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Operation

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Elc1112

Well-Known Member
Messages
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Hi all, I've just found out that I need to have an operation in the new year. I'm terrified of having blood taken, so to say in scared is a little bit of an understatement. I know that general healing time is longer for diabetics. Just wondering if there is anybody on here who has had major surgery. How much longer was you're healing time? Did you experience any other complications etc? Thanks in advance. Em
 
Hey Elc
I've had multiple surgeries over the years, never had an infection, never had any trouble with the healing process. One of my surgeries was 5 hours long and I had no problems with the Anesthetic ,jumped up after and asked wheres my breakfast :lol:
I have always healed very quickly and this has been commented on by a few surgeons ,my skin heals super quick...so all that about Diabetes and healing issues has never applied to me..if you are as fit as you can be, with decent control, and Type 1. Then as far as I was told you have the same risks for complications as the next person.
Hope this helps, relax you will be in good hands and fine

Good luck :D
 
I've only had one operation and there was lots of scope for infection and poor healing, because I was knocked off my bike by a car door, resulting in 9cm gash in my upper arm, with flecks of paint left behind, and 36 hours between injury and operation to clean & close. I didn't have any problems, due to good blood glucose control and good general physical fitness. I also reminded nursing staff that nil by mouth didn't mean that I needed to miss antibiotics. I was a bit concerned about general anaesthetic etc, as I'd never had one in my previous 35 odd years, 30 before diabetes, but was fine. In fact, I'm currently waiting to see surgeon about repairing damage suffered 3 months ago when I fell down a cattle grid when running in the dark (not really accident prone honestly - you should see some of the places I've run, trekked, biked, kayaked etc with no injuries) - getting very irritated by not being able to run, and can only just walk and cycle. At least I know I can get through a general anasthethic with no problems - and wake starving!
 
Hi there..

I wouldn't worry too much about it. I had major operation of my tongue. The biggest concern was infection. But..I was ok...they took appropriate measures when they found out I was a diabetic.
It took twice as long to heal for me than with normal people. :)
 
Hi all, thanks for the responses and for sharing your experiences. Really appreciate it! I know I'll be well looked after so, fingers crossed, I'll be ok. Just need to get past the fear!! :)
 
I've just been told I need minor surgery (day surgery unit but a general anaesthetic) in December.

Because I am Type 2 diabetic I will be at the top of the list, maybe even first in if I'm the only one, so that my eating routine, medications etc are not too much upset!

I was totally impressed by this! I know I've said before that I think I get great health care - but is it usual for diabetics to be operated on first, with such consideration for my medication and eating patterns?

Or am I just lucky?

Viv 8)
 
Hi Viv
Yes we are always first on the list, because we need to fast for the op and if we have taken our Basal the night before it will still be working. So they like to get you in and hooked up to sliding scale ASAP which is bliss as its all taken out of your own hands :D

I don't think you will be on sliding scale though, but if you are on meds for your Diabetes this will probably be it...if not then maybe they just do all Diabetics this way.

All the very best for your up and coming op, I hope everything goes well and happy healing :D
 
HI,

I have had two c-sections and not had one problem with them. I found cuz i have diabetes that a bit more attention was paid to me in case of infection or any other problems. One of the other ops i had was as a day patient under a general and this was booked in the morning, same as c-sections, cuz of the need to fast.

Hope everything goes ok

Josiexxxxx
 
I can understand it for Type 1s (and very glad they take it so seriously!) but not necessarily for a Type 2.

All they've told me is not to take my first Metformin - which I wouldn't anyway, as I'm fasting. They haven't yet asked me what my levels are or if they're stable, which they are. I often go 14 hours between evening meal and breakfast, with only a cup of coffee at first getting up, so I don't expect a problem.

Apparently I get breakfast quite soon after I wake up from the op - what's happened to the general anaesthetic making you sick? :lol:

I was asked if I had any special dietary requirements - to which I said "low carbohydrate" - and she never batted an eyelid. This promises to be an interesting experience - first hospital stay since diagnosis. I wonder what their "low-carb" menu is like?

Mind you, if they offer me apple crumble and custard, I shall eat it :oops: :wink:

Viv 8)
 
Hospital won't let you leave before they are sure you can drink and eat without feeling sick. Apple pie & custard would be unusual for a delayed breakfast, but you never know :D

I was so desperate to get out after 2 nights on a glucose & insulin drip, being woken every 1 - 2 hours for blood sugar tests, between injury and surgery, that I ate the disgusting mince and mashed potato so fast I nearly felt sick, but didn't say anything. Mum had driven 100 miles to collect me and take me to my home, as my partner was out of comms, sailing in the English Channel. Mum had brought salmon steaks to grill and I wanted to go home and eat them!
 
Despite it being the Day Care unit, I'll be in overnight as I live alone. So I shall have the full benefit of the NHS menu - nearly as good as school dinners!

Viv 8)
 
Hi guys, sorry for delayed response. I've been away and still playing catch up!

Viv - I hope all goes well with your op. It's good to hear that they are taking such excellent care of you. Fingers crossed I get the same! I have to say, they have been great so far. I'm not looking forward to hospital meals, though!

Thanks everyone else for your comments. It's good to eat about other people's experiences. I keep myself pretty fit and my control is good. I'm hoping that helps to speed up the healing and reduced the risk of any complications. Just got to get my head around the op now!

Thanks again, all :)
 
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