Second day home

HI everyone. I am still here; moving slow, but moving. Getting up and down is very rough and my lower back hurts more than anything else, but I am ok. I can lay on my right side with a pillow under it but laying on my back just doesn't work. Stretches me way too much! The drain is working but not very much; however, the bandages around it we are changing about every 4-5 hours. At least the gunk is not staying inside me. I have lost 8# by my scales so I think that is fine. I have walked outside after each meal until tonight when it started raining. Bummer. But it is to be nice the rest of the weekend, I think. I get the drain out on Monday. For some reason, they told me not to continue my potassium which I was on pre-op. I am concerned about that as it was 3.5 on Wednesday after surgery and that was with potassium in the IV. I have a hard time keeping it within normal limits anyway and not taking any since Wednesdy, in any form, makes me wonder. I assume Dr. G will check labs on Monday. Again, thanks for your support! I feel like you are all right there with me! Hugs, Jennie

Jennie, Congrats and welcome to the other side. Glad you're doing well. Just make it through these first few days and be sure to ask the doc about your potassium! You're gonna be amazed with the rapid changes your body is about ready to make. Mel

Jennie, Glad you are home, take it slow and easy. I felt much better around day 4-5, and after the 3 1/2 weeks it was like I flipped a switch and everything seemed better, wishing you success, good luck on your new journey, it is a wonderful ride, take notes and journal, that really helped me too, plus I want to do a scrapbook, so that was incentive for me to journal as well. Hugz Dawn

You will fee alot better once that danged drain comes out!! that was the on/off switch for me.. my road to recovery started with the removal of the drain.. The Dr knows.. they have been thru enough of these to know... They will put you on the vitamins you need to be on just remind her/ ask her about the potassium. Best wishes, Linda

I wasn't on potassium until I was in the hospital. First IV then liquid (gross!) First couple of days I was basically pill free then they dumped it all on me. Besides vitamins, I take two potassium pills a day - morning and night - big ole horse pills. I am still low/normal. My PCP is thinking of upping it to three. I don't know what I did before surgery that changed so much after. Hmmmm. Eating maybe? Hmmmmmm. Rob

I know I am pre-surgery and I am anemic and have a low potassium. My Dr says its from eating crap and not eating healthy foods. He put me on supplements several months ago. I just hate taking the iron. Maybe yours was low before and u just didnt know it. Hopefully as you get healthier it will work its way into the normal range and u wont need the extra. Mariah

Hey Jennie, Glad to hear that you are home and doing well. I have been waiting to hear the good news! Blessings, Christine