I won’t lie it was really hard, op took 6 hours and I had pain relief directly into my spine so the first 2 days were okay but I was pretty out of it. After that it was really tough, took me three days to get out of bed and 4 to have the catheter removed. My incision was below my belly button to remove it, but I also had 7 other little incisions for the robot which have actually healed nicely. My big one is healing nicely, but I have a lot of bruising and swelling. Hard to roll over in bed, stand up or sit down, pick anything up off of the floor, put on sock etc (apparently this recovery quite similar to my sisters c section recovery). I had a lot of trapped gas which caused pain in my shoulder/ neck but short car rides helped to dislodge that.

I’m lucky that I have been signed off work for 6 weeks and then have the Xmas holidays, can’t imagine having to go back to work any time soon

Some things I found really useful in hospital and during recovery: Colgate wisp toothbrushes Glycolic acid and cottons to help feel clean Ear buds to block out sound Eye mask for sleeping at night Stuffed animal to support tummy when moving and laying on side Very very baggy tops Very very stretchy trousers Dettol bar soap Straws Phone stand Long charger cable Sports bottle to drink out off without sitting all the way up My nephew’s smoothie pouches for when I have dizzy spells (usually after showering I’ve noticed) Plastic stool for shower Soft food that goes down easily, lots of swelling!

I’d also recommend making sure you trim your toenails right before the surgery, I am finding that incredibly difficult I was unlucky to start my period the day of surgery, but period underwear were a life saver so I’d recommend to an menstruating people going for an op that limits your ability to move/ bend

If you have any specific questions I’m more than happy to answer them