In my thirties, I’m not sure when, I had a more or less colourless discharge but the reason for it was not known. When I was 39, I was sterilised and my GP in Guernsey told me he found and removed a polyp. That may have or not been due to PMP, I’ll never know. Over many years, the discharge became worse and smelly but still no one knew why. I felt OK and continued to worked hard farming. It wasn’t until after I retired that I was diagnosed with a cyst on my ovaries. When this was removed at Southampton hospital to have the telltale mucin of PMP and I was referred to the North Hampshire Hospital in Basingstoke. I was then in my sixties.
I had full cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC given. I stayed in hospital for just two weeks. I have recovered slowly although well. My main problem I have been left with is far from normal bowel movements. I now only have my annual CT scan.
I’m lucky that my husband has been there for me, as I have for him as he has metastatic melanoma. We are a great team!
I am well now – I just wish my bowels could become ‘normal’, whatever that is! My advice for anyone who is newly diagnosed?
- accept the journey will take time
- try not to worry, it won’t help recovery
- find lots to do, not necessarily hugely physical, but something to captivate your thoughts
– Maggie
Thanks Maggie. Sounds like good advice. I’m just starting the journey and am determined to stay positive, as you obviously are. 🙂
Thanks for sharing, Maggie. I, too, am a woman of 60 about to undergo HIPEC cytoreductive surgery. At what stage are you at now with your recovery? How many months and how many syptoms, energy levels and longterm diagnosis?