirsten http://users.pandora.be/bernardgabriels/images/welcome_paraplu.gif
Don't worry about feeling a bit depressed :) . Now that the suspense about having cancer or not is gone, your body reacts by making you feel upset. With the loving care of your furbabies and good healthy homemade food and lots of resting, you will be up and around soon :) .
These are for you:
http://users.pandora.be/bernardgabriels/images/smilies%20950_cat_with_flowers.gif
rg_girlca
09-02-2007, 12:04 PM
Welcome back home Kirsten. It sounds like you did walk too much and I am sorry you are in so much pain from it. Now you have to rest, rest and rest some more. No heavy lifting, walk a little bit and from what I was told after my surgery, was no stairs for at least 5 days. Please take care of yourself and putting a pillow on your tummy does help if a kitty decides to walk over you.
Prayers on the way that you have a full and speedy recovery.
Kirsten
09-02-2007, 01:37 PM
Thanks!
And sorry for being so short today, but I'm still very much in pain. Guess the stairs were definitely a mistake, and unfortunately, I'm living on the second floor, which means more steps.
BTW, I actually put a pillow on my tummy to keep Luna away, but she laid down on it. It worked for a while, but 6 kg is a lot when your abdomen is sore...
Will go to bed now and hope I'll feel better tomorrow.
Kirsten
rg_girlca
09-02-2007, 01:43 PM
Thanks for checking in with us Kirsten. I hope tomorrow is a better day for you. Take it easy now and tell Luna she will just have to lay by your side for now. :)
Catty1
09-02-2007, 01:58 PM
Kirsten - I hope someone is coming in every day for a while to help out. If you are living on the second floor...just stay home for a few days!
I was at my mom's for over a week - then I stayed in my apartment. I had a couple of friends that I called to pick stuff up for me. I had money for them - and it made for a brief visit - but definitely helped to stay put!
It is difficult to do nothing!
I hope you feel better soon! Do you have pain pills?
Kirsten
09-02-2007, 03:15 PM
No, I'm on my own, nobody came to help today. Didn't think this would be so painful, this is much worse than my spine surgery 3 years ago. Even cleaning litterboxes is an ordeal!
I have to go and see my doctor tomorrow, and I need to buy groceries.
And no, I have no pain meds, but tomorrow, I will ask my doctor for it.
I really wonder if this pain is still normal. The first two days were much better, and now it's getting worse with each passing day. Meanwhile, I could scream when I'm trying to rise from my bed. And one of the incisions look somewhat infected to me, so my doctor definitely has to see this tomorrow.
Kirsten
Freedom
09-02-2007, 03:27 PM
Kirsten, glad to her you are home, continued good news with the doctors and a quick healing!
Catty1
09-02-2007, 03:31 PM
OMG...if you have no painkillers the pain is definitely normal! :eek:
It was over a week before I could start cutting down.
I used extra-strength Tylenol at first, then ibuprofen as that helps inflammation. (Drink lots of water and get fibre, as Tylenol can cause constipation.
***********************************************
Getting out of bed...try this(was taught in hospital):
1. Roll onto your side.
2. Use your arm that you are lying on to push you up to a sitting position.
3. When your feet touch the floor, shift forward a bit if you need to to get to the edge of the bed.
4. Use your LEGS to push you into a standing position, with your arms behind you on the bed starting you up.
This will be more comfy.
Kirsten - does the hospital have a social worker? Or does your doctor know one? I am just hoping in-home help would be available for people who are on their own, covered by your insurance. Heck, you are paying their salaries! Ask for this.
ALSO: Ask your doctor about lifting restrictions. Your groceries may be over that limit. Also...the inside dissolving stitches take 3 weeks to start dissolving...so you have to allow as MUCH healing as possible in the first 3 weeks!
If your grocery store delivers, it might cost a bit more - but you don't want to risk another surgery!
Good luck tomorrow!
cyber-sibes
09-02-2007, 09:51 PM
You'll be able to get much better quality of rest at home, and will be feeling better in no time, Kirsten. It took me a couple weeks to really feel better after my hysterectomy, but I tell you it was worth it to be free of pain! I'm so glad you were that one-in-a-million with no cancer! Couldn't have happened to a nicer person!
Eo find out about lifting restrictions - I know I was not allowed to vaccuum, lift anything over 5 lbs., or even push a grocery cart around for a month.
Grace
09-02-2007, 10:06 PM
And no, I have no pain meds, but tomorrow, I will ask my doctor for it.
