Two Days Post-Op

[JerzyTomato74 91]

So my first day and a half was ok in the hospital. I was on some really good pain meds so I slept most of the time, well, except when the nurses had to come give me more meds every 2 hours or the CNA had come take my blood pressure & temp. LOL I had wraps around my legs that massaged them to prevent blood clots since I wasn't able to get up much due to the pain meds causing me to sleep. Prepping me for surgery was fun (insert sarcasm)! It took two ER nurses to find a vein for my IV. This, after the first ER nurse botched the first stick leaving me with a nice bruise on my right forearm. The second nurse finally found one but the IV went in on an awkward angle. Everything was very fast paced once the IV was in place.

Had my surgery first thing Wednesday morning. By that night I felt ok to get up out of bed. I wanted to at least pace around my room but nausea kicked in not long after I started walking so I had to lay back down. Later on in the night I was able to change out of the hospital gown and into my nightgown and underwear on my own. That made me feel so much better!

On Thursday I felt ok but still sleepy from the pain meds but this time I was able to get up and walk to the bathroom with no nausea or any other problems. I went for my Upper GI test that showed no leaks so I was then able to drink my first clear fluid; apple juice. I sipped the 2 oz with no problems then I had to wait 3 hours and have another 2 oz. They just had to make sure I kept everything down. I was discharged around 5:30 pm and was in some pain when I left. DH went to get my scripts and the pain meds could not come soon enough. I am not going to lie; last night at home I was miserable. I was so uncomfortable and in pain. I literally said out loud, "what the hell did I just do to myself?" I was able to finally find some comfort laying on my left side with a king size pillow to lean on. I was able to sleep off and on and I have been taking my pain meds every 4 hours religiously!

Today, Friday, the morning was a little rough. I feel comfortable sitting in the recliner but I'm also feeling antsy but I can't do much so when I get up I just pace around the house. I decided to take a shower finally and it was the best thing I could have done!!! I felt so much better getting out of my hospital clothes and washing my hair and myself. I have felt more upbeat since then also. I'm currently sipping my Water and about to get on my treadmill for a little bit. I'm also waiting for an in-home healthcare nurse to come because one of my meds is an injectable blood thinner I have to take for 7 days. She's coming to show me how to give them to myself as well as go over all of my other meds and discharge instructions.

My tips:

Don't wait until you absolutely need your pain meds to take them! Even if you feel mild pain, if the nurse says you are clear for another dose, take it. Don't wait until pain worsens to take it!

Of all the things most people said to make sure to bring to the hospital was Gas-X strips, I didn't need them. But, bring it anyway because everybody is different! Just because I didn't need them doesn't mean you won't.

Take a shower as soon as you feel up to it. It will make you feel better!

If you have sleep apnea, don't forget to bring your C-PAP to the hospital! (My surgeon would have canceled my surgery if I forgot to bring it!)

Follow your doctors instructions! His/her word is final. If the nurse told you not to take your chewable multi-Vitamin the first week but your surgeon instructs you to take it, take it. Your doctor's word is the one you should listen to!

[haleytrim 244]

Every little bit of insight helps those of us who are soon to be's. Thanks.

[Summer Rain 245]

@@JerzyTomato74 thanks for sharing your experiences. Congratulations on being post op

[jessiquoi 623]

congrats, and thanks for all the tips!