When will I feel stronger after surgery and HIPEC?

Today’s question comes from RS from the US:

“I had CRS and HIPEC three weeks ago and have been home from the hospital for more than a week. Everything went well during my surgery and my surgeon is pleased and optimistic about my prognosis. I still feel tired from my surgery and am quite fatigued. When will I feel stronger?”

PMP Pals responds:

“Congratulations on returning home from the hospital! Generally, after we return home (away from the hustle and bustle of the hospital!) our recuperation gradually improves within the peaceful surroundings of our own home…notice that I said “gradually” as recuperation from major surgery, requires patience, patience, and more patience!

Most “Pals” tend to be active, productive people! We are not used to lying around and waiting to feel stronger!

If you have not already advised your surgeon specialist, and your local healthcare provider of your fatigue, please do so today. Aside from the obvious reason of your body needing more time to gradually heal, you may also be experiencing post-operative malnutrition (fairly common with GI and colorectal cancer patients like us) and/or anemia/iron depletion.

Your local physician, perhaps in conjunction with an endocrinologist, can test you for any conditions that may have arisen following surgery. The battery of tests will include checking your blood sugar levels, etc. These tests can all be performed with minimal stress to you.

Your physician may test you for any changes in your blood pressure, as irregularities may also contribute to your feelings of fatigue. Are you staying hydrated? Hydration can also be a factor in feeling excessively tired.

You live in the northern hemisphere and returned from the hospital during the winter. During this time of year you may experience shorter days, with less sunlight and colder weather. It is the natural human condition (not a disorder) for many people to feel less energetic during the colder season with shorter days. This factor may also contribute to your symptom of fatigue.

Recuperation rates vary among patients for a wide variety of reasons, including their age, overall health pre surgery and the caregiving/support they receive at home.

Many post op patients find it helpful to take “cat naps” during the day and to eat six or more small meals throughout the day, to help re build their stamina. Expect gradual and subtle improvements through the next five weeks.

Typically, it takes at least eight weeks, post CRS and HIPEC, for a patient to regain approximately 80% of their pre surgery energy. Your improvement will continue throughout year!

We are optimistic about your future and will congratulate you on looking forward to the spring season with improved health!”


Articles posted in “PMP Pals” and on www.pmppals.org are written from the perspective of patients and their family caregivers and are not intended to substitute for licensed professional legal or medical care. Each patient is unique and should seek the counsel of a licensed professional for their own specific case. Copyright © 2012 by Gabriella Graham/PMP Pals’ Network/All rights reserved. Visit us on the web at www.pmppals.org

 


Comments

Evan Bukey
02/28/2012 12:14

After my second HIPEC surgery in 2000, I recovered my energy within six to eight weeks. Stamina, however, was another matter that took about a year to regain. GNC helped with a canned liquid drink that no longer seems to be on the market. Since retiring in 2008, I tend to take cat naps following lunch and dinner but have concluded that dozing off may have more to due with age than my altered digestive system

Reply



Leave a Reply