Water, protein & pain

11 days post-op. The pain has been better the last few days. Between intolerence to most pain meds and being a pain wussy, I am so happy not to be in such pain. I wish I could have found a way to bring that epidural home with me. The soups and such were not getting me anywhere near where I needed to be for protein, so I bought some protein powder to make shakes with, that takes care of that problem. Then, this morning I woke up a headache, dizzy and cold sweat. I don't think I have been getting enough water in. I'll get this all figured out eventually.

I'm glad your pain has subsided. All I really have left is pain in my left shoulder, that I'm told was from the gas they use during surgery. But I know what you mean about the protein and water. For me, the first 2 weeks it has felt like a full-time job just getting in the water and protein. Doesn't leave much time for anything else! If I take a nap, I get behind and only drinking 1 oz every 10 minutes, it takes forever to catch up! I finally poured out my water and crystal light into 24 oz containers first thing in the morning and put them in the fridge. I know I have to drink them by the end of the day, so it makes it much easier to keep track of how I'm doing. Sigh....I'll figure it out eventually, too. ~Cathy

Hi, Patricia Most of my pains are gone now too. Although since I can take Vioxx I still have the aches. I carry a drink around all the time. At night I keep a sippy cup of water on the night stand. I wake up a lot and I take a couple sips each time. It's spill proof so I don't have to worry, and you don't even have to sit up to drink! I've tried water and all the Crystal Lites, but ice tea with lemon is the best for me. Hang in there, girl! Joanne

I started the protien drinks before surgery so they are not so bad. I kind of look forward to them. I still can't drink plain water, which is odd to me because of the fact that I would drink at least 40 oz. of water a day plus other liquids. I try but it won't go down. I guess I'm lucky God let man invent tea & crystal lite. I'm doing pretty good other wise. I'm having trouble sleeping for more than 5 hours. I think it's because I've already lost 18 pounds and I feel like I have so much more energy. I keep thinking of all the things I want to do, but don't worry girls you can't push yourself. If you try that little thing called "pain" steps right up there and says "not yet!"

I've wondered about sleep. About my second week I seemed to sleep a little. 5 hrs was my max. Finally the doctor gave me a little med to help me sleep. I wonder if this is a problem for others?