sarina55

Thanks for the feedback. It is much appreciated. I am going to stay away from everything I ate yesterday, except the Jello. At this point what I am feeling is spasm-like. So it may be gas related. I have only had one BM in the last 10 days and that was one week after surgery and that occurred with a load of laxatives. I do still have my gall bladder... but pain seems to be in the stomach. It doesn't surprise me that a healing stomach would hurt .. what surprises me is that it started hurting after a week. I feel like I am losing ground and it is upsetting.

I had my surgery on Nov. 21 and I am so glad I did this! The first three days are uncomfortable but not awful and def so worth it! Def was in pain when I woke up until the nurse finally gave me Dilaudid rather than morphine. I don't know what the difference is as they are in the same class. But it made a big difference. I was able to get up several times and walk during that first night in the hospital.I dry heaved several times while in the hospital basically any time I tried to take in any fluids.. but for very short periods, it resolved itself quickly. I never throught I would get through the contrast swallow test which I needed to pass in order to get sprung from the hospital, but the yucky solution went right down! I barfed it up afterward. But again, quickly and it was over. Honestly, the hospital stay could have been so much worse. No prolonged nausea or significant pain to speak of. I was only nauseated when I tried to take in fluids orally. When I was in the hospital, I really didn't want visitors. I just wanted to be alone to sleep and just deal. The challenge was managing both nausea and pain when I got home which I really was able to do with Zorthran (for nausea) and Tramadol (for pain). It was very difficult to get down fluids and I think the most stressful part of this period was trying to get fluids down to avoid dehydration. Because you can take in very little. And I felt like I needed to get up and walk around everytime I took a few sips, to get things moving. You would have to be up all day and all night and not sleep to get down the 64 ounces they say is required. I probably got down 36 ounces (if that) for the first 24 hours home. But I was peeing a lot so I guess the hospital sent me home pretty well hydrated. I had the surgery on Friday. On Monday I was able to start to take in watered down juice and nibble on some sugar free Jello. On Tuesday, I was able to add Propel Water and chicken broth. Hard to keep your energy level up with so few calories. I spend all of my time in bed. Until Monday, I was just sleeping. Didn't even watch TV. But on Monday I started watching TV and got back on my laptop but I still slept most of the day. On Tuesday, I stayed awake most of the day. I see my doctor today for my one week -- because of the holiday it is early. The two issues of concern I will raise with him are: no BM since before the surgery -- however my gas pains are not bad; I have a rash on my belly which I believe is due to the polyester binder they place on you post surgery; and please please please can I move on to thickened liquids? I am getting hunger pains!

Two colace and a smooth move tea later, all is well. Having zero problems with the smooth liquids diet. Only problem is felt so good day 6 (thanksgiving) that I did too much. Taking it easy today and starting to focus on Protein.

Good for you! Very encouraging post. I am one-week post-op and about the same age. My family was supportive but very scared for me. My sister was actually afraid that my personality would change. That I wouldn't be the same person. But I am the same. Only with the brighter future. Thanks for sharing.

I am one week post-op today. Thanksgiving wasn't too too bad. I was surprised. I found that I just really enjoyed the experience of being with my family (and watching the Eagles win!) rather than focusing so much on the food or the drink. Interesting. I was fine on food but probably a little too active as I am sore today. This post was incredibly inspiring. Thank you so much for sharing.

Thanks for the feedback and encouragement. Had Miso Soup today for lunch and it was delicious. Doc said I def need to have a BM and recommended Colace. If that doesn't work, I'll try the Miralax. We will see how that works. Bought some Miso to go (I love it) to take to my sister's for Tgiving dinner tomorrow. He recommended lotion for the rash around my midsection. Had a lot of energy today.. felt good. But put myself to bed early this evening just so that I don't overplay my hand.

I had my surgery on Nov. 21 and I am so glad I did this! The first three days are uncomfortable but not awful and def so worth it! Def was in pain when I woke up until the nurse finally gave me Dilaudid rather than morphine. I don't know what the difference is as they are in the same class. But it made a big difference. I was able to get up several times and walk during that first night in the hospital.I dry heaved several times while in the hospital basically any time I tried to take in any fluids.. but for very short periods, it resolved itself quickly. I never throught I would get through the contrast swallow test which I needed to pass in order to get sprung from the hospital, but the yucky solution went right down! I barfed it up afterward. But again, quickly and it was over. Honestly, the hospital stay could have been so much worse. No prolonged nausea or significant pain to speak of. I was only nauseated when I tried to take in fluids orally. When I was in the hospital, I really didn't want visitors. I just wanted to be alone to sleep and just deal. The challenge was managing both nausea and pain when I got home which I really was able to do with Zorthran (for nausea) and Tramadol (for pain). It was very difficult to get down fluids and I think the most stressful part of this period was trying to get fluids down to avoid dehydration. Because you can take in very little. And I felt like I needed to get up and walk around everytime I took a few sips, to get things moving. You would have to be up all day and all night and not sleep to get down the 64 ounces they say is required. I probably got down 36 ounces (if that) for the first 24 hours home. But I was peeing a lot so I guess the hospital sent me home pretty well hydrated. I had the surgery on Friday. On Monday I was able to start to take in watered down juice and nibble on some sugar free Jello. On Tuesday, I was able to add Propel Water and chicken broth. Hard to keep your energy level up with so few calories. I spend all of my time in bed. Until Monday, I was just sleeping. Didn't even watch TV. But on Monday I started watching TV and got back on my laptop but I still slept most of the day. On Tuesday, I stayed awake most of the day. I see my doctor today for my one week -- because of the holiday it is early. The two issues of concern I will raise with him are: no BM since before the surgery -- however my gas pains are not bad; I have a rash on my belly which I believe is due to the polyester binder they place on you post surgery; and please please please can I move on to thickened liquids? I am getting hunger pains!