Feeling a bit emotional

Hi friends, Have a bit of a time the last few days. I think this liquids thing is finally getting to me. Just how much cup a soup, crystal light and protein drinks can I take. I swear if I see one more popcicle when this is done I'll scream. I don't have the second dilation until next Friday, and if they have to do a third it will be two weeks after that, and I'll have to stay on liquids the whole time. I just want to chew something. I know this is temporary and soon I'll be back to being able to eat mushy and solids again, but in the meantime....does anyone have some good ideas for full liquids. Heck, I've even put some cottage cheese in my "bullet" and made cottage cheese soup out of it, just so I don't have to taste something sweet. Right now I am not even supposed to take my vitamins. Needless to say I'm pretty tired out. I have to photograph a wedding tomorrow and I feel about as creative as an artist in front a blank canvas not knowing what to create! Wah wah wah....God I hate whining! I guess that's quite enough of it. There are a lot of other people who have more severe complications, so I don't feel like I have a right to complain...but just wanted to vent a little. Thanks for listening. Deb

Hang in there. I don't know what your story is about the "dilation" thing, but I can tell you......I feel the same way you do and I don't have that problem. I feel so tired all the time it's crazy. I do not excersize because I am always tired. It sucks. When does it get better????? uuuggghhh colleen

Hi Colleen, Thanks. Sorry you are feeling a bit down also. I had a stricture two weeks ago. This occured at the anastomosis where the small intestine and pouch meet. I started vomiting whatever I ate, and had to go on liquids two weeks ago. I had an endoscopy with balloon dilation last Tuesday and have the second next friday. And if one more is needed it will be probably two weeks after that. So until this process is complete I have to stay on liquids. I do know this is temporary and that's what I keep telling myself. I just look forward to it being done. I sure hopeyou get to feeling better soon. Take care, Debra

I can only imagine being on liquids for so long - the bullet is a good tool though. Why don't you make some chowder or soup and then puree it? As for chewing - can you chew ice chips? Would they let you chew SF gum???? I remember as a kid my dad would let us chew on "clean" chunks of (ok, now nobody freak out - ok?) the stuff they used to use when they would roof a house! It was black and I think they called it "tar" - but it wasn't really tar. Maybe you could find some of that! LOL. Sorry - I couldn't resist - sometimes ya gotta think outside the box - right???? Good luck and hang in there! Penny

Penny, you made me giggle. I'll try the ice chip thing. Didn't think of that. Thanks so much for your support. Deb

Oh Deb, that liquid thing must be awful. I remember how bad it was on the all-liquid part of the pre-op. Poor kid. But you did say "full" liquids, didn't you? Can you take stews or bean/meat soups and puree them? Those are very satisfying and filling. Or puree a condensed soup without diluting it first? Put some cheese in it, a pat of margarine, a little broth, and it's really good. The margarine gives you essential fatty acids and also makes it taste richer. Sharon

Hi Sharon, Yes, they did say I could have full liquids. I never thought of pureed soups though. I'll give that a try. This is what I needed, some fresh ideas. Thanks again, Deb

JUST wanted to offer you some ((((HUGS)))) to get you thru a bumpy time! GOOD LUCK be well. LISA

All I can offer is emotional support...I couldn't imagine having to go back through all of that! I was miserable with liquids, but really did like the instant fully loaded potatoes with a little margarine added (more satisfying) made thin, of course. That's what got me through the last weeks of it. Just remember that this is what you've got to do to heal correctly - then it'll be smooth sailing! Good Luck! Kristie