I really wonder if this pain is still normal. The first two days were much better, and now it's getting worse with each passing day. Meanwhile, I could scream when I'm trying to rise from my bed. And one of the incisions look somewhat infected to me, so my doctor definitely has to see this tomorrow.
Kirsten
Absolutely, you should have some pain medication - actually, you should have been sent home with some.
Helpful hint for getting out of bed: roll over on your side and rise up that way, using your security pillow/blanket across your abdomen. that's how I used to instruct my patients. You put less pull on those abdominal muscles rising from a side lying position.
anna_66
09-03-2007, 07:46 AM
It's so very nice to hear that this was caught so soon! Your so very lucky.
Sorry your in pain right now and I do hope the incesion is not infected. Healing vibes being sent your way. Feel better soon.
Kirsten
09-03-2007, 08:20 AM
Will make this short, because I'm in terrible pain! I saw my doctor this morning, and yes, the incisions ARE infected and don't look good. Got an ointment, and painkillers, and was told to rest a lot (which I try to, but I have no help here, so there's still a lot to do for me).
But right now, the pain is almost unbereable! My entire abdomen seems to be burning!
Kirsten
Catty1
09-03-2007, 09:02 AM
Kirsten - please call your sister and mom! Tell them what is happening with your incision.
You HAVE to rest! Could even a cat-rescue friend not come over?
{{{hugs}}}
Kirsten
09-03-2007, 10:31 AM
My sister lives 400 km away from here, and my mother has her day off, and they're out. And I cannot pay people for coming over and help me.
Just looked at the incisions, and one of them (the biggest one) looks really bad. It's scaring me!
Kirsten
Catty1
09-03-2007, 10:36 AM
You mean...your health insurance won't cover any kind of home care? OMG.
If it covers an ambulance, you might want to seriously consider going to Emergency.
Why you weren't given antibiotics is beyond me! :eek:
Rachel
09-03-2007, 11:05 AM
Oh, Kirsten, I hate to second guess a medically trained person, but one would think that you would have been given antibotics in a situation like this. I know when you are in pain it is hard to even think. I'm inclined to agree with Catty, a trip to the ER might be in order. At least that way another doctor would have an opinion on how is should be treated.
Barbara
09-03-2007, 11:25 AM
Kirsten I am sure there is a doctor on emergency service. And your mom must come home at some time. Can't you call her one her mobile- I really think you need someone at home right now.
Craftlady
09-03-2007, 12:21 PM
I would go to the ER.
I cant believe a doctor would release you knowing there was no one there to help you out & not sending an antibotic home or pain medication is pure stupidity on your doctors part.
Please call him and get in his face, you need help and fast.
lizbud
09-03-2007, 04:43 PM
Sorry that you are still hurting.Can you maybe call whoever brought you home and tell them what's going on? I am very surprised they gave you no
RXs to take home.
krazyaboutkatz
09-03-2007, 07:36 PM
Kirsten, I'm so sorry to hear that you're still in so much pain and that your incisions are also infected.:( Please call someone to come over and help you. Can a neighbor help you?
I also can't believe that you weren't sent home with any pain meds and that now that your incisions are infected that you weren't given any antibiotics.:( I think that if I was you that I'd also consider calling a doctor or even going to the emergency room. You really shouldn't be home alone right now. You need some time to heal before doing any normal daily activities. Please take care.
Catty1
09-03-2007, 11:23 PM
My one contact in Ansbach didn't work out, but I PM'd a lady on the Hystersisters board who is from Germany, and put out an ABP in their Europe section and in the general post-op section...I hope someone replies soon.
Maybe her mom is there....maybe she is at the hospital?
If anything happens to her, the family should sue! Sorry, I am just angry about the lack of follow-up.
I think that Dr should have his testes removed and left to fend for himself for a number of days without painkillers! (Sorry, I am NOT being nice right now... :mad: )
I hope Kirsten is ok.... :(
Uniqueviking
09-04-2007, 01:46 AM
Kirsten is going to see the gynaecologist today as her condition hasn't improved - in fact it seems to me the infection's gotten worse. Her doctor just gave her painkillers and an ointment yesterday. I told her to insist on a scan and/or blood tests today and to be properly medicated to fight off the infection.
Just spoke to her on the phone, and if Kirsten's not online later, I'll keep udating you all.
BC_MoM
09-04-2007, 01:57 AM
Sorry, I am just angry about the lack of follow-up.
