1 Week after surgery

May 28, 2009

It's been one week since my surgery and I feel wonderful.  If you'd asked me how I felt just 4 days ago, I would have said fair.  But today, If I didn't see the scars on my stomach, I would say I've never had surgery.  Having said all that...I am NOT ready to run a marathon, but feel good.  I must say that I am a major fan of the Marcaine pump!  For all you pre-op readers, ask your surgeon if he/she uses the ON-Q pumps.  Two catheters go under your skin near the top of your abdomen an pump medication in over approximately a 72hr period.  I'm not saying you won't need pain medication in addition, but it made my recovery 10 times better.  I had one with my hysterectomy and loved it.

Another piece of advice is keep an eye on in your IV!  If it's painful or sore, make sure the nurse checks it.  I left the hospital with an infiltration from a mediction.  It's been 6 days and it's just now starting to NOT feel painful.  Get out of bed as much as possible,  the more you do (within reason) the easier it will be to move.  And if you are not already, keep up with an exercise regimen BEFORE surgery.  The better shape you are in, the easier your recovery time will be.  I know everyone has different thresholds for pain, but this has been my experience. 

Today was the last day for my blood thinner (Lovenox) injections.  Yippee!  I have not become a fan of thinned foods.  I thought I liked soup, but not so much now.  So my meals consist of the Protidiet ...which are tolerable in 8oz of water, and 1 container of EAS advantege (with 1 scoop of beneprotein powder added).  This gives me the 60grams of protein per day.  I can tolerate this until I start the pureed phase. 

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