Re: Post-Op Recovery: Karyn

[Guest guest]

> Kristy,

>

> You wrote, " My recovery was approximately one month, but that was

because I

> had got an infection and my incision had to be left open. but it's

fully

> closed now . "

>

> I am so happy to hear that your post-op recovery has gone so well.

Even with

> your wound being left open to heal. That is wonderful. Don't push

yourself

> too hard. Any surgery is a big deal, and pancreatic surgery is

quite invasive.

> Since the pancreas lies posterior to the abdomen, there is a lot of

internal

> manipulation during surgery.

>

> Most people require a substantially longer period of recovery

before they

> have all their strength back. It is often recommended to allow

yourself up to a

> year. Of course, age and pre-illness health makes a difference,

that along

> with a positive attitude and motivated spirit.

>

> You are, indeed, an inspiration.

>

> Karyn E. , RN,

> Exec. Director, Pancreatitis Association International

> 5th Annual Symposium on Pancreatitis: September 16 & 17, 2005

>

>

Karyn, your right maybe I should of said I was without pain meds and

out of pain . That right there was a big recovery for me and I do

every now and then don't feel good, but nothing like before. I can't

stay up for a long period of time I have to sit down. And I do get

nausiated sometimes. So when I said that it took me 1 month to

recover I meant to be completely out of pain and off pain meds.And

for my incision to heal. I never have that pancreatic pain and that

is a big plus for me. I still don't go full speed and I do have to

take it easy and not push it. I don't want it to sound like it was a

walk in the park because it wasn't. but it sure beats what I was

going through.I will try to go back to school this fall and I really

think that I can do it this time since I am out of all that pain. And

I never will have that pancreas pain again . I really think that I

can handle any other pain that comes and goes but pancreas pain is a

pain all of its own. And I am thankful for being rid of that.I don't

mean to sugar coat the surgery I went through because it was long

verrrrry long I think they said about 14 hours.And very invasive and

did have risk . But for me it was well worth it.We felt like there

was no other choice. We had tried everything else that did not work.I

also have to deal with having a pacemaker and knee problems but none

of that was even close to the problems that I had with my

pancreas.I'm just glad to feel good again. Sorry if I made this

surgery sound easy or like it was no big deal because it wasn't easy

and it was a huge decision to do especially on my parents I'm just so

glad that we chose to do it.

>

> Kristy Hubbard

>