Back in the Saddle--but I can't eat. Please help.

I had surgery on June 7.  It was part success, part nightmare.  Dr. Greenbaum says that the DS itself is working just fine; my body just had some terrible reactions to the surgery.  I will spare you the details right now, except to say that I feel like every day is the first day out of the hospital in some ways.

I have already had my first follow up with Dr. Greenbaum, and I've told him everything I'm telling you here.  His response is to see if the pureed foods work better, and to keep walking.  

My main problem is that I am nauseous and vomiting everyday, and there is no way that I'm getting proper nutrition.  The 'toss' (sorry) is clear fluid.  Even in the hospital, I vomited occasionally.  All of the protein shakes that I have make me sick.  I can sip them for most of the day, no matter how gross they taste; but there comes a point when they come back up.  I am switching shakes around, including using pre-made shakes with higher caloric/carb counts just to keep something down.  I start pureed food today, so we'll see if some real food may help me.  Any suggestions on why I am vomiting or what I might keep down are welcome.

My secondary problem is that I am retaining water, which means I have actually gained weight since surgery.  Because of surgery complications, they switched my blood pressure meds.  My ankles are swollen but the swelling in my hands and legs has gone down.  As far as my fluid intake apart from the shakes, I've been trying different things there:  cool vs. room temperature, plain vs. flavored water, etc.  I've stuck mostly to water, but have had lemonade for a day.  I am able to take in about 24 oz of water per day.

Help?!

I think you're doing all you can at this point. Keep experimenting.  I did find it helpful to put a little lime juice in ice water with a sprinkle of Splenda. Seems a little bit of acid in the water helps the tummy to accept it more easily.

 Thanks, Major Mom.  Today I'm trying Havarti cheese with some crackers to see if that will help the nausea.

What are you taking for nausea and acid reduction?

I've got a random generic nausea med, but I haven't taken it because I'm afraid it will make me sick. I know...good point, I will take some this morning.

I'm on zofran as needed (ha!). I was taking them 3x/day and doing better than I am now, so I will go back to that. Dr. G says to alsp take an extra Prilosec, so I will also try that.

My other problem is that I'm late on my other meds due to feeling sick to my stomach. That will NOT work!

You need to get on both those meds on a by-the-clock schedule, not by-the-symptom.

 I second EN's excellent advice. 

If you are not taking the anti-nausea medicine because of your fear of throwing up have the doc prescribe a suppository.  Not not the most pleasant thing in the world but it may help.

Red

I found that hot tea did wonders for my tummy and it counts as fluid.

Sorry you are feeling this way.  I, too, have been in the same boat since last week.  I got sick of the smell of the protein drinks and thought that was bad and then on Sunday - nothing would stay down.  They told me that my issue was that intestines are not moving the food/drink through like they should.  I am taking it easy this morning, but all is going well so far.  Saying prayers, got my fingers crossed and all that good stuff.  T