About CancerI'm very battered after a double mastectomy with reconstruction and lymph node removal on one side.
Wost thing is my tummy from all the drugs. Nurses have given me pro biotics and laxatives but nothing. Any tips?
can I also ask ppl when they started to feel normal again. I'm trying to put a brave face on it and I'm usually v positive but I'm feeling quite fed up .
Hi
just thought I'd pop by. Sounds like you're having a time of it. I had a mastectomy with Diep reconstruction on the 21st Oct and since had to have 2 further surgeries. My tummy is always a nightmare after surgery. I take lactoluse every day and a couple of sennas to get me going.
In terms of feeling normal, I can't really say as I've had to go back in a couple of time's. Sleep is my thing, i just can't sleep, can't get comfortable and keep waling up.
Wishing you a steady recovery, it will get better, just give yourself time to heal. Sending you big hugs.
wl
Sorry to hear you've had to have follow up surgery. That must be v frustrating.
Pain is v debilitating - I know it will get better but hard to imagine it now.
might also get some lactulose. A distended tummy doesn't help!
good luck to you too. X
Hello and thanks for posting on the forum
It sounds like you're having a tough time - not surprisingly.
Unfortunately, many people underestimate the effects of going through a major operation and the mental side effects of having a diagnosis of cancer as well as the physical ones. Some people say it can take six months or so before they feel that things are beginning to settle down.Of course, some people will give much shorter time scales, but for a number of others, it may be longer.
You may want to look at the the Breast Cancer Now website where it's possible to talk with people who have gone through a similar procedure.Of course, everyone is very different in their recovery, but it can help hearing how different people got on post operatively. Ask for the Someone Like Me service here
Constipation can take a while to sort out - make sure you are drinking enough and have lots of fruit and vegetables in your diet. Although old fashioned, prunes can be as good as laxatives. Getting enough exercise can also get things moving, so even if it's for short walks, that should help. You may want to look at this website for suggestions
As there are many different types of laxatives, do go back and discuss this with the GP as they will be able to try other things.
I hope things start to improve soon , but it may take a little while ,so don't be too hard on yourself.
All the best
Wanda
Hello and thanks for posting on the forum
It sounds like you're having a tough time - not surprisingly.
Unfortunately, many people underestimate the effects of going through a major operation and the mental side effects of having a diagnosis of cancer as well as the physical ones. Some people say it can take six months or so before they feel that things are beginning to settle down.Of course, some people will give much shorter time scales, but for a number of others, it may be longer.
You may want to look at the the Breast Cancer Now website where it's possible to talk with people who have gone through a similar procedure.Of course, everyone is very different in their recovery, but it can help hearing how different people got on post operatively. Ask for the Someone Like Me service here
Constipation can take a while to sort out - make sure you are drinking enough and have lots of fruit and vegetables in your diet. Although old fashioned, prunes can be as good as laxatives. Getting enough exercise can also get things moving, so even if it's for short walks, that should help. You may want to look at this website for suggestions
As there are many different types of laxatives, do go back and discuss this with the GP as they will be able to try other things.
I hope things start to improve soon , but it may take a little while ,so don't be too hard on yourself.
All the best
Wanda
