JamGal77

Send Message

Block

Add Friend

 I always try to be honest and objective in my blog posts... So since Thursday evening I've been in a new type of hell- nausea.

While in the hospital, the nurses did a great job of giving nausea meds. However, at home it's a real challenge as you learn how to manage clear liquids and the speed of intake and the complete change in your sense if smell- at least in my case. Right now, I need encouragement. I'm going to leave my house for a bit ( I did walk around my neighborhood yesterday). Maybe retail therapy will help. On the plus side? I'm down 3.5 lbs since surgery but that's understandable considering my lack of calories.

Please let me know you made it or are making through your first 2 weeks post op...

Well, this is my first night home since surgery... so, in my Prince voice, "forgive me if I go astray!" I'm on the Lortab elixir for pain and I made the mistake of falling asleep for 2.5 hrs in a recliner and just awoke confused in pain. However, I want to jot this down before I forget ...

First off, my surgeon, anesthesiologist and host of nurses at Northeast Baptist Hospital were wonderful. While this has been my only inpatient surgery personal experience, I have witnessed many a hospital staff care for my family and friends. Everyone was very realistic and comforting to me regarding my care. Nothing in the pre-op classes, support groups or online forums can really prepare you for how your body will respond to surgery.  I'll do my best to recap my experience:

Day 1 - After I had 1 week pre-op diet, I arrived at the hospital at 5:30 AM on 7/16 to get ready for surgery. After signing consent forms and answering the same questions multiple times, the nurse place the anti-anxiety (aka "i don't care" serum) and I don't recall anything until the nurses woke me up in recovery. I immediately felt pressure and discomfort in my abdomen. Once in my room I requested more pain meds. I made myself walk every hour or more to release the CO2 gases by 3:00am the next morning, I was feeling more focused and the max. pain level was coming down.

Day 2 - Much better day, was cleared for an ice chip breakfast and saw the doctors. More walking and burping with baby steps throughout the halls and the room. Saw the doctor and started warm broth and sugar free popsicles. The broth really helps with the gases and nausea. Very sensitive to smells, even scents that I was a fan of previously (e.g. mom's perfume, husband's cologne)

Day 3 - All focus today was on getting out of the hospital! Upper GI was quick with good results. Thank goodness that there was no rolling around on the x-ray table just drinking a bitter liquid a few times while radiologist confirms no flow issues. I was able to FINALLY shower today to loosen up all of the tape and prepare to remove my drain and OnQ pain ball. NOTE: Request some pain meds at least 1 hour before this process begins, the drain removal was very uncomfortable.

All in all, I'm very grateful to be back at home and recovering. I was blessed to have my lil entourage / cheering section which provided priceless encouragement and reinforcement that I made the right decision.

So excited to see where this journey leads...

Well, I have to say that this week was actually not as bad as I thought. My doctor has me on a 1 week of pre-op diet which consists of a shake for breakfast and lunch plus a protein / veggie dinner. Only fluid allowed is water.

The low calories do make me feel a bit distracted from time to time, absent-minded, is a good word for it. The stomach upsets are a challenge too. I had to use some dulcolax by day 3 if you know what I mean.However, I see it as the necessary evil.

However, the weight loss boost is a nice benefit. I actually lost 7.5 pounds since Monday.

I'm a little overwhelmed by all of the information that I received at my pre-op class yesterday, but I took good notes that I'll review tomorrow. Also, per doctor's orders no more red meat, cheese or fried foods after tonight. It's funny that I look forward to eating lettuce just so I can chew something.

I keep fretting that I'm going to forget anything... RELAX, RELENT, RELEASE!!!

I'd love to fast-forward to post-op recovery. LOL

I'll let you know how I make through Sunday's prep. Will be heading to bed early on Sunday night- 5:30AM surgery appt.

Sorry for not posting sooner but I finally have a confirmed surgery date of 7/16.  I'm having waves of emotions- anxiety, excitement and determination. Every time I start second guessing my decision, I just think about what goals I'll be able to check off my list...

I started to track all of the great information that I've picked up on the message boards in a journal that I'll keep with me when I go to the hospital.  I'm hoping that I don't forget anything important.

I'll keep you all posted.





 

Hi, everyone! 

Thank you for the support... My surgery journey was delayed due to some complications with my preferred surgery facility choice... Long story that I can't share publicly. I'm switching doctors and hoping to get back on track... Good news is that my insurance approved me in record time for surgery (6 hours) on 5/25/12. I should have a new surgery date early next week... Need some prayers and positive thinking.

I hope that everyone is doing well on their journeys. We can do this!!