home, question.

Hello. I had surgery on 11-27 and home yesterday 11-29. No complications. Just didn't expect this much pain still. The meds seem to wear off so soon. Is this normal? I am tolerating most of a liquid diet, no appetite really. thanks. Kolleen

Sounds perfectly normal to me! I took the pain meds for about 3-4 days (somewhere in there)... I guess how quickly they wear off depends on what kind you are taking? Other than going over the prescribed amount, don't be afraid to keep taking it, even when you think you're feeling better (my Dr advice was to stay "ahead" of the pain!) Just take the liquids slowly, I think it's most important to get your water (and vitamins) in, so concentrate on those (and then, of course your protein). I'm 2 and 1/2 weeks out, eating around 500 calories a day (unHEARD of pre-surgery) and haven't been physically hungry one single time (yet). Now... head hunger is something else all together, but that's a whole other topic! Hang in there, the big "bruised" feeling in your belly will get a little better every day. From personal experience I can confirm that it's far better when you walk! Marilyn

Hi, I had my surgery on 11/22 and I still hurt. I stopped the pain pills since they say not to get addicted to them. I went yesterday for the 1 week and pulling the grenade out was much worse. I thought it was the worst feeling but only lasts a few secs. Good luck...K

Kolleen, Welcome back! For me (I was taking Percoset) the pain meds would work effectively for about 2 hours then just dull the pain for the next two hours. Unfortunately I don't think anything completely takes away the pain it just makes it manageable. I was taking a pill every four hours for the first two days after getting home from the hospital. By day three I could sleep through the night without needing anything and in fact when I went in that day to get my staples removed my surgeon said to get off them as soon as possible. Not because of addiction because it's unlikely you would get addicted to them unless you took them for months at a time, but because they cause constipation and that is something you do NOT want to deal with when your poor intestines and stomach are already under so much stress. But honestly after that day I took liquid Tylonol for a day and have only needed the strong stuff the night I came home after my first day at work. Anyway, do stay on top of the pain meds for the first several days but I think you'll find it gets better much faster than you might have thought. But if you are in a lot of pain call your Dr and let him know, it might be something more serious and you'll want to get that checked out immediately. Corinna Q

Thanks for the responses. I will continue to take the prescription meds and I have started some ibuprofen. When would you say you felt GOOD. I am already worried that going back to work in 2 weeks is too soon, but maybe it is too early to tell. Also, another question kinda yucky, does the smelly gas stop? Or is this the result of a shortened bowel? Thanks Kolleen Lap RNY 11-27-06 359 (day of surgery)/160 (goal)

I had my surgery on 11/2 and started a new job on 11/13 which meant standing on my feet all day. At 2 weeks I was no longer taking Tylenol or any other meds and was feeling pretty much normal, of course when I started feeling normal I forgot to eat as slowly and chew as well and that made me ill. As for going to work....I was nervous that I was going too soon but it all worked out just fine. Good Luck!

Hi Kolleen, Congratulations on your surgery. I was on 11-21-06. However, you may want to double check with you doc on the Ibuprofen. I was told only tylenol for pain, since ibuprofen is a blood thinner. I had to stop taking in 3 weeks prior to my surgery, and now am miserable since I can't have it. But I know that Ibuprofen may cause may create ulcers in the small pouch or the attached bowel, and I really don't want to have those types of complications with my new surgery. I had been taking darvocet for pain, as I am allergic to the codeine/percocet and hydrocodone/loritab which many of my fellow patients were given; so doc just recently changed it to liquid morphine. It is a very small dose - very concentrated - easier to take than the honkin-big pills of the darvocet - and it seems to work really well - especially at night for sleeping. Good wishes toward many successes in our future. Tracey B in LV NV

I am almost 4 weeks out. I took the pain meds for about 1 1/2 weeks. I was in a lot of pain everytime I moved just a little bit or went from sitting to standing. I had a lot of trouble getting in and out of bed the first few nights then I figured out a trick for myself. I felt good at 2 1/2 weeks but I was out and about after 5 days (3 days home). I took it easy and walked really slow, but was able to walk for about 1 1/2 hours at a time. I am job searching and have had 3 interviews and one more this week. Other than eating differently and the drastic weight loss, I can't tell that I have had surgery (not in pain or anything). Take it easy and let you body heal. It takes a different amount of time for each person. I am only 27 so that has something to do with it too. 343.6/327.6/140