3 Days Post Op and Doing Fine

Well, the surgery day came and went, and I'm home recuperating, a little sore and weak, but feeling better than I expected. The surgery went fine, great support from the hospital and nurses. The doctor stopped in the next day (less than 30 hours in the hospital) and said "get him out of here!" Family and friends were "hovering" a bit too much when I returned home and I had to let them know I'll be just fine without all the monitoring, "dropping in", and phone calls. Actually, I am thankful for their concern and support! So you're probably asking what bothered me the most? Basically it was, and continues to be, the gas. I know about the walking and movement, but I'm still having considerable annoyance (not pain) from the gas. Also, the incisions are quite stiff and there is some minor pain when I move the wrong way or try to get up too fast. I'm able to keep down my fluids on the clear diet. Doctor told me to switch to full liquids on Sunday, the fifth day after the surgery. I guess that means cream soups, pudding, and the like. I see him on Tuesday, one week after the surgery, and hope I'll be able to start pureed foods. I can't say I'm hungry, between the decaf. tea, protein shake, and chicken and beef bouillion, I seem to be doing fine. I do have a problem taking my two meds in the morning, since I have to crush them and the taste is just horrific. They aren't available in liquid form. I need to talk to the doc and see what I can do about it. One is diovan and the other is lipitor. And I can't forget the water....lots of water in between everything. I only took the tylenol elixir with codein once...the first night...to help me sleep. I'm only now able to sleep on my side, which is my preference. Also, I'm back to using the c-pap unit for my sleep apnea, and I hope that can be stopped soon. I've been walking 30 min. every morning and afternoon and that seems to help. I have a lot of congestion and have been coughing up chunks of mucous. Still trying to clear my lungs I suppose. I may have a bit of a head cold or allergies since there seems to be significant nasal congestion. Well that's it for now. I never thought I'd look forward to getting on pureed foods, but now it's something I look forward to, the day after Xmas too! Thanks to all of you who dropped me notes. You'll never know how much that helps. Hope you all have a great holiday! Joe

Welcome home! I'm glad you are doing well. I know about the gas - it wasn't even gas pains as much as being so very bloated, it hurt my incisions because they were stretched out - especially the port incision. That went away after the first 4 or 5 days and I felt much better. I kept at the GasX and sipping fluids. You are back on your side even faster than I was. That is great! Enjoy the full liquids, mushies are even better. I was able to start on regular foods after my post-op on Tues, but have taken it slow. I don't want to PB. I was able to eat chicken and dumplings today - obviously I'll need additional restriction. I could only eat a 1/2 bowl, where normally I could finish off at least 2 full bowls. I'm scheduled for a fill on 1/14. We'll see how it goes. You'll have more energy once you can eat more foods, even full liquids helped me and I was sure to add protein powder to everything. That really helps too. Best of luck to you and have a wonderful Holiday! Pam

WTG!! Welcome home.. You were in and out like I was. I went on the the 22nd and left at 9:30 in the morning on the 24th. I have to gas too it bites doesn't it!! Anywho if you need someone to complain to I am all eyes.. Just e mail me anytime. I haven't wanted to talk on the phone much and hope I am not hurting anyones feelings but I missed my husband and my home and want to enjoy it for a little while.. Talk to you later... Michelle