Re-hospitalized. Not exactly the vacation I was hoping for.

Aug 06, 2009

Okay, I am really happy for those people who had their surgery, went home in a few days and were noticeably on their way to recovery.  I was sent home from the hospital the day after surgery, without the magic of having passed gas, and given these discharge instructions that included taking in 64 ounces of water and 70 grams of protein.  No one told me you are supposed to work your way up to it an when I asked the PA why I was getting nauseous every time I had broth, Popsicles or jello, he told me I needed to keep eating them but do it slower.

Turns out that my gut was not working and I was forcing myself to take in liquid (about 32 ounces a day) and protein (about 30 - 40 grams).  Every sip of protein upset me, no matter how slowly I took it in and even the water hurt as it went down.

I kept thinking that it was "just the pain you would expect when you have major surgery" - another gem from the idiot PA.  It wasn't until I found myself clinging to my mother, doubled over and vomiting- a foamy mess- that I went back to the hospital.

Turns out that my gut was not working - that all important passed gas test - and what I was taking in had no place to go.  I ended up dehydrated, with a low blood count, a locked up bowel and barely able to stand.

The next time I came out I had great, clear discharge instructions, they waited until I had a BM (the best thing in the world) and could take in liquids without being nauseous.

The day after my surgery I said if I had to be out I wanted to go on vacation, that wasn't exactly the vacation I was hoping for.

I should be clear that I intentionally left out the name of the hospital I was in and that my surgeon was great as well as the team that took care of me in the hospital.  I was fortunate and know that. 

My point here is three fold:

You need to make sure that you get your discharge instructions clear.  If you have questions ask them and if you don't think the answer is clear, ask more.
You shouldn't expect that you can take in the expected amount of liquids and protein immediately.  You should work your way up to it and talk to your surgeon ahead of time about a reasonable rate of increase.
And lastly, if you haven't passed gas or had a bowel movement within two days of surgery, call you surgeon!

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