Feeling Down

[Nhope 146]

Fellow Warriors: These last few days have been hard in terms of my enthusiasm and energy for post-surgery life, even 3 months out. I've had a persistent bad lower back for a couple of weeks, and all the things I usually do to feel better have not been working. Yesterday my PT told me that this is not uncommon during the body "adjustment period" following surgery. And my bad indigestion has come back after I finished with the 3month course of daily Prilosec that I started after surgery. So much so that yesterday, I had trouble eating solids. I have an appointment on Monday with my surgeon , and I'm hoping I'll have an easier time eating today, but right now, I am just feeling blah about the whole thing. I wish I could go back to sleep and wake up six months later and just be able to go out to the cafe and eat a sandwich...

Thanks for listening to me whine!

[Sadiebug 206]

Hang in there and know you are not alone! I had a rough time emotionally around the 2-4 month timeframe - because I was feeling all of the crappy parts of surgery but hadn't lost enough weight yet to feel all of the great benefits. I think that changed for me around 5-6 months out because I was finally over the hump, I had figured out the eating thing and I had a lot of energy. Try and get out for a short walk (as much as your back allows). It is super cold right now in my neck of the woods but I still try and get outside whenever I can because the fresh air and sunshine make a big difference. It will get better eventually

[Nhope 146]

Thanks! Yes, the walking usually helps and is part of my frustration. I've got the back thing and feet conditions that are slowing me down, but I get out a bit everyday with my dog.

I appreciate the pep talk!!

[James Marusek 5,244]

For the first year after surgery, my surgeon had me take Prilosec each day so that my stomach would heal properly. Since you said that your doctor stopped you from taking it after 3 months, I am not sure this is a hard and fast requirement. I am over 4 years post-op and I discontinued Prilosec 3 years ago and all is fine.

The transition to solid foods (such as steak and chicken) can be rough. I found that softer foods such as chili and Soups went down much easier. They also had a lot more flavor. I have included some recipes at the end of the following article. http://www.breadandbutterscience.com/Surgery.pdf