SHOTzY*

I'm lucky I found this thread!! As I write this, I'm having what I describe as cramping and maybe (???) some pressure right under my breast bone. It cramps for a few seconds, then edges down. It started while I was eating. I stopped eating and just sat up for a short period, just thinking. Of course, the more I thought, the more I scared myself to death!! So I thought id write in here and see if anyone had any ideas. I was eating some thin sliced deli turkey and a slice of Swiss cheese. I've eaten the same turkey several times since being allowed to proceed to limited soft proteins. I've had cheese, too. But I'm wondering if the texture or the hardness of the Swiss was to hard to pass through? Or is it just my pouch? I realized-too late-that the Swiss was a very different texture and firmer than the cheese I had eaten thus far. Thanks for any help!

Glad you done and up and moving around!! I'm hoping your pain will edge off everyday until it's gone and your well on your way to health[emoji846]

Right; let's not judge. Let's remember we all have the right to an opinion. We all come here for good advice, a shoulder to lean or cry on, and to find strength for our decision to take this journey. Everyone commenting on this topic is right! Their opinion is right for the way the feel about said subject; it's all about tolerance and accepting there are many ways to walk a pathway and each one walks it differently [emoji4] Congrats on your hubby's retirement, and you should listen to your head and heart about a social beverage. Trust in your own knowledge and intuition! Have a nice time at your social functions!! Best wishes and the best of health!! [emoji178]

Hi! I'm just shy of 2 weeks post op from 2/8/16. After my 20 day check up, I'm allowed to have some soft proteins. Everyday I have tried an item on the list. Today I tried water packed tuna (1oz) and all seemed to go well as of this posting. I tried eggs yesterday, and I did well. I have read and have been told many people have a hard time with eggs at first. They describe a feeling of "sitting heavy", stuffed" sensation, and out right going to come back up! I'm very glad I did well, but I'm sorry about your trouble [emoji848]!! I agree with several mentioned ideas here: chew until it's just like baby food, take bites almost the size of a child school pencil eraser, don't drink with your meal, pause between each bite and do an assume that of how you feel. Many others I have met around these forums speak of just backing off a troublesome food item for two weeks, or a month, and then having a go at it again. They often say they are able to eat it at that stage. And, if they cannot, they simply move on and learn from that experience. I hope you can eat eggs. Great complete protein, low fat, very easy to mix other things with, easy to prepare and eat in a time crunch situation. I don't know if I helped, but I'm rooting for ya'!! [emoji847]. Good luck eating all your food items, and you can always come here to get the skinny on any issue[emoji846]

When you wake up, I hope the sun is shining on your new life's journey!! Good vibes headed you way!! [emoji846]

Oh My Gosh!! [emoji1]!!! I found someone who is experiencing what I am!! HELLO, NOSE-IM GLAD TO MEET YA'! Ha ha ha!!!! I began smelling everything my first day in ICU. Even though I was a fresh post op, I swear I could guess what the night shift was eating from my private, curtained room. When I moved to IMC Care, I enjoyed all the aromas of other people's trays as they were served!! Upon doing exercise played by the Doc, I was tickled silly to wander up and down various hallways and smell anything from food to unmentionable odors [emoji51]!! You are indeed normal and obviously not alone as long as my sniffer takes on a life of its own!! [emoji38]

Isn't that cool; shopping in ones own closet! I'm not there yet, but I'll be tickled when I can! Thanks for all the encouragement from yourself and EVERYONE who commented on my pain and recovery. It made a huge difference. My pain is very much under control and I am decreasing pain meds to almost none as of today ! I am now walking more than before; I've walked my beagles, I've visited friends in my complex, and I've strolled out to listen to the beautiful birds singing! Hope you find a good suit in your closet-you can model for your wife and she will give you an honest critique. We women get that .

Seems like you doing good with your program specifics! I'm amazed you can bike ride-that's fantastic . I'm just on the Protein shakes, and allowed to have 1/4cup total of a few soft protein items for 30days. After that check up, I will be allowed on to a small amount of vegetables and some fruit. Really glad your doing so well; it's like your the campaign poster for all to view and work towards . Keep up your great work, it's inspiring for people like me who are IMPATIENT to get the show on the road!

Absolutely!! I'm 2 weeks post op and it is overwhelming at first!! You feel like there are not enough hrs in the day to drink and chew all this stuff down!! I was paid stricken and down in the dumps until I made myself calm down, break everything down into 4 oz sections and blocks of time for chewables. Now I'm okay!! But do what works for you and calms your nerves [emoji6]. You can do it!! Good wishes for us all !!

