Afraid of vomiting when I start liquids (really afraid ????).

[Catherine Davis 36]

Hi there. I haven't got a definite date for surgery yet but it will probably be late August. But I have a great fear (almost to the point of a phobia) about vomiting after surgery. I think it comes from having terrible morning sickness, especially in my first two pregnancies, and being hospitalised several times for dehydration (just sipping Water made me spew). My biggest fear (after my fear of excessive pain) is of vomiting a lot when I start on liquids after surgery. Some people seem to really suffer with vomiting and nausea, while others have very little problems with this. I know that you are supposed to take small sips often to avoid dehydration, but can anyone give me any advice? Cheers ????

[judyoz 240]

I did not have any nausea or vomiting ever. They do give you medications for it.

[CloserToFine 172]

Catherine, I have similar issues with nausea/vomiting, especially after general anesthesia. I told every doctor/nurse/surgeon that I could about my history. They kept me well controlled enough that I never vomited post-surgery (3 weeks ago today), and when I said I felt nauseous, they gave me more meds.

By far my best nausea medicine was Scopolamine. It's a motion sickness patch that you wear, behind your ear, for 3 days. While taking it, I felt really steady and was better able to sip liquids. Ask your surgeon about it!

Also, I limited my post-surgical pain meds, because they make me nauseous too.

Catherine, I have similar issues with nausea/vomiting, especially after general anesthesia. I told every doctor/nurse/surgeon that I could about my history. They kept me well controlled enough that I never vomited post-surgery (3 weeks ago today), and when I said I felt nauseous, they gave me more meds.

By far my best nausea medicine was Scopolamine. It's a motion sickness patch that you wear, behind your ear, for 3 days. While taking it, I felt really steady and was better able to sip liquids. Ask your surgeon about it!

Also, I limited my post-surgical pain meds, because they make me nauseous too.

Catherine, I have similar issues with nausea/vomiting, especially after general anesthesia. I told every doctor/nurse/surgeon that I could about my history. They kept me well controlled enough that I never vomited post-surgery (3 weeks ago today), and when I said I felt nauseous, they gave me more meds.

By far my best nausea medicine was Scopolamine. It's a motion sickness patch that you wear, behind your ear, for 3 days. While taking it, I felt really steady and was better able to sip liquids. Ask your surgeon about it!

Also, I limited my post-surgical pain meds, because they make me nauseous too.

[CloserToFine 172]

Wow, I didn't intend to re-post three times!! Sorry!

[TakeitorSleeveit 124]

Here's my advice. Don't borrow trouble.

Read and study about the surgery. Talk to your surgeon and his staff. But don't borrow trouble.

I had my surgery 16 days ago. I am usually prone to nausea after anesthesia. However, due to the meds they gave me pre and post surgery, I had no issues. Also? I haven't had one bought of nausea or vomiting since my surgery. Except for the first few days after surgery, I've gotten in upwards of 70 ounces of liquids every single day.

You *may* have some nausea. You *could* even vomit, but I believe it's more likely that if you follow instructions to the letter, you will be fine.

Good luck!

Here's my advice. Don't borrow trouble.

Read and study about the surgery. Talk to your surgeon and his staff. But don't borrow trouble.

I had my surgery 16 days ago. I am usually prone to nausea after anesthesia. However, due to the meds they gave me pre and post surgery, I had no issues. Also? I haven't had one bought of nausea or vomiting since my surgery. Except for the first few days after surgery, I've gotten in upwards of 70 ounces of liquids every single day.

You *may* have some nausea. You *could* even vomit, but I believe it's more likely that if you follow instructions to the letter, you will be fine.

Good luck!

[The Candidate 3,215]

It's tough having to face a phobia. It's a really personal kind of fear that only the person who has it can ever truly understand just how devastating it can be, especially when you are forced to confront it.

I have a good male friend who is 6' 5" tall who faints even at the mere mention of a needle. We have to hide the flyers from him whenever flu shot season rolls around. A part of me wants to laugh at the notion of this strapping tower of a man being intimidated by a little shot, but to him it's a major stressor, and I've seen his anxiety first hand. So I know, when it's your fear, it's real.

I think it's amazing that you are strong enough to face your fear head on, by getting the surgery. It's shows that you know in your heart that the benefits you'll receive in the end far outweigh any apprehension going in. Please give yourself a big pat on the back just for that!

Others have given you some really good advice on meds and other options that might work. So I hope that helps. Also remember that not everyone gets this symptom. Some sail right through without ever experiencing it at all. That could very well be your outcome as well. Just keep drawing on the inner strength you've already shown, and you'll get through any rough spots just fine.

Good luck!

Edited July 9, 2015 by The Candidate

[shellyd88 463]

The dr and nurses do not want u throwing up believe that in your pre admission testing they will ask you if u have any concerns or issues bring this up its pretty standard for orders for nausea meds post op there won't be an issue they are more than willing to help u not be throwing up as they want and need u to drink fluids which u won't do if u feel sick

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

Have a serious conversation with your surgeon regarding your concerns. Make sure he is aware of you previous history with vomiting and nausea. Request that he order anti-nausea meds be administered immediately post-op as a precaution.

[linseeka 170]

Okay I will have to tell you, vomiting with a tiny stomach is so so so different then vomiting with your big stomach, it doesn't hurt after and honestly it hurts more to try and stop yourself from vomiting

[fatsincebirth 10]

That was my biggest fear as well before the surgery. I also researched in the forum and found some tips that really helped me after surgery. First, tell them before the surgery that you get very nauseous so that they give you some extra medication for that. I got an ear patch right before the surgery. Second, smell alcohol when you're starting to feel nauseous. I got a little nauseous when I got my first drink after the surgery, and I smelled some alcohol wipes and felt fine right away. You can ask the nurses for the alcohol wipes or take your own.