These strategies help me better prepare for surgery and recovery
How I minimize the impact of common post-op complications
“You’ll need someone present during the entire surgery, which can last three to four hours, just in case end-of-life decisions need to be made on your behalf.”
I looked up from the information packet I was skimming. The words shocked me momentarily. End-of-life decisions. I hadn’t thought about that term in months, but here I was, preparing for major surgery and signing paperwork in case I faced death again.
In September 2020, I nearly died from the rare disease atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS), which caused my immune system to destroy my red blood cells and platelets. The blood that remained in my organs went into self-preservation mode, and blood clots formed in several organs. That affected my kidneys, liver, and uterine tissue the most.
By July 2021, I’d already been through the medical wringer. I’d been hospitalized in the intensive care unit for nearly two months, needed dialysis for five months, would need chemotherapy for the rest of my life, and had undergone biopsies, immunizations, 18 blood transfusions, and more. My life was forever changed.
But the worst of my symptoms was the nine-month menstrual cycle, which was triggered by uterine tissue damage. I’d needed multiple invasive and painful diagnostic procedures, exams, and biopsies first, but I’d finally been approved for a hysterectomy.
For the first time in my life, I was excited and overjoyed about an upcoming surgery. But during the final pre-op appointment with the surgeon, I was taken aback by the mention of needing someone there with me. The surgery wasn’t exceedingly complicated or dangerous, but I wasn’t a normal patient.
Hysterectomies have become common in the United States. Yale Medicine reports that about 500,000 hysterectomies are done every year and have become the second most common surgery for American women. There are risks, as with any surgery, but hysterectomies are fairly routine.
But I suffer from a disease that attacks my blood, even with biweekly chemotherapy infusions. My iron levels are always well below normal, making me anemic. And after nine months of nonstop bleeding, I needed blood transfusions every two weeks during my chemo treatments.
Improving the surgery recovery process
Over time, I’ve learned several tricks and precautions that can make recovery from surgery easier, whether you’re a “typical” patient or not. I wish more medical personnel would prepare patients for common post-op issues by sharing the following strategies.
It’s well known that anesthesia and pain medications can cause constipation, and the strain can potentially result in the tearing of internal stitches. After a hysterectomy, for example, surgeons use the uterosacral ligament to help support the top of the vagina. Digestive issues can compromise those stitches.
The Nevada Surgery and Cancer Care website shares several strategies for avoiding constipation after a hysterectomy, including staying hydrated, increasing fiber intake, and asking your doctor about taking a stool softener or laxative.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) commonly occur after hysterectomies, often because of catheter usage. UTIs also can be a side effect of treatment with the immune-suppressing medications Soliris (eculizumab) and Ultomiris (ravulizumab-cwvz).
To help avoid UTIs, I’ve found it beneficial to start taking Azo Urinary Tract Defense tablets a few days before a major surgery and for several weeks afterward. Always consult a doctor before starting any new medication or supplement.
Then there’s pain management during and after surgeries. Many chronic illness patients take a whole regimen of medications, so it’s important to watch out for any drug interactions. Personally, I can’t take several types of pain medications, as my kidney function is too low. I’ve learned I benefit most from receiving a nerve block during surgeries, in addition to standard anesthesia and IV pain meds. With this trick, I don’t need any pain management after major surgeries.
But some would say the worst post-op symptom of all is gas pain, which can occur all over the body, including in the shoulders, chest, and back. The pain can be so intense that it feels like a heart attack. Surgeries can result in gas and bloating, but common gas relief medications such as Gas-X don’t always work. I’ve found charcoal capsules to be more effective for me, but again, be sure to consult your doctor before taking any medications.
These are some of the trade secrets often shared on social media and in support groups. Thanks to these strategies, I’ve been better prepared for major surgeries, such as my hysterectomy, and the recovery process.
Note: aHUS News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of aHUS News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to aHUS.
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