it's done and I'm home!!!
I got home from Durham Regional about 1:30 this afternoon. Went in last Thursday, Oct. 7. Had complications. Turns out I have a congenitally short small bowel. And my liver was not cooperating but Dr. Portenier did not have to divert from the laparoscopic procedure. He did however, have to take my small bowel up under and behind my intestines instead of in front, go through the mesentery, to attach it to my "new stomach". In doing so I had some internal bruising of organs.
On Day two, I could do nothing but shake all over from the pain (even with the fentonyl pump) and throw up blood. But for those of you yet to have surgery - - I will tell you I would do it again. The worst lasted about a day.
There was a lot of swelling in the small bowel and new pouch so I couldn't keep anything down. I had a barium swallow study and saw for myself. We waited another day to start fluids and then, on Day Three, it was water only. I was still bringing up nastiness but getting down some fluids. Was still on IV fluids and IV pain meds.
On Day Four I was started on what would have been Day Two's diet - - liquid protein, chicken broth, unsweetened apple juice, water, popsicles, decaff coffee and tea. I was READY. I did real well.
I'm home now and am looking at perhaps a longer recovery but the good news is I came home off all diabetes medications and am now on blood pressure meds at HALF my previous dosage. (The first three days I was actually given insulin shots, sliding scale - but things greatly improved before I went home)
My husband has been wonderful, my pets are thrilled to have me home. I'm drinking protein and hydration and have even made some home made popsicles because I wanted lime and had not found what I wanted. I took my martini shaker some water, some key lime concentrate (no pulp), some unsweetened apple juice, a small amount of splenda, and shook. Still tart - - not sweet. I'm SICK of sweet stuff... all the protein drinks are so sweet. (It is going to be a looooong three weeks). I poured this mixture into my tupperware popsicle forms and hopefully later tonite....
Meanwhile, I am looking forward to things like scrambled eggs - - WHEN the time is right. I am invited to a dinner party Nov. 1 where the host is making his famous chicken parmesean. I'm hoping I will be able to taste it, if nothing but the sauce, by then.
Tomorrow I am taking out some of the broths I made and froze in advance in small quantities. It will be good.
My supervisor is being great about it all, my family is being very supportive. I can type notes but talking still makes me nauseous so I'm not answering my telephone much at all.
Thanks for being there, group!
Hugs,
Cindy
On Day two, I could do nothing but shake all over from the pain (even with the fentonyl pump) and throw up blood. But for those of you yet to have surgery - - I will tell you I would do it again. The worst lasted about a day.
There was a lot of swelling in the small bowel and new pouch so I couldn't keep anything down. I had a barium swallow study and saw for myself. We waited another day to start fluids and then, on Day Three, it was water only. I was still bringing up nastiness but getting down some fluids. Was still on IV fluids and IV pain meds.
On Day Four I was started on what would have been Day Two's diet - - liquid protein, chicken broth, unsweetened apple juice, water, popsicles, decaff coffee and tea. I was READY. I did real well.
I'm home now and am looking at perhaps a longer recovery but the good news is I came home off all diabetes medications and am now on blood pressure meds at HALF my previous dosage. (The first three days I was actually given insulin shots, sliding scale - but things greatly improved before I went home)
My husband has been wonderful, my pets are thrilled to have me home. I'm drinking protein and hydration and have even made some home made popsicles because I wanted lime and had not found what I wanted. I took my martini shaker
Meanwhile, I am looking forward to things like scrambled eggs - - WHEN the time is right. I am invited to a dinner party Nov. 1 where the host is making his famous chicken parmesean. I'm hoping I will be able to taste it, if nothing but the sauce, by then.
Tomorrow I am taking out some of the broths I made and froze in advance in small quantities. It will be good.
My supervisor is being great about it all, my family is being very supportive. I can type notes but talking still makes me nauseous so I'm not answering my telephone much at all.
Thanks for being there, group!
Hugs,
Cindy
Sorry you had a rough few days to start this off but it sounds like you're on the right road now. Good luck on this incredible journey. I got to the point I couldn't stand the thought of one more sweet concoction. Chicken broth became my most favorite thing (and Orange popsicles)
- Iris
- Iris
Blessed are the flexible for they shall not be bent out of shape.
Highest Surgery Lowest Current
314.5 294 208 258.4
Thank you both!
yes I have never really been a fan of sweets, amazingly enough. Some sorts yes... certain pecan and oatmeal based cookies or un-frosted cakes. Some years back I quit being able to eat ice cream unless it was Bruster's or home made - - Others are just too sweet. Ben & Jerry's just makes me want to ralph.
So all this milk shake sort of stuff is horrible. I was sick of it before the surgery - just in the "test driving" and trying to replace some meals with liquid prior to surgery. Now I have 3 weeks of it ahead of me.
Does anyone know, can you make soups, strain the bits out, and add in unflavored whey protein? If you can, does it taste worth a you-know-what?
I'm going to do what I have to. But am really looking forward to soft foods. Scrambled eggs.. yum.
hugs and thanks,
Cindy
yes I have never really been a fan of sweets, amazingly enough. Some sorts yes... certain pecan and oatmeal based cookies or un-frosted cakes. Some years back I quit being able to eat ice cream unless it was Bruster's or home made - - Others are just too sweet. Ben & Jerry's just makes me want to ralph
So all this milk shake sort of stuff is horrible. I was sick of it before the surgery - just in the "test driving" and trying to replace some meals with liquid prior to surgery. Now I have 3 weeks of it ahead of me.
Does anyone know, can you make soups, strain the bits out, and add in unflavored whey protein? If you can, does it taste worth a you-know-what?
I'm going to do what I have to. But am really looking forward to soft foods. Scrambled eggs.. yum.
hugs and thanks,
Cindy
Most Active
Recent Topics