Hello @@cindilew (cuuute name!) I feel so much for you right now!! I have had an ongoing pain issue since last Saturday. When I read your post I cried and felt moved. If I could send the cure, it would already be there [emoji56]! Yes, as posted above, use your meds, talk often to your care provider, keep ahead of the pain if you can. Drink, rest, never stop believing this is temporary. It is. This pain will come to an end! It will take time-and that's the hard truth-but you will be so much better and so much healthier! A rotten gallbladder can kill you as an appendix can! I had a lap-surgery, but we signed consent forms stating it was surgeons decision based on findings at time of surgery and if needed for safety. I'm positive your pain exceeds what I have dealt with. Only you know how you feel [emoji51]. God bless you and give you the guts everyday to get up, get it done, and move past another day!! Don't forget you're a WINNER! You're on the LOSERS BENCH now baby!! That ain't stopping for anything [emoji2][emoji106][emoji106][emoji108][emoji108][emoji171][emoji178][emoji171][emoji178]

????. Thanks for the encouragement DDN. In doing pretty good with fluids now. I've been off the forums for a short while. I did great first three days post op, then had a set back. Extreme pain kept increasing in my lower right abdominal section of large fat and tissue. I couldn't walk anymore or get up w/out assistance. CT Scan revealed just intense inner swelling and bruising from the normal cutting and cauterizing of the procedure. My large layer of belly fat basically said "Really?? Well I'll just smack you so hard your eyes will roll!!!" My surgeon treated me good, he helped me with pain meds, he sent a team over to teach me how to move and lift myself to achieve less pain. He sent a different abdominal binder to me that is closer tons woman's foundation garment. He calls daily to speak to me. The surgery team said this is known as a Omentum Infarc. They showed me a surgical tape of the the fat layer and how it draws up into itself and just becomes a mass of pain. Only time and forcing yourself to keep getting up and moving will help it shrink and decrease in pain. I'm better today and I'm getting in 70-80oz of water, and about 20 grams of protein. I'm very happy your doing great! I may be behind everyone, but I'll catch up! I enjoy all the posts and they keep me going ????!!!

Yes, many people I know or chat with took time off-some before, but many took most days off after. I'm self employed so I can always adjust my schedule for myself. I'm trying to get up to 70oz of fluid, too. It's hard to squeeze it all in. They just told me today to start protein; 1oz of protein to every 7 oz of clear fluids. Plus all the vitamins, the pain meds, and exercise. So it's a job to get it all done!! Im happy that we are all on the Losers Bench, though! I was the fat girl in school that never tried out for any sport, and I was always the last one picked for teams (usually NOT picked) but left as the "no choice left" person. ????⚾️⚽️It's great to be on this team and people want me to be here, too????????????! Glad your doing well @DDN-and that your wife is your "team mate". Support is so good to have, and I read many sad posts where people have little or no support. Worse yet, some people are met with stupidity and hostility. All do to ignorance and /or plain predjuice ????☹️!! Thinking about those new clothes yet??

Wow!!!!! Your back! Me and a few other posters were looking for you everywhere!! We started to worry; you just dropped from the planet!!! I just posted personal messages to three posters that use several of the forums here, and that I know you are familiar with. They all said they couldn't find you. Well, you're here now and that's GREAT!????. We knew you had stated you were alone in this and no one would be visiting you, so I kept trying to give you a "virtual" visit from the other side! It's a whole new ball game, isn't it?? ???? It really starts to dawn on you what has happened and that you are "different", but the same to anyone else who sees you. They don't know the huge change you have just put in place. It's like an internal earthquake that no one saw or heard, only you. Welcome to the Losers Bench????!! I hope your pain is controlled. The walking will help you heal and pass gas easier, and the *sip*sip*sip rule will literally be the RULE. At least for now until you start doing small bites-chewed-chewed-chewed!!! So glad to hear from you!!! Really wanted it to work out for you! Good luck going back to work; I think you're brave, because I don't think I could make it all day. I'm still easily exhausted and need pain meds every 6 hrs. But you go, dude!! Get it if you can!! Greatest thoughts and healing vibes to you! Yaaaaay Pedro!!!!????

How are you feeling, Tammy? SHOTzY...how are you feeling? HEY @@DDN!! Thanks for asking! Today is my 3day at hospital, and they say I'm doing fab!!! Sure, the pain is real-it's major surgery and it's a serious event for you're body. The nurses are keeping my pain under control, they encourage my Fluid intake, and they come and take me walking several times in an 8hr shift. I'm so grateful-and very humbled-by the kindness and straight talk we can get here amount the forums. It's like a whole other world opening to me. To each one getting ready to have your surgery, to all who had it on the 8th as I did ( and I'm trying to follow all of you!!!) you can and will make it! You will move past the immediate soreness and recovery. You've come so far and done so much. Our reward is there for the taking. Yes!! We have to work for it!! It is sweeter when you have done it all: For you, By you, Because you love yourself that much. And we have all our buddies here to help us!! Big hugs to EVERYBODY ????

Good Luck Shotzy!!! Thank you sooo much!! I'm doing great and trying to thank everyone who has commented on any of my posts. I'm 2 days post op and every few hrs really makes a difference!! Walking around is your ticket to getting better!! Get up and get moving. Manage your pain and drink those fluids!! Fluids first and everything else falls into place!! Good luck to all those getting ready to go this month-we can do this!! We got this down!!! ????????????????

