Home... not yet out of the woods

I am so pleased to read about the April successes! I had my surgery on April 5 , was released on April 8, and am home, but pretty messed up. They removed the JP drain before I left and it hasn't stopped bleeding/draining yet. My husband called the surgeon and I may need to go into the ER to have this fixed. I am not able to get out of bed by myself yet, perhaps I'm over sensitive because of the bleeding... I feel bad because my dog wants to jump all over me and of course, doesn't understand why she can't... the worst part is how depressed I feel over the (yes, you're reading it right) 30 pound weight gain I've had. I went in at 315, left the hospital three days later at 344+. The doctors told me that it was because I was so dehydrated that they had to put an unusually high amount of fluids in me, and that they're not worried about it coming off. I accept it, but it feels awful , I couldn't fit in my clothes to go home (had to wear the hospital gown), it's just IRONIC that I was really realistic about not losing overnight - but I certainly didn't expect this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am looking forward to a better report next time I post, promise!

Hi Melody, I'm so sorry for all of what you're experiencing. I had my drain removed when I left the hospital on Wednesday. It was removed by a nurse who just said "it'll close by itself". She put gauze over it and left it. When I took a shower later, the gauze got all wet and I replaced it. It leaked the next day and I just recovered with gauze and tightly taped it. Now it's all closed. They shouldn't have released you if you were dehydrating and needed so many fluids. Did you get out of bed at all at the hospital? Usually they won't give you massive liquids unless they're measuring output. 15lbs of liquid in is a lot. If you're bleeding still, go to the hospital. They can also measure you for fluid and electrolyte levels. Hugz Lisa

I haven't had surgery yet but they told me a weight gain of up to 25 pounds is not unusual when leaving the hospital due to fluid. It will come off! As for the bleeding and not being able to get out of bed on your own-I think you should see your surgeon. Could you get out of bed before they released you? I am told that I will be out of bed and walking 4 hours after surgery and then will continue to walk as much as possible until I am released. Then of course I am to continue this routine at home. Hope you are better soon!!!! Keep us posted on your progress! Pam

Melody, So sorry to hear your having a rough time to start. It will get better, it is just going to take some time and adjustment. I have to remind myself this was MAJOR surjury and not just some out patient procedure, when I can't walk as far as I want too or get out in the yard and mow the lawn like Ive been tempted to do but fortunately I still have some surgical pain every so often to remind me I CANT do what I want to do just yet. My drain was removed before I left the hospital, it will leak for a few days and eventually close up, but if it is bright red blood then you do need to call the surgeon. Protein promotes wound healing, so I can only suggest to concentrate on getting in protein in one way orthe other to help speed this along. Try to move around as much as you can stand it, it is important to prevent blood clots and although it hurts like h$#@ to start, the more you move the less painful it gets over time. Did you have yours lap or open? Is your pain controlled by meds? If so, take a dose and then get up until you feel the effects and then rest. My surgeon's asst. told me if I cant move often to at least keep my knees/legs straight as blood clots tend to form in the bend of the leg first, and make sure my legs are moving at least every hour in some way if it isnt but just moving them in bed. Please let us know how your doing, and Im sending up prayers tomorrow will be a better day! Hang in there! Hugs, Sandy

Melody, I'm a week out had surgery on the 4th, but still have my drain. It will come out next tuesday when I see my surgeon next. However, my mother also had this surgery a little over a year ago and she said she had her drain removed prior to going home. She said she drained through her belly button quite a lot. So much so that she decided to tape a maxi pad over the drain area because it was more absorbent. My mother seems to think leaving the drain in like I have, was the better solution. But in the mean time try the maxi pads to help with absorbing the drainage. Also, remember to use your Incentive Spirometry to insure you are fulling inflating your lungs while laying down. I'm having to sleep in the recliner for the time being cause I'm struggling with that issue. The Incentive Spirometry is my best friend right now. *grin* As to the 'weight gain'...don't fret about that too much. I feel like I'm pregnant at the moment, but know that its simply swollen muscle and excess fluid which WILL make you weigh more. It will get better. Well wishes and many blessings, D D