Home since Friday!!

Guys, I'm miserable!!! I've had such a rough time of it. I'm hoping it's all going to be worth it. I had some complications after surgery. I ended up staying in PACU for 4 hours post-op b/c my blood pressure bottomed out...etc. So guess what? No pain meds for awhile. Now I'm home and feeling so down. I felt better initally being home, but now, I'm feeling terrible. The gas pains are killing me on top of extreme soreness. Where in the world is the gas coming from? Should I be worried? Will things turn around soon?

Renee....hang in there. It will get better. The gas is really bad the first couple of weeks....it will be worth it. And don't forget that your body has been through a serious trauma and is trying to heal. It will take about 6 weeks to heal...even if you feel good and ready to go out and run...don't. Take it easy and do everything your sugeon says. Sorry you are feeling low...but keep yer chin up....sit quietly, sip something warm and watch tv..... Hugs Charlie

Renee, I'm so sorry you are having so much pain. Those gas pains are the worst thing about the surgery, in my opinion. Walking will help those gas pains dissipate faster. I get up and do laps around my house several times a day. It seems to help. I hope you can get some relief soon. They can't find anything to give you for pain? I got home Friday too and I've done pretty well. Still have a lot of gas pains and major drainage from my JP drain site which is keeping me busy changing gauze pads, but overall I feel like I'm doing well. I think I overdid it today because my abdominal area and rib cage seem more sore than they have been. Betty

My rib cage and abdominal area too are very sore and are worse if I sit or lie down too long. Are you doing good with your fluid intake? I haven't today or yesterday. They pulled my JP the Friday I left the hospital. It's messy for sure...Let me know how your doing renee

Hi Renee, do you have a recliner? My recliner is my saving grace. In the recliner I can get in a postiion that is halfway between lying and sitting up straight which is much more comfortable to me than sitting straight up for any length of time. I haven't even tried lying in bed yet. As far as my fluid intake. I'm trying my darndest. Most days I fail. I'm having a harder time getting liquids down than I am my pureed food for some reason. I am eating a lot of light yogurt though which is what my nutritionist told me to do to supplement the fluid intake. All we can do is try our very best. I don't think anybody comes out of the gait running and able to get in all protein and fluids...we know our goals and just have to work toward them and get up to speed as soon as possible. It is very important. DH drove me to Walmart today and that was a nice little outting. I walked around and gathered the few things I needed and then went back home. I made it just fine! Hope you've had a better day today.

it generally taked a month - 6 weeks... to feel better... also keep walking... it will help pass the gas.. take it easy.. it will be ok

You are just too cute. Love the new picture....and keep us posted on the plastics..... Hugs Gramma Charlie (YIKES)

Renee...after reading through this again....I saw something Betty said...about walking... Oh Yea... Walk and walk and walk and walk...not only help with the gas, but it keeps blood clots from forming.... I had to walk 10 minutes every 2 hours for the first 48 hours....then I had to walk 10 minutes every 4 hours for a solid MONTH. And that was 24/7. My surgeon is a real stickler for it. I set the clock and I remember walking up and down the driveway in the wee hours talking to Ron. He always got up with me...and I treasure the memory. We talked about a lot of things during those little snippets of time... He died 7 weeks after my surgery......... I digress..... WALK WALK WALK... Hugs Charlie

It does get better and believe me that 6 week mark is just magical. I know you are uncomfortable and the gas pains are horrific but normal after this surgery. They have to put gas in your tummy to "blow" it for the laproscopic surgery. I have to agree that walking is the number #1 way to make it better. When you feel down and out and wonder WHY you did this (and you will think that) just remember that 6 weeks is nothing to go through compared to what you will experience in the weeks to come even beyond that. It is SO worth it! I promise! Hang in there! Kellie

Hi Renee, I am glad you made it home but I am sorry you're so miserable. I can't help you with the gas pains except to just keep walking. I had my surgery 4 weeks ago Wednesday and am feeling stronger every day. Dr. Murr's and Dr. Gallaghers staff kept telling me in the hospital it will get better every day and it really does. Just try to keep that in mind that tomorrow will be better than today. Don't forget to keep sipping the water!!! Patty