Am I normal?

I had a LAP RNY done on 3/1. Everything has progressed pretty well. I went back to work full time on 3/8. I am on purreed foods and don't seem to have a problem tolerating anything at this point. Here is my problem, I'm getting a lot of tummy pain. I don't mean in my abs, or my pouch from eating or drinking. I will get some pretty painfull cramps in my belly, and then some sustained discomfort. Obviously, pain meds do wonders, but I can't use them at work. I have no desire to eat at all, and I was making it on protein shakes and water. My doctor finally said I needed to try to eat something everyday, so I have been doing Cream of Wheat in the morning and then a pureed meal at night, and sometimes SF pudding for a snack. So, is this normal, the pain and discomfort? It isn't blow your mind pain, and discomfort is a better word. Tylonol helps, but I think I my first "dump" and see were Tylonol had high fructose corn syrup listed on the box. Any suggestions? Oh, and one last thing, I seem to get a quick fever every evening. It never goes above 101, and it is quick. Any thoughts about that? Looking forward to your thoughts.

Just talked with my Dr. He reinterated that I had major surgery 18 days ago and that I need to slow down. He told me when he pulled my drain that he has patients where he is concerned they will do something to their pouch with food, and some he feels will push things too hard too soon. He said I fit into the latter group. So, I get an unscheduled day off from work and a three day weekend. The big benefit is that I can take pain meds during the day, which is not something I can do when working. Maybe the extra day will help. He also said if the fevers continue to go to the ER as he is gone for the weekend.

Wow, Ken...aren't you back to work a bit early? My surgeon, whom I LOVE, is both lenient AND strict on different issues. As far as RTW, he will NOT let you RTW any sooner than 6 weeks 'cuz no matter HOW good you feel (and I'm feeling pretty darned good...), at 4 weeks historically pretty good fatigue kicks your butt. But even aside from that, he reminds you that you're healing INTERNALLY and it's make-it-or-break-it during those 6 weeks and he doesn't want you 'messing up' his work. I can't complain about that. Although I'd put myself somewhere around 95% back to normal, I still realize that my system is drastically changed and I have to "learn" it anew, and keep learning every day what I can/can't tolerate. That's just MY response to what's going on, so I can't even really imagine all the technicals of what's going on inside me right now. I'm glad he has the 6 week rule - doesn't make me feel guilty 'bout TRYING to go back early: I can't even request it. As for the fevers, it's an oddity. Pre-op, for almost my entire life, whenever I got tired, I'd run a fever. Just a strange thing my body does. Well, every night now around 7ish, I feel a fever start. It's never gone above 99.8, but it's there and I feel it. Doc sez not to worry about it since I ran low-grade temps pre-op on a normal basis. He did, however, say that if it EVER goes above 100.4 to call him and get in QUICK. Kimmer Queen of the Niners, Instigator to All Marchers, High Priestess of Giggles

I'm not getting the fever, but being now 9 days out and having had my drain out 3 days ago I am now starting to get a little painful gas and then had a BM this morning that helped a lot. As for work, I know you were lap and I was open, but I wouldn't be going back to work this early. It's quite a bit different than a lap gallbladder in that you have these issues that will crop up, and it's best to take the time to get your body acclimated. But that's just my opinion. Dina

I think this is possibly why I'll be on full liquids until 6 weeks post-op. It will give the staple line in my new pouch (Junior) to heal properly. However, Ken, when in doubt, call your doctor! I was told to call if my temp went over 100.5F. God bless. You're in my prayers. Hugs, -Marcie

Ken, My lap RNY was on 3/9. I told everyone I was going back to work in two weeks, based on the experience of a co-worker, and now I'm getting nervous that I'm not going to be ready. Ready or not I have a business trip on the 29th. You might want take some more time whether you think you can "gut it out" or not - just to be safe? For your cramping, you didn't mention how your BMs are - any chance you're backed up and that could be contributing? I think I had a problem with that in the beginning - in fact I didn't have any action for the first WEEK post op. I'm sure you're be glad to know THAT has passed! I can tolerate the small round Tylenol pills. I never tried the liquid Tylenol b/c I coudn't find sugar free at my drug stores - heard you can get it online though. My doc/hospital said to call if I hit 101. My temp ranges from 98.1-99.7. Perhaps brief fluctuations are normal.. lord knows I never took my temperature this frequently before so I don't know WHAT is normal... Best of luck to you. I still can't believe you're going to work. I'm beat from showering and dressing - can't even think of driving. Jen

Everybody is different, and I do take extra long lunches and nap. But work hasn't been that bad. It hasn't shown up here so I will say it again. My Dr. called and as he is going to be gone for the weekend, he decided that he wants me to go in for a swallow test. So, I'll leave here in about 15 minutes. Hopefully, all will be ok. He thinks my fever spikes my be related to where my drain was. So, hopefully, no leaks.