@@Cervidae As usual, you are right on it!! In still in hospital, but reading all the forums. Didn't feel up to posting till today. Always glad to read your advice and feel comforted by it!!

@jantra Oh you bet your booty I'm keeping that pain under control! ????. They are very nice here, andningetbliquid vicoden every six hrs. If I have breakthrough pain, I get some tramadol. I was on liquid morphine, but it made me so hot!!! And I itched like crazy. I feel good with what I'm on now. I have to stay 4/5 days because my potassium is being low. They want the cardiologist to reset my b/p meds and then I get to go home. Dr's here at Springfield I'll are real strict and if you don't reach the goals, you stay until you do. Thanks for asking!! I'm waking as much as they will let me and man!!! that walking really helps ????????!! So everybody WALK WALK WALK!!!

@@pedro Vale-Inclan I know you had surgery today, Pedro. How are you feeling?? I, as well as some others, had ours done on the 8th. I'll be truthfully honest, I didn't feel chatting or posting on my phone at all. I was so busy trying to do all the drinking and breathing and walking my surgeon wanted. It was a little overwhelming. Im on pain meds about 6 hrs., so I feel like my pain is under control. Yes, it was challenging immediately after surgery, but my second day was much better!! I felt stronger, and encouraged. Today is my third "day" at the hospital, and I'm doing everything they ask, and holding everything down easily! The staff are so nice and considerate towards my needs. I knew you had mentioned you likely would not have visitors, so im visiting you in the virtual sense ????!! I sincerely hope your pain is being controlled, and you are sipping fluids with no problems. You have mentioned going back to your teaching employment. Gods speed, Pedro! I hope you feel well enough to do that.

I'm sorry! ???? I didn't mean to sound insensitive to your particular situation. Your idea of your fleece best pocket sounds good. All your clothes and items should be in your room you are brought to after being admitted to the hospital. (That's usually how things work.) while you are there, you might inquire if the current nursing staff will still be there when you are returned to your room. If that "shift" of RN's are still scheduled to be there, maybe-if you felt comfortable-you could ask one particular nurse to hold that item and return it to you when you get back to your room. Just an idea, only if you feel cool about it. And I still think the your best is a pretty good place, too. I'll be looking for your posts when I get out of recovery. The crack me up and we ALL need humor to keep it real, right???? ????

Sending only happiness and a great recovery process your way????. I'm going tomorrow, myself!! The new beginning starts tomorrow! Yaaaay!! ????

Sure glad to read these posts. I've been wondering after surgery how you are able to get in fiber for bowels (???). So I read here that it is normal to hit a few slooow downs! ???? Okay! I like the idea of miralax in some juice/water. And in familiar with colace. My pre op instructions say to do clear liquids today and citrate of mag towards evening time. Appreciate the heads up. I'll make a note to ask about that before I'm discharged. I jut love this website ????????????????!

Yeah, I've always told people never go to the hospital for rest and quiet. Not happening-HA HA HA!!!! The surgery staff and Dr's have flow sheets for all kinds of stuff they want monitored and recorded. They need all that stuff, too, but it is overwhelming and I can see where people could get annoyed ????. I'm just glad I'll be able to log on and still stay connected to these forums. Just freakin' love all the advice and wisdom from the post op folks. It's Sunday, so tomorrow I will be a post op! ????????????-That pretty much describes the current state of my mind!

@@Nurse_Lenora ????!! Not so crazy. I'm worried about my hair. I want to look presentable when they make rounds the following morning. I'll be awake trying to fluff, comb, and brush it all back together. Oh, I gotta have hairspray!!! I'll be dragging that IV pole all over the place! ????

Whaaaaat?¡?¡ ???? Can't bring my phone??? I dont think so, pal!! ????That's what I would be saying to that nurse. I'm a private duty CNA myself, and my mother and sister are both RN's. That's not what they tell their pts. They ask them to turn phones to vibrate and very low volumes in certain areas and at certain hospital hrs. GEEEEEZ!???? I'm taking mine, and I have my immediate family to hold my stuff and be in my room when I get out of recovery. I realize I will be given TV and a courtesy phone, but IM TAKING MY PHONE!! ???? @pedro-my mom has a galaxy and those phones are very good. I love the edge to edge screen it has. It has some stuff iPhones don't. May be old school but it still rocks! ????????

????????????- Oh my, YES I have!!! I had 3 friends call and ask to be my "last" dining companion!! They each wanted to treat me to wonderful restaurants and good wine. *SIGH* ...alas, no. I stayed the course, I did as I was advised. I did allow myself a small pity party when no one was around. I felt I deserved that..???? It will be Sunday in about 1 1/2 hrs. I'm allowed 1 meal in the am and then all clears from that point all. I get to come home the day you get admitted to your hospital ????. I'll tell you everything I can to help you and anyone else. But I've read your posts; you seem pretty squared away. Which is good!! I'm betting you will be the patient who is up the same day and ready to do, do, do!! Drive the RN's crazy-HA HA HA!!! ????. Sending only happiness your way!