6 weeks post-op, but things are not what I expected

Hi Elizabeth - I am still pre-op, so I don't have any advise to offer, but wanted to say hello and wish you all the best. Take care of you and I hope you're feeling better real soon. Mare

Elizabeth -

I concur. Call your Nut/Dr's office. I just had my 3 month check-up as did a number of other patients that had their surgery the same week. I have to say that there were two patients that have really been suffering. When their plight was brought up, they were both told in the future, if you have any difficulties, please call. You are not "bothering" anyone. They are there to support you. They want you to have the most successful experience possible.

As Jennifer said, this takes time. Almost no one I know gets in all the fluid/protien right away, it's something that you work towards and over time you get much better at it.

I have to say that I had a hard time when I was about 4 to 6 weeks. I thought, "My goodness, what have I done? I didn't mean to find myself feeling under the weather!" Well, I have to say that by 8 weeks and beyond, it's really just gotten better and better. That doesn't mean you don't have new things to learn or struggle through, but that's because this is a steep learning curve.

Jennifer comment about using a marked container worked well for me as well and Nancy's comment about finding something you actually like to drink also worked well for me. I use Crystal Light all the time. I would say that it makes up about 1/2 or more of my fluid intake. According to my Nut. ... that's fine!

I'm glad that you posted and I hope that you'll call your Dr.'s office.

Take care,

Barb

Thanks everyone! I called my Nut this afternoon and she actually called me right back (amazing for a Friday afternoon).  She is also concerned with the fluid intake - everything else is secondary right now. She also liked the idea of drinking 6 oz every 2 hours.  So far, I have done fairly well.  I have drank a total of 24 oz (missed 1 interval).   She suggested that I try going back to full liquids over the weeked - protein shakes (ugh), yogurt, pudding, etc. If I am no better (and still not taking in more fluid) by Monday, she wants me to call Dr Kuwada. So, I am going to spend the weekend trying hard to drink, drink, drink. Thank you again for all the concern.  It is really great to get to talk to people who have "been there, done that".  It is so helpful.

Glad you called your NUT, Elizabeth.  Dehydration will make you feel SO horrible!  I know lots of folks suggested finding a flavor that you like, but I did want to add that most of the time I prefer just plain old water.  Before recently, I really couldn't stand flavored drinks including my all-time favs of iced coffee and Lipton iced green tea.  And keep in mind you can also drink unsweetened fruit juices cut in half with water. Please keep us posted on how you are making out over the weekend!

Thanks Suzanne.  You are so very sweet!

I am like you - plain water seems to taste better than anything right now.  My family has always drank Sugar Free Kool Aid and Crystal Light, so I have every flavor made.  No taste seems to hit the spot. I also am really loving coffee lately - my fav is with SF hazelnut cream and splenda.  For once, mine taste even better that Starbucks.  I did quickly find out that I need decaf now - any regular coffee makes me soooo jittery. Thanks again for your concern.  Maybe just talking about it has made it better - so far today, I have had 30oz.  I just have to keep it up through the weekend. Take care and have a fantastic weekend!

Elizabeth, I'm sorry your struggling with the fluids. Hope you get better and get the protein in. Don't want anything to happen to our OH'ers. Keep in touch. Reenie

Hello Elizabeth:      I agree with everyone here. You have made the right decision by calling your Nut. Things normally do get easier with time but you shouldn't have to suffer in the meantime. Hope you feel better real soon.

Lisa