I need to keep it real

What a relief to read a post that reflects how I've been feeling! I'm with you on all the overly happy posts and people who had no problems and feel great after a week or so! Don't get me wrong, I'm very happy for them and a bit envious.... but the reality of my situation was different. I too had the G-tube for 17 days!! Ugh! I got used to it for a while, and then I just wanted it OUT! Today was my 26th day and I'm just now feeling really good. I still can't bend over all the way yet or sleep on my side, I can't wait for that! But all my incisions are healing well and my G-tube hole is just about closed up. I still struggle every day with my protein and fluids. I feel like I work all day long just to get them in and at the end of the day, I still haven't done enough. I'm also dealing with hunger. I was so excited about the idea of not being hungry.... after all, that's all I had heard from everyone. Then I discover I'm not so lucky. I do get very full on just a little food, but an hour later, I'm hungry again! I don't eat because I'm busy getting in my water and such.... what a cycle. I'm told it gets easier, but so far everything I've been told doesn't seem to apply to me, so it's a wait and see kind of thing. Anyway, sorry to go on and on, but I just related to your post and felt the need to express all the stuff I've been feeling.... thanks for your honesty, it allows others to feel free to so the same!

Kiesha, I do hope it gets better for you from now on.... but please don't disregard the fact that you had MAJOR ABDOMINAL SURGERY.... some rough times are expected afterwards even in a best-case scenario...It also sound that you didn't get to be in the best Hospitals in a whole world, and it does sound outrageous that you were kept for so long in recovery... but are you sure it was due to them not having beds as opposed to you having to be watched for whatever the reason may have been ( i.e. low/high BP)? I was frustrated in a hospital too, when they had to wake me up 3-4 times at night to give me pain meds (if someone is asleep why give them pain meds then?), check my BP and temp, empty the drain, draw blood, etc..... but what can you do? Nurses following orders, and Doctors are only doctors, not Gods. All and all these things will be forgotten soon, but the benefit of having this surgery should last for decades to come... right?...take good care of yourself, best wishes to you, Rita.

No advice here .. sorry but you are in my prayers. H

Gurl, Can I get a AMEN!!!!!! My surgery was on8-31-05 and I had the gas(the Nurses told me the same thing), the drain is my worst enemy (but I only have to deal with it for 2 more days) the pain is unreal!!!!! Can we talk about pain meds!!!!!! My blood pressure and pulse were so high, and the nurses couldn't understand why??????HELLO I AM IN PAIN HERE!!!!!! tHE NURSING STAFF WAS THE WORSE, I was in so much pain Icould not get off the toilet, I had to scream for help because they weren't answering the call bell (but I could hear them laughing and joking outside of my room). Icame home from the hospital and had to sleep in my lounge chair because I could not lay flat(way too painful). The protein drink that is suppose to be "soooo good" (PROBLEND 55) MADE ME SICK TO MY STOMACH and I took 2hrs. to finally drink it. Not to mention the empting of the drain and the breathe etc,etc!!!!!!!!!I also went to a family cookout and they had everything I love to eat(from barbequed "everything" to potato salad and deep dish apple cobbler) I sat there with my drain sticking out of my shirt sipping diet lemonade tryin to act like I was fine(while my family who knows how I like to eat is looking at me like I done lost my mind for real!!!!) BUT........................ I woke up today and the pain was a little less, A friend gave me a protein drink that taste alot like chocolate milk and doesnt load me with gas!!!!!! And guuuuuurlllllll! I made it through the picnic without eating even a little and ripping my staple line!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have hope for tommorow(and wednesday when I get this %$@*%#& DRAIN out!!!!! but be encouraged, soon we'll be looking just as good as those hussies in their post op pictures!!!!!!

I know exactly what you are feeling. I had surgery on Aug 22nd and I think I have said "WHY DID I DO THIS?" about twice a week. Unlike you my hospital stay was really good, the nurses were so nice. But yes I do understand the walk it off thing. I was all drugged up and then the gas pain was ridiculous. I have to say though it does really get better, I thank god everyday for taking the pain away. People look at me now and can't believe that I am moving around the way that I am. I have lost 20lbs already and can't wait to get on the treadmill. The only thing that sucks for me right now is the eating of pureed food, I have no idea what the heck to eat. The shakes are ok, but I have this funny taste in my mouth and my breath stinks so I am constantly brushing my teeth. Hopefully this will all go away soon. I think the breath thing is because we don't eat like we used too so our stomachs are full of air. I have been eating a little bit of shredded meat really slowly and that seems to fill me but it is not recommended. I am supposed to be on purees only. Walk a lot it seems to help with the gas pain, and look forward to a new you soon. I promise it will get better.