The Princess of Wales is said to be “doing well” after undergoing a planned abdominal surgery.
Kate, 42, was admitted into hospital on Tuesday (January 16) for the procedure.
She is currently being treated in hospital and is expected to remain there for 10 to 14 days before going home.
Kensington Palace has said she is likely to spend the next two to three months recuperating, returning to public duties after Easter.
This is a typical length of time needed to fully recover from such a surgery.
London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust says it can take as long as three to six months to feel “back to normal”, however, everyone is different.
The trust explains: “The important thing is to strike a balance – try not to be in too much of a hurry, but do try steadily to increase the amount that you do.
“Listen to your body and do only as much as feels comfortable.”
If you experience an issue in the two weeks following your surgery you should call the hospital, it says.
The trust continues: “Some people report that it takes them three to six months to feel completely back to their normal selves but others recover more quickly.
“It is common to feel a bit low in the first weeks and to become frustrated that you cannot do everything that you would like to do but please be patient.”
Important things to take into consideration when returning home after abdominal surgery include:
- Rest and sleep
- Hygiene and wound care
- Diet
- Toilet habits
- Exercise.
Rest and sleep
It is normal to feel “exhausted” when returning home but your strength and stamina will return.
The trust advises: “It is important to mix activities with some rest as needed, but do get out of bed each day and get dressed.
“Try to plan a rest time each day, preferably on your bed. Let your family and friends know that this is important and that they should avoid disturbing you if possible.”
Hygiene and wound care
It is safe to get your wound wet, unless you have been specifically advised not to do so, the trust says.
It continues: “Either a bath or shower is fine, do not have the water too hot at first and do not stay in a bath too long with the dressing on unless you have been advised that the dressing is suitable for showering.”
According to the trust your wound will go through several stages of healing.
But you should call the hospital or speak to your GP if your wounds:
• Become inflamed or swollen
• Become increasingly painful
• Start to discharge fluid.
Diet
As always a “balanced, varied” diet is recommended.
Some general advice is to:
• Sip fluids slowly
• Avoid large amounts of caffeine as this can loosen stool output
• Chew all foods thoroughly
• Not skip meals as doing so may worsen watery stools and cause increased gas
• Add new foods to your diet one at a time until their effect on bowel movements can be determined.
Toilet habits
The trust says: “Sometimes after bowel surgery you may experience a feeling that your bladder is not emptying fully. This usually improves with time.”
Your bowel movements can also be affected by surgery.
“If you do not open your bowels for more than three days, then taking a laxative is advised,” the trust says.
“Some urgency (needing to go quickly to the toilet) and frequency (having to go to the toilet more often than usual) to open your bowels is common initially after surgery.
“Frequency and urgency will usually settle within a few weeks of going home.”
Exercise and moving
Walking is encouraged from the day following your operation.
The trust adds: “You should aim to gradually increase your level of physical activity after you go home.
“Start with a short walk, for about 10 minutes, two or three times a day and increase the distance as you feel able.
“By about six weeks you should be able to walk for half an hour or more if you could do so before your operation.”
