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Hospitalized Last Week.... The Story And More

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~*~ Melissa ~*~

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First and foremost, I want to thank ALL of my VSG friends and family last week for your prayers and support during this rough time. I am writing this blog to update you on what happened and am hoping to receive advice since I am and will be facing a long recovery.

 

For roughly 2.5 weeks, I have been very weak and have had symptoms of dizziness, fatigue, zero hunger, etc. Additionally, each morning I would wake up and run to the bathroom to dry-heave froth/foam at least once every morning. A week ago today was the worst and I just couldn't take it anymore, running to urgent care immediately after work. They had me pee in a cup and drew some blood to find that my levels were everywhere- they couldn't tell if it was from an internal infection secondary to surgery or what. I was sent to the ER the next day (Wednesday) to have a CT scan done which came back negative, in addition to some x-rays. Overall, I think everything is going well with Mr. Sleevie; however, I do fear popping a stitch or staple with the consistent day-to-day episodes of dry heaving/throwing up phlem. I learned from leaving the hospital that I had a "significant" UTI and while there are many unknowns, they believe this is what is causing the fatigue, nausea, etc. I arrived home Wednesday and started my meds on Thursday, taking a turn for the worse. The meds made me extremely ill and dehydrated, which I was then admitted to the hospital Thursday evening until Sunday for dehydration and malnutrition. The IVs helped much but now that I'm home I'm still having difficulty eating and such since I have NO appetite, easily get sick, and find that certain smells (i.e., chicken broth) makes me sick to my stomach. Even taking meds are becoming more and more difficult-- I place the pill on my tongue and start gagging. I'm not getting in the amount of liquids that I should either :/

 

I was asked at the hospital if something were to happen and CPR was necessary to bring me back, would I want it and I actually said "no". I am extremely depressed and have no idea what to do or even how to get better. I'm normally happy and never full of drama but part of me just wants to die and move on since I am beyond done with everything. I have no idea how to get better from here. Protein intake is one thing I have failed to do and something I need to but now that I need it, I gag on the smell and thickness. It has to be with water since milk isn't proving well. I'm going to purchase EAS from Walmart/Target soon. I'm not a fan but I was able to sip it prior to surgery and sips count- better than nothing. I have NO idea what to eat since everything I have has dairy and that seems to upset the stomach more than anything. Smelling soup broth makes me nauseous. I nibbled a cracker just to see what would happen and that led me to dry heaving as well. Suggestions?

 

Thanks again for the support and for reading. I need as much help as I can get.

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I am so sorry for what you're going through, it sounds awful. =( (((((HUGS))))

I'm glad that you have sought medical attention - what your going through really makes it sound like something is very wrong. Did they do a leak test?

If you're still having problems is it possible for them to switch your antibiotic to liquid form? Many antibiotics are available in liquids It's not going to help if you can't even take the medicine, and I know some antibiotics can be like horse pills, very difficult to take. If you still cannot get them down, you should definitely let the doctors know that you are not getting them down, you may have to be readmitted to be given the medications IV. I know that sounds awful, but it will be worth it when your symptoms can finally clear up.

I wish I could help with the depression. I know right now is a very stressful time, and I can't even imagine how hard it is, but you are strong and worth getting through this.

Have you ever considered seeing a therapist? Do you have any family living with you or that are close by that might be able to spend a few days with you right now? You need some support right now to help get through this tough time. There is nothing wrong with needing someone to talk to.

Are you able to sip on meal replacement shakes? I know that boost has quite a bit of sugar, but you might want to ask your NUT if it would be okay to drink for a few days while you recuperate. It's thin and maybe will be easier to get down than protein shakes.

I'm really sorry that you're going through this, and if you need to vent or need a shoulder to lean on, we're here for you.

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Oh, you poor thing!

Other options besides dairy and water are almond milk and coconut milk. I really like using almond milk in my protein. If you have a milk allergy, the whey protein might not work for you, either, and you might need to get something else. If you can tolerate whey with water, though, you will likely also be able to tolerate whey with almond or coconut milk (unless, of course, you're allergic to almonds or coconuts) - and that way you can dilute the shakes as much as you need to handle them. And if smelling soup broth makes you nauseous, but doesn't actually make you emptying-your-sleeve-sick, you might have to manage with that. I really loved the unjury chicken soup, which was pretty thin but full of protein.

I agree with the other comment about a therapist. Please know that this depression is situational, and you won't feel like it's not worth living when you get through this. You got your sleeve because you want to be healthy, and you're worth it.

Please take care of yourself, as best you can! And hopefully you have other folks who can help take care of you, as well!

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How scary for you. First of all, I would like to say that at your age, you shouldn't make a dnr decision while you are depressed. I can completely empathize with you and hate this for you. It sounds like a terrible ordeal to endure. But, please consider that aside from how hard this is, making a death decision while depressed is not ideal. I feel confident to tell you that I have faith that you will somehow overcome this. I know that there may seem like not even a flicker of light to look forward to, but that is usually the case when we are facing extremely horrible and depressing things...but, they almost always improve and I'm praying now that this will for you.

