When will I feel Normal

[samantha209 19]

I had my surgery on Monday...and although i do feel better each day...after reading everyone's stories on here i am wondering whats wrong with me.

This was my first major surgery but i still feel sore, and sleeping on my back is KILLING me. I am a side/stomach sleeper...getting out the bed is a chore. I just wanna feel normal

[kids05 4]

Hi! I was sleeved on Tuesday and I am in no way feeling normal. Actually tonight were the first tears. The pain in my left shoulder is so severe when I inhale, that I am actually taking pain meds again. I was considering calling the doc it hurts so much. I hadn't taken any pain meds since Thursday morning. I am sick of liquids already and want something to CHEW...like chicken or veggies. UGH. I have slept in bed since I got home from the hospital on my side (I too am a side sleeper) I found if I wedge a pillow behind me to keep me from rolling and one tucked under my belly I'm ok, but I do seem to wake up on my back. My only issue when I am on my back in bed is that I tend to cough (ohhhh baby that hurts!) I to would like a normal date...lol. Unfortunately I HAVE to return to work on Wednesday...only one week after my surgery, eek. They wouldn't give me anymore time, so I'm stuck. Will I feel normal by then???

[italianmama41 4]

2 weeks was the magic number for me to feel human. Stopped pain meds at that time too, however, I occasionally still take them at night so I can sleep. I am a side sleeper too, and didn't sleep well until that 2 week start when I could carefully roll onto my side and place a pillow under my stomach. I was so sick of sleeping on my back and being uncomfortable!! I cryed during that 1st week too, thinking "what the hell did I do?". Kids05 Dr. Trivedi will allow you to stay out longer from work -- you need the time to heal. I just started on pureed's this week and it is a little better. liquids did stink, big time, I barely got enough fluids in - and I'm so sick of cream of chicken Soup I'll probably never eat it again. I know that many people have posted this same thing in the forum, and I didn't believe it at the time, but I promise IT REALLY DOES GET BETTER EACH AND EVERY DAY! Good luck and keep your head held high -- it's a courageous thing we've all done and it will pay off in the long run. Kid05 - call me if you need to talk - I'm here for you!!!!

[Ms Lady in NC 1]

I agree with Itilian Mama, it will get better day by day. I am 10 days out and other than a infection in my stitches, have minimal pain. I can even swallow more than a drop without the constant pain. Coughing is good and remember to do your breathing exercises. Pain can be lessened by walking as much as tolerated. I am just learning as I go thru it also so I hope it truly is days and not months to get back to the old me. I doubt I can take too many more of these slow days lol. But I guess we all heal diff like we lose diff. Good luck and hope you feel relief soon

[fatBgone 6]

My Surg was Monday and I too am a side sleeper. I have found that my right side is not as sore and I definitely use a number of pillows propped under my belly, chest and between my knees makes it comfortable.

[samantha209 19]

thanks guys!

i think the shoulder pain is gas....i have been using a heating pad on my back and shoulders...that does give some relief....tea and hot broth also