Back Home!

My first morning back- This is what is happening. 1.  I hurt-especially my left side 2. I almost did they had to bring in the crisis team because I lost a lot of blood- but thanks to such a great hospital I received 4 units of blood and recovered. well on the way 3. I am thirsty all f the time 4.  I am really tired 5. I have to sleep sitting upon the couch. 6. When a friend came by she said in a joking matter that this was "elective surgery" and she will not get my full sympathy 7.  My ankle won't stop swelling!! I seamed to have forgotton all I have learned!   So...I am feeling quite discouraged and stuck!  I need an angel adivice.  This is going t be the hardest part!!  

Hey Grace....

Oh girl I am so sorry for you dear. I know just how you feel. Ok, I am not sure about the pain on your left side I did not have that, mine was in the front...and I was done lap.....maybe it is because you lost blood??? I dont know....it is the norm to be thirsty all the time while the anthestesia is wearing off, use the lemon swabs if they gave them to you they will help alot. It is okay to be tired and disoriented too......you may even say some crazy things to people. Yes sleeping sitting up will help you too and like MS Jeannie and MS Pat told me, use a pillow to cover your belly so when and if you cough it will coushin the blow to you. It works believe me. I really dont know what to say about the friend thing but you will see as you begin to come out of your cocoon, you will loose many friends, I did hun and although it hurt me alot, it was for the best, because this is YOUR time now........you have a whole new life.......yes, the ankle thing happened to me and I do believe it is due to all the fluids the docs gave you. Dont worry in a week or so you will be feeling good again....stay away from negative folks cos it is not good for you........hope this helps you dear......Renee

Welcome home!  Thank God you are okay!  I haven't been thru the surgery yet, but I just wanted  to say that you have friends at OH that will support you no matter what.  "Elective surgery, eh"? For us, it may look like elective surgery, but we know in our hearts this surgery is gonna help us save our lives, so don't listen to haterz. Take it easy!  Rest up, and try not to stress on other people.  Concentrate on you and healing you all up.  I'll be praying for a swift recovery!!!! Hugs, Anne

Whoa, whoa, whoa!!! SLOW DOWN! You've barely gotten home good.   For the thirst, try popsicles for an additional source of fluids.   I slept on the couch or in my recliner for almost a week! Your friend  needs to get over herself. Ankle swelling is probably due to all the IV fluids (I am NOT a dr...just supposin') REST!!!!  You're gonna be fine and in a week or so you'll be an angel for someone else Susan

Hey Girl, Wow, you had it pretty rough!  I too experience my left side hurting so much and it was black and blue from brusing.  I asked Dr. Macik he said it was the main incision that was used during the surgery.  Also you could be dealing with alot of gas, their best advice for me was to walk for 15 mins. every 2 hours.  Give it atleast a week you'll start feeling much better, especially two weeks.

The firrst two weeks are kinda rough.  I hurt in my left side up to 4 weeks, especially when I over did things....It took 2 weeks before I was back to normal with the thirst.  I still get thirsty when I eat, about to the point where I want to quit eating and drink so I have to be careful about that!  My energy level was so low, and it took 4 weeks for me to go back to work.  Now that I am starting my sixth week, that is much better.  So, hang in there.  This surgery is not an easy experience.  Give yourself 3-4 weeks and you will see a big difference.  I stayed in my recliner for 2 weeks very weak.  The fourth week is great.  Popsicles do help.  I like Edy's nO sUGar Added.  Sounds like your "friend" is jealous of your decision to have this surgery.  She will be nicer later on.  Keep posting, there's alot of support here.

You’ve got my full sympathy and ear to whine in. Yes, this is the toughest part, but that’s the Good News! It only gets better from here on out. Take it easy and try not to take anything anyone says or doesn’t say to heart right now. Your hormones are all over the place, you’re coming out of anesthesia, all kinds of things going on. Deep breaths.....

Becky

Hi Grace,  Isn't Dr. Daly the best.  I just love him and his office staff.  I had the severe pain on the left side along with bruising on the left side for a while.  I also slept in the recliner for almost 2 weeks due to the pain when lying down.  Take it easy and just sip throughout the day.  My dad gave me a shot glass that I used to measures out my 2 ounces of liquids and sip.  I'm glad you are home and doing well.   Julie