To all you recent post op ladies

I'm so happy you all made it thru surgery and are home and almost home. I am reading your posts and laughing at some of the crazy experiences you've had with other patients. As some of you know, I am a nurse. So reading these stories is humerous to me, becauses I am so used to these crazy patients, as I've beeen a nurse for 24 years. Most of my nursing career has been in long term care facilities, and I could tell you all a million funny stories. I've seen those naked guys with the pillowcases over their heads, and much more. Alot of my patients have dementia, and don't know what planet they are even on.!! Let alone their own name's. LOL! Anyway God bless each and everyone of you. See God really does answer prayers. You've all been in mine. Oh, and keep in mind the pains and pressure is completely normal. There's alot of trapped gas inside you. They blow up your abdominal cavity to do their work during surgery. It tavels to your upper body and has no where else to go. So I've heard that those new Gas-x srtips that dissolve on your tongue work well to alleviate some of that. And your poor insides are traumatized from the cutting. Not to mention the abdomin itself. The soreness from the little incisions that the instruments have to go thru. The skin, fat, and muscles are all sliced open to get in there. That's why it's so painful.And you know the walking serves a couple of different purposes. One it breaks up the gas, and two it keeps the blood flowing instead of pooling to prevent clots. It seems alot of Surgeons assume people just Know this stuff. But most people don't . Every place is different. The requirments and education is different, some of us get told more than others.I think the best way to get in protien and water right now, would be with warm broth(low sodium if you have high blood pressure) with the protien powder mixed in. The warm broth is soothing to your new pouch, and it's like made up of about 99.9% water. Remember, be very gentle with yourselves...youre' going thru alot right now.And don't hesitate to call your Surgeon's office if you are having any problems. I hope you all have lots of help, and remember "This too shall pass." I hope I've helped in some way. Remember keep sipping, walking, and resting. And just take a day at a time. When my turn comes in January, you can all remind me . ...God bless you ladies, and Keep the Faith! Just think how beautiful you're all gonna look and feel about yourselves next summer Love to all, Cissy

Cissy... Thanks so much for the great advice! Everyday gets easier and easier...it's been 4 days out for me and instead of feeling like a semi-truck ran over me...it just feels like a pickup truck did. Too bad I don't have any bad roommate stories to share...my surgeon has an agreement with the hospital that we have private rooms (so I had no roommate the entire time). However, I did see some special folks when I made my walking rounds...lol. Needless to say, I'm glad to be home. And don't worry...we'll remind you in January...even though you're a pro at this already! Thanks again. Dana

Cissy, I totally agree with Dana in that yesterday I was feeling like I wa**** by a train and today it's maybe a motorcycle! What a difference one day made. I know each new day won't bring such relief, but that abdominal pressure and muscle aches were the worst! (((((HUGS))))) Marilyn

Marilyn, Man don't I agree with that! Each day is so noticably better I'm just amazed. Of course I haven't had the gas issue which apparently I should be very thankful for but still compared to yesterday my body just feels so much better and it's easier to do things, even bending over and picking up my puppy isn't that bad now and really wasn't even possible at all two days ago. I think I am surprised at how well it's going so hopefully it will be a happy surprise for the rest of you too! Corinna Q

You are so sweet to take time to explain some of this to us. In all honesty, I have learned most of my information from this board. My surgeon is awesome, but the education portion of the program was sorely lacking. I just had my pre-op clearance and I had a ton of questions to verify with him (from the boards, just to make sure) and he kept going - yes that's true . . . . and I was thnking- How hard would it be to assemble some of this on a FAQ sheet for patients!!!!! So thanks again, and of course, we will be there for you in January! Denise

Hey Denise, Yes , I so agree with you . An FAQ sheet. what a wonderful idea. yes,we are so lucky to have this web site, for so many reasons. Isn't it exciting to read everyone getting closer and closer,saying goodbye for now, this will be my last post until I am on the loosing side, and then a few days later reading their posts after their home? I am just amazed. God bless you Denise. I see your day is coming up in a few. I am holding you in my prayers. You too will be on the losing side soon. God speed. Cissy

All I can say is thank God for liquid Loritab. With each day it gets easier though. I also had a private room, so no stories from me either. Good luck to you in January.

Thanks for the words of wisdom, Cissy! What a great resource you are! Donna B

Hi Everyone! I've been off the board for a few days and just wanted to add my kudos and high fives to all of you. I've been thinkin' aboutcha and hoping that everything went well with the surgeries and your recoveries. I'm so excited for each of you!! And looking forward to joining you on the losing side... Take care, be gentle with yourselves and ENJOY your new life! Much love and hugs to all, Stephanie

Thank you...you have said all that I needed to hear. The moving around is hard when all you want to do is sleep but I am really trying....I might take a walk today.... Thank you for all your prayers they mean the world to me. God Bless