Welcome to the world. I spent almost 10 hours waiting to see a doctor after having problems with a surgery I had in May just a few days after it was done.
Follow-up is an absolute joke.
I really hope you are doing better, Kirsten. I can only imagine the pain and stress you are in right now. I'll be praying for you!
anna_66
09-04-2007, 07:39 AM
Gosh, I'm just so sorry to hear this:(
Prayers headed your way Kirsten.
Catty1
09-04-2007, 09:37 AM
UV - thank you! I am glad she is seeing the gynecologist.
I also had a reply from a person the paster in Ansbach knows - she is fluent in German, and emailed me her phone # to give to Kirsten. I PM'd it to her.
She(Clare) also said that an antibiotic ointment is quite common, and that drs tend to be a bit cold about things.
This woman lives far away, but can phone the local Caritas or church there. I KNEW a woman would understand more! ;)
They won't try to 'church' her, but if one or two people can help her out, that would be great.
THANK YOU, Clare! (the woman who wrote!)
Things are looking up on all counts.
PS - BCMom - I just would have thought they were a bit better in Germany...guess not always. :(
Uniqueviking
09-04-2007, 10:27 AM
She was in the hospital and was examined (ultrasound) by a doctor who told her everything is normal. The pain is from from over-stretched abdominal muscles apparently, and the infection is a reaction to the sutures and it is not something to worry about...that's what she was told.
Catty1
09-04-2007, 10:55 AM
Good to hear...now, if someone could be there for a few days, to stop in and help, that would keep the muscles from being over-stretched. It is so easy to do that in the early stages.
I hope she feels better soon!
Thanks for the updates, UV!
phesina
09-04-2007, 02:19 PM
Wow...
THANKS to Candace and Uniqueviking for all you are doing for Kirsten.
Prayers for Kirsten that this complication will be dealt with properly this time and her pain and suffering relieved.
Love from Pat and the cats
lizbud
09-04-2007, 04:54 PM
She was in the hospital and was examined (ultrasound) by a doctor who told her everything is normal. The pain is from from over-stretched abdominal muscles apparently, and the infection is a reaction to the sutures and it is not something to worry about...that's what she was told.
I'm glad she was seen by the Dr. Did the DR give her meds to treat the
infection & some pain pills if needed?
DJFyrewolf36
09-04-2007, 07:42 PM
Kirsten, I do hope you feel better soon! *headbumpies* and *hugs* being sent your way
Rachel
09-04-2007, 07:52 PM
KIrsten, you are under a lot of stress not knowing what is going on within you. That in and of itself can make things much worse. I'm glad you got to see another doctor and hopefully this will help put your mind at ease. Hopefully the pain will start to lessen soon. We are thinking of you and checking in here often.
rg_girlca
09-04-2007, 08:41 PM
Thank you so much for the update UV on Kirsten and thank you also Candace. I pray that someone will be able to stay with Kirsten for at least a week, to help her out.
Kirsten, whatever it is you feel that you have to do at home, please put it on the back burner for now. It can wait.
It is more important that you rest and heal.
Prayers and positive thoughts on the way along with very gentle hugs.
beeniesmom
09-04-2007, 11:23 PM
Oh dear, I am just reading this now.
I hope you feel better soon. Hugs and prayers that the pain goes away.
anna_66
09-05-2007, 07:21 AM
I'm very glad to hear she was seen. I just hope that she's feeling better soon.
Thanks for the update:)
Daisy and Delilah
09-05-2007, 08:35 AM
I'm sorry you're having so much trouble, Kirsten. I hope this thing will get better soon and you can resume your normal life. The darkness after surgery can be horrible. Try to think positive that things will be much better soon. Best wishes to you. :) {{{{{HUGS}}}}} :)
krazyaboutkatz
09-05-2007, 11:37 AM
I'm glad to hear that Kirsten saw a doctor and I hope that she'll now be able to recover quickly without a lot of pain or infection.:) I also hope that she'll be able to get some one to help her out with every day things. Please take care and feel better soon Kirsten. (((HUGS)))
kimlovescats
09-05-2007, 03:14 PM
I am so relieved to hear that there was no cancer! THANK GOD for that! I was also very concerned about the possibly of the infection getting into her bloodstream, and if she developed a fever! However, I do know that sutures themselves can cause infection, especially if you are easily "allergic". It sounds like things are going as normally as possible. I hope she will continue to take the pain meds and crash out for at least another week!
Kim
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