Lived Experience Forum

[Cazchri]

I am starting to feel really down again due to having a big operation two weeks ago. I have 4 more weeks of not being able to do anything except basic care. I drove for the first time yesterday but am quiet sore today from this, therefore I am unable to see any friends or even go to the shop. The physical pain and loneliness is the thing that is getting me down. The day goes so slow. I am still in bed at this time of day as there isn't much to actually get up for!!! Think I need motivation and someone who understands where I am coming from. My husband is a good support but he works all through the day.

[pip]

Hi Cazchri. I too had a fairly major op last week. I had been diagnosed with breast cancer which had to be removed. With your particular op, are you able to contact a support group in your area. Most operations that are major offer good support during recovery. Did you receive any counselling before, during or after your procedure? I would consider contacting your Dr or look online to see if there is a support group in your area. Not sure of your age, but perhaps you may be entitled to 'home care' during recovery. This would give you the company, plus talking to others who have been incapacitated in some way. Perhaps contact your Dr, as I suggested.

[Mosaic]

Hi @Cazchri it sounds like your operation has really caused you to loose quite a bit of your physical independence, and this is really getting you down. No wonder the day is dragging for you, not being able to get out and about sounds so frustrating. Please feel welcome to hang out on here during the day if you find it a helpful distraction from the pain and boredom. Glad to hear hubby is a good support. Could you ask him to take you out for a drive or something, to avoid the cabin fever? How has your health been post-op? Does the healing process seem to be on track at least? Keep taking care of yourself.

[Former-Member]

@Cazchri, sounds horrible being alone after an op. Did you know general anaesthetic can trigger major depression for 6months or more? Thats what my anaethetist told me last op, he nearly did a spinal but for it being minor procedure. Anyway, detox if you can, drink lotz, talk to doc; keep talming to us.Be Well Soon 🌻

Hi pip, breast cancer surgery! You Poor thing. You ok? Recovering properly (whatever normal is) Stay positive 💗

[Cazchri]

@pip Thanks so much for your responses. I can't get to a support group as I live on a farm over a hour away from the closest regional town and not sure there would be one anyway as I had a disc removed and then spinal fusion. Won't be entitled to home help either since I live too far away. I have been having some counselling before and after the op as my husband and I are foster carers and are going through grieving process of our little one being returned to parents. My counsellor visits me weekly at home which is fantastic. I feel a bit bad Pip writing about my drama after reading what kind of op you had. I really hope you are doing as well as can be expected xx
@Mosaic My husband is great, he is taking me away for the weekend to rest. I will get him to take me to Dr next Friday as I need to be weaned slowly of some painkillers that I am on that I was on long term before the op. I actually saw the ad on Tv for this forum last night and thought it could be another coping mechanism for me and yes maybe distract me as the pain is not nice atm but at least my healing is on track.
@Former-Member Wow, I had a idea a general anaesthetic can trigger major depression as I did end up in hospital immediately following another operation 20 years ago. That was for a period of 8 weeks. I had raised this concern with my specialist and anaesthesiast before my op and they both had no idea why this happened to me and I felt like I was made to feel it was all in my head - pardon the pun! Drs grrr!! Have a great night everyone 😍

[utopia]

Hi @Cazchri. Being that you're in too much pain to drive, maybe one of your friends could pick you up and do shopping together or have lunch at a cafe.
I'm glad you will be seeing your doctor soon.
Maybe a friend could meet at your house one a week for gentle exercise / movement and a coffee and catch up after.
You can also fill in yiur time a bit by doing relaxation exercises. Helps calm my mind.
What about a project. You could look into and draw up your family tree. Write a bit of your life story. It would be wonderful for your family to read it & a great keepsake.
I hope your pain settles down soon.