Hello, I’m Mikan!
In this post, I’ll share my honest, real-life experience with abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery and what life has been like after the operation.
About the Surgery
When an abdominal aortic aneurysm grows too large, there are two main treatment options:
- Synthetic Graft Replacement Surgery
- Endovascular Stent Graft Placement
Because I have Loeys-Dietz Syndrome—a connective tissue disorder—I underwent synthetic graft replacement surgery. With a disease that weakens the blood vessels, placing a stent can lead to aneurysms at the stent’s edges, resulting in a poorer prognosis.
Before the Surgery
When I first underwent an examination, the aneurysm had grown significantly, and I was warned that a rupture could be life-threatening. I was told that if bleeding occurred, I might experience “an indescribable pain in my back” or “migrating pain,” and that I should call an ambulance immediately—even on weekends or in the middle of the night.
Although I was very anxious, I was relieved to safely reach the day of the surgery without any complications.
On the Day of Surgery and That First Night
The surgery lasted around six hours. Immediately afterward, I was waking up every hour and couldn’t sleep at all.
The worst part of the abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery was the pain. I have experienced several surgeries before, but this one was by far the most painful.
They used epidural anesthesia to help manage the pain, but I’ll never forget the excruciating pain when the anesthesia was temporarily halted due to my blood pressure dropping too low. I broke out in a cold sweat and couldn’t help but wonder, “Can I really endure this?”
Transition to the General Ward
After spending two days in the intensive care unit, I was moved back to the general ward. At first, the pain in my abdomen was so intense that I couldn’t get up on my own.
Every time I needed to go to the restroom, I had to call a nurse for help.
The pain was so overwhelming that I couldn’t help but ask a nurse, “Will this pain ever go away?” She smiled and encouraged me, “I can already picture you walking energetically next week, Mikan!” Her kind words truly lifted my spirits.
The next day, I managed to get up with the help of the bed’s features. I discovered that the key was to support my abdomen with my hand while moving—this made a noticeable difference.
Preventing Adhesions and Rehabilitation
After surgery, the intestines can sometimes become less active or even form adhesions. My doctor urged me, “Even if it means using up all your painkillers, you need to walk as much as possible!”
In addition to the epidural, I received several doses of IV painkillers. Despite the discomfort, I followed my doctor’s advice to keep moving—this was crucial to prevent adhesions and aid my recovery.
About a week after surgery, I noticed significant improvement in my mobility, and by the tenth day, I was discharged!
Dealing with Constipation
Because the surgery involves opening the abdomen, intestinal activity can temporarily slow down, making constipation a common issue—especially when you’re less active. I’ve always been prone to digestive issues, and after surgery, my abdomen felt painfully bloated.
During my hospital stay, I took two types of medications to manage my bowel movements, and eventually, I was able to resume natural elimination after discharge.
Medications I Took in the Hospital:
- Daikenchuto (a traditional Japanese herbal medicine):
This remedy helps warm the abdomen and alleviates bloating after abdominal surgery. Although you have to take a relatively large dose at one time, it has a subtly sweet taste with a hint of ginger and pepper that makes it surprisingly palatable. I took two packets, three times a day. - Sennoside (a laxative):
Sennoside stimulates the intestines and promotes bowel movements. When I took two tablets at night, I usually had a bowel movement by the following morning. One noticeable side effect is that the stool can take on a slightly yellowish tint due to the dye in the medication.
Life After Discharge
After leaving the hospital, I was advised to refrain from abdominal muscle training for three months because my abdominal muscles had been cut during surgery.
As a student, I had graduation exams scheduled just 12 days after my discharge. The exams lasted for two days; although I felt fatigued and my ears were almost muffled by the end, I managed to get through them.
Remarkably, I was able to participate in a Design Festa event about two months after discharge! However, I learned the hard way that overdoing it can lead to abdominal pain the next day, so it’s crucial to pace yourself (laughs).
In Summary
This surgery was incredibly painful, but thanks to rehabilitation and the support of my medical team, I was able to return to my daily life. I hope that by sharing my experience, I can provide useful information for anyone who is about to undergo this surgery.
Remember, you’re not alone. Take care of yourself, and good luck on your journey to recovery!
