Surgery was Monday

Surgery was scheduled for 7am this past Monday and I was in the OR for 7am and my family received a call from the OR that they had started by 7:20am. Not all went according to plan ... but all in all doing well. I had unanticipated adhesions in my upper abdomen as a result from a gallbladder surgery 32 years ago, so those needed to be cleaned up before the procedure, then he found a hiatel hernia that was not seen on any pre-op swallow studies. So, I ended up with an unanticipated drain and surgery lasted about 2 1/2 hours. Because of the adhesions and the dissection necessary I had to have a post-op leak test before being allowed liquids.

I did get out of bed the day of surgery but felt I was one step behind. Spent 2 nights in the hospital and an extra in a hotel close to the hospital, since I got nervous and it would of been an hour and half drive back .. plus, I wasn't discharged til 7pm. Drain was pulled before I left the hospital.

The biggest 'pain' is the stitch through the muscle in my left side. I know my surgeon said he did that to me and it's absorbably suture that should go away in about 3 months. He tacks the stomach away once dissected. I kept complaining it felt like I had a 'charlie horse' in my left side... guess I wasn't far off.

Today I took in about 50 ounces of fluids, 45 grams of protein and had a BM. I was more worried about the BM because I know how the contrast for the swallow study lock someone up.

Was sent home with liquid lortab and zofran tables (just need to crush)... and I had to push for the zofran... I wasn't leaving without it. was really worried about vomiting... and I have not... occasional bouts of nausea.

I'm 5'10".. and never thought about the toilet seat being low... until I had to get up and down a number of times a day... Got a lift... and also felt unsteady in the shower... so got a seat for that. Know both of those might be a bit extreme ... but works!

All in all, think I'm going to make it.

Well, GOOD for You Carolyn...!!! im glad your doing OK! i had my hubby bring one of those LIFTS for the Toilet home to help ME out too!  it really was HARD getting Up & Down for about a week... keep us Updated OK?

Hi,

Glad to hear you're doing okay.  It's been about 2 months for me since surgery and I'm feeling great.  It does get better.  Take it one day at a time and follow dr's orders :-)  Hope everything continues to go well for you.  Take care!