It is unfortunate that some people have such horrific side effects, but we all go through with this decision anyways in hope of a better quality of life. I know it makes it worse to look forward to only to end up in misery.

Please call your doctor's office every day that this is not improving in order to make them fully aware of the seriousness. Don't wait for things to change, call them everytime you have a problem so they can assist you before you become so dehydrated, etc. again.

I feel so bad and wish there was more I could do or say. As for food, have you tried nibbling on mashed potatoes? I know they are carbs, which is not ideal after surgery, but this seems to be more about survival at this point and getting over this hump. When I have been sick at my stomach in the past and struggling to eat, these are a few things I have tried:

  • Gatorade, mixed with water in order to dilute. It is full of electrolytes which can help plus you will be mixing with water which can aid in fighting the dehydration, but you don't want to get too much sugar. I'd probably try G2 mixed with water now that it is an option and there are several flavors so maybe you can find one that is tolerable.
  • Mashed potatoes. I was able to nibble on these a little easier than almost anything else when I was severely sick.
  • Another thing you may try is a light yogurt (this may be hard bc it is thicker, but it is full of protein so it's worth a shot.)
  • There are some meal replacement drinks I use bc I can't drink anything thick (as it grosses me out). It is called Advocare meal replacement shake. It mixes with water and doesn't have the after taste or smell of most meal replacements and it's loaded with protein. What I love most is that you can mix it with less water than required so that it isn't so much to drink and it's still relatively thin. It may be worth a shot. It is a little pricey so I had to sign up as a distributor bc I need the discount as I am drinkinig this every day for my protein, but it is well worth it for me. Here's the site: www.AdvoCare.com/120531202 You can just go to shop and type in meal replacement shake in the search bar. I always use the chocolate bc I like that flavor in general, but I have heard the other flavors are good as well.

I am so sorry for what you are going through and I am happy to lend an ear to help get you through this. I just have a strong feeling that you can and will get through this. Hang in there sweet girl.

Rach

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Take care of yourself and get to feeling better!! I use Unjury protein as i find it to be the best, also I use almond or soy milk to mix it with, they also have a strawberry sorbet i mix w/ water or Crystal light lemonade.

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I've seen some other on the forums suggest drinking things out of a cup with a lid, so that you don't get as much smell. That seems to work for me.

Testing for a leak sounds like a great idea if they haven't already. My surgeon described the symptoms of a leak just as you are. It would be worth getting checked out.

I'm still pre-op so I don't have much advice to offer. I wanted to offer you some (((((Melissa))))) and let you know I'll be thinking of and praying for you. Keep us updated!

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I am so sorry that you are having a difficult time and I pray that you began to feel better really soon. As long as your not taking in enough fluids, you will feel bad and your body will let you know it. I know it's hard trying to force yourself to drink especially when it causes you to dry heave. Having no appetite and being sensitive to smells makes it extremely difficult to put something in your mouth. Are you dry heaving from reflux? Are you just simply feeling nauseous? As hard as it may be, you're going to have to force yourself to eat and drink. I agree with the earlier posting suggesting that you try some carbs, some sort of caloric intake is necessary. If all else fails, buy some unflavored Pedialyte. They also have the pedialyte freezer pops and powder packs. The makers of Pedialyte also make EleCare in an unflavored powder, this is usually given to babies who can't tolerate whole protein. Ensure makes a clear and a high protein shake, but they still have a milk consistency (if that thickness bothers you, then they might not work). At least if you use some of the pedi products, you may be able to mix them in water and make it tolerable. Source Naturals also makes a Pea Protein Powder that most vegetarians use, it's not milk based or made from animal products so it will be easier to tolerate. I suggest purchasing some of the Pea Protein Powder and pedialyte. You've got to get your fluids and protein in order to start to feel better. As far as the depression goes, it's understandable with what you're going through. You are human and we all experience these emotions. Do not make any DNR decisions while you are in this state. I haven't been sleeved yet, but from reading posts on this forum, I can safely say that things will get better. I have read numerous post where the writer spoke of feeling depressed and wanting to give up because they were feeling so bad, but if you continue reading they always spoke of turning the fence and feeling so much better as time went on. It's still early on so don't beat yourself up to bad. You know that with God, ALL things are POSSIBLE!!!! Keep the faith Jesus says, "if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, move from here to there, and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you" [Matthew 17:20. Remember, we are all here for you, and I just as many other people here on this forum were placed in your life for a reason, lean to God and lean on us! Praying for your speedy recovery!

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What a difficult road you've been on. Costco has protien shakes that have 30 grams of protien per serving. They are thin and easy to swallow. I don't detect an aftertaste. Hopefully those meds start to work and you are well soon.

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