So now I'm 5 days post op.

Yesterday started out great!! I was feeling pretty good, but then it kind of went down hill. I have a HUGE bruise right on the center of my abdomen from one of the instruments that they used during surgery. The bruised portion is about the size of a baseball, but I can feel a knot under the skin that is more like the size of a Softball or a little bigger. The bruised area is heavy feeling and it pulls on my back. It feels like I did when I was about 8 months pregnant. I am also having a bad case of very liquid diarrhea. The diarrhea is made worse because of the gas that I am getting rid of so it is like TURBO CHARGED DIARRHEA!! It is at times uncontrollable. Last night I was laying in bed with my cPap machine on, my leg compressors and suddenly... OOPSS I got to go NOW!! I was quiet a site trying to get unhooked from all my paraphernalia so I could make it to the potty on time... Unfortunately I didn't quiet make it . SO I had to clean up, change my gown and then I put a towel on the bed just in case. My other big issue is that everytime I take too big of a swallow of something or drink too fast, I get a pain in my stomach. I can feel a pain down my left side and feel the fluid or gas move down the left side of my gut. Sometimes it is very painful- a take your breath away kind of cramp, but it doesnt last long. I only took one dose of extra strength tylenol today and I felt fine all day. I did walk about 3//4 of a mile this morning, and it felt good except for the pulling. AND I was afraid I would have a diarrhea attack and not be able to make it back to the house.

Today is Monday and I called for a follow up tomorrow. The diarrhea has slowed down, but has not stopped. I am not taking anything for it and I am drinking plenty of fluids so I don't think I am dehydrated. I am having a big problem choking down my protein. I just cant stand the smell of the stuff. I have found that I have to "take" it, like a dose of medicine, two or three times a day. Unfortunately, every time I "take" it, I have to go to the bathroom quickly. I got out an ran some errands today with the kids because school starts next week and I am trying to get caught up with them after being out all week last week. I am having some stamina problems because I give out too soon. I know I am probably expecting too much from myself. I took my kiddos to the pediatrician this morning and got their before school checkups, but then it was back home and a nap. I went out again for a couple of hours and got school supplies and that is about all I am going to be able to do today. I'm sitting here working on my computer, then I'm going to bed and finish my book Ive been reading.

I've heard that the first week after surgery is called "Hell Week" and I can't say it has been hell, but I think I can see it from here! It has been more strenuous than I expected it to be. I think the blood loss I had in the hospital probably sapped me of more energy than most people experience. I am looking forward to seeing the Nurse Practicioner tomorrow for a quick check up and have my blood count checked. I think I will feel better too when I start on my vitamins on Wednesday. I have never been so excited about eating cream of ANYTHING soup!!