Came home yesterday, surgery on the 21st.

Well, I'd say that all in all it went as expected. My scheduled time got moved from 0745 to noon .. so, I had plenty of extra time that morning to contemplate what I was about to do. I didn't change my mind. I'd say the biggest surprise was the pain I had right after the surgery.. in that time between the recovery room, and going up to my room.. I guess that gas they use to 'blow up' your abdomen really can hurt. I was mashing away on my PCA. It dissapated pretty quickly, and I started to fee better. I was up and walking around that evening, and made a turn up/down the hallway. MY esophagus and the new pouch seemed pretty tender at first .. once I passed the leak test .. I was able take some sips of water.. and they hurt once they hit bottom... but.. that feeling has gotten better every day.. now, on day 3.. it's almost at what I think will be normal. Like someone else said, I need to learn to sip and not gulp.. heck, I guess the whole thing will be a learning process. Today, my first full day at home, I'm feeling a little tired, and have taken had some naptime.. but, I can tell I'm getting better and stronger .. at 54 perhaps it'll take me a day or two longer to bounce back! This board has been a great thing to read and learn from, I thank you all for sharing your experiences.

Hi Barry--Welcome home. The surgery is behind you now the journey begins. I had surgery on 3/13 and am 58 ys old--another oldie but goodie. I did excellent the first 10 days and then yesterday develoed nausea. Not throwing up just yucky! I ws having trouble getting rid of hospital fluid and the put me on a fluid pill. Take care of your self and remember sip, sip, sip, and drink, drink, drink. See you around on the board--just think March 2007 all us MARCHer 06 and be in the bragging mode!! Be strong and positive--bj

Hey bj.. Thanks for you note.. you too stay strong and positive.. I'm sure they'll resolve those issues in short order. March 2007 here I come!

Welcome home! My the rest of your journey be smooth sailing and full of success! Best Regards, Tammy

Ooops I meant to say MAY the rest of your journey .... (I wish we could edit our posts!).

Thanks! I have to say, today (Saturday) has been a MUCH better day. I'm able to drink more, and get more protein in. And, I spent time on my treadmill. I think I'm gonna make it!

Hi Barry...I am 55 and had my surgery on the 13th...us oldies heal about as fast as those "youguns"!!!! I am feeling great, in fact went back to the doctor yesterday and he released me to go to work on Monday - 2 weeks out. Just follow all your instructions and you will do great. I have been walking a mile a day since I came home from the hospital. I have 2 obnoxious pugs and walking them is good for all of us! Good luck and keep posting and let us know how you are doing...best wishes! Barbara

Thanks Barbara! Today has been MUCH better....I'm not up to a mile yet, but I did two sessions of 10 minutes each at 2MPH on my treadmill. I'll be up to a mile in no time.

You go Barry....you will be running in no time....NOT ME...I may never run, but I sure am going to walk! Hope you are feeling better...Barbara