Im back

Hello. Since i did not have an angel I didn't have anyone to update about my recovery. I went into surgery on the 15th at 7am. I had a sediative giving to me before entering the OR since I have had a bad experience in the past. I didn't really remember being in recovery. I remember all of a sudden being in the room (thank god I had a private). I was surprised how well i was doing with the help of the PCA. I got up and walked with no problem just some soreness. Later in the night I had a fever and my pulse sky rocketed. I had another chest xray and EKG. Nothing was abnormal. The RN tried to contact the doctor on call but contacted some other doctor. The CNA was actually coughing all over me while doing my vitals until my mother made him leave. In the morning I left better but since my IV was put in an akward position it made the PCA monitor go off every 5 minutes. So the plan was to change the IV. the RN on duty couldn't do it so she left me without an IV or pain relief for 2 hours till my surgeon came. After that since I was planned to leave the next day I would just take tynenol with codeine and torodol IM (intramuscular). The T3 did not do anything to help the pain. I was discharged the next day 3/17/04 around 11am. At that time the surgeon removed my drain and my sutures. Again i had problems with the nursing staff with discharge. Honestly I do not know if it was lack of communication or the unablility to communicate. Since the 17th I have been at home my pain has been more muscle soreness. I have been watching movies constantly and reading magazines. Today is the first day I've had a super hunger for real food. Maybe because im tired of broth, water, and sf jello. But other than that I have found that I can not sleep very well since I'm getting woken up by everyone in the house. I have been taking 2 hr naps but I still feel half there. So far my pain level while being at home has not gone over 4. I'm taking just tynenol extra strength. The gas is the most uncomfortable thing.

God Bless you Beth! WELCOME HOME! Everyday it will get a lil bit better sweety hang in there!!!! Mary

Beth - congrats on making it to the other side and glad to hear you are at home and doing well. Try to carve out a little place to be alone w/out the noise and take care of yourself! Dina

Congrats on coming home! I am now 19 days post op and feeling really good. I had an open RNY-distal. The first week was very difficult. I had a lot of lower back pain, but I think that was because I was staying with my mom for the first week and didn't have my own bed. I'm home now and feeling much better. I got totally sick of BROTH! Now even the mention of it makes me sick! I am handeling the pureed phase much better and next week, I get to move to solids! Yeah!! I wish you the best, and welcome home!

Sounds like you are doing great, Beth! Sleeping in 2 hour snatches is par for this stage! It will get better when you can move around more easily. Sleep when you can, but don't neglect your drinking and walking. Each new day shoud bring some improvement. Sorry the hospital staff was so poor. I was fortunate--my nurses were really nice and caring, just overworked. Glad you are home! Joy -20 lbs / 18 days

Glad your home Beth. Keep us posted on how you are doing. LaDonna -22 Myette===>Teri