Im home!

They released me yesterday morning from St. V's. My surgery was Thursday (5/25) at noon. I was really shocked how cold it was in the OR!! My last thought was "I hope...." and that was it. Next thing, I'm waking up in my room with Ralph, and parents there looking at me. I don't really remember much about Thursday, but that's okay. One thing I do remember is that my pulse was very high so I was not allowed to walk every 2 hours until it was down... which didn't happen until the next day. Dr Caccuci did my surgery, but had to leave so Dr Jones took care of me after she left. Dr Jones decided I had become dehydrated and that was why my pulse was high. So they added more and more IV's... and later my pulse became normal for me. So far everything has been fine... pain here and there. I can't believe how much gas I have! The first time I heard that much inside me... scared me to death! It sounded like someone yelling into a cave! I had to tell Ralph to come and listen to this... and of course it stopped! The one major thing that is bothering me presently is the intense pain I get in my lower stomach. It will either be on my left or right side... but never at the same time. Did anyone have this inconvience? If it does continue into tomorrow, Im going to call Dr Caccuci/Dr Jones. I'm trying to get use to what I need to do and how much as far as foods, proteins, and liquid intake. I feel like Im doing too much. Im making sure I log everything... from liquids, temp, IS, when I eat, and how much walking I am able to do. I know it will get easier as time goes on. Any suggestions/thoughts/concerns would be great! Thanks!! Julia

Wow, Julia what great news! I am glad to hear that things are going pretty well. Hang in there and heal fast and well! I can't wait until it's my turn! Blessings, Christine

Sounds pretty normal to me... dont get upset trying to get everything in.. just remember to constantly be sipping on something.. preferabley milk or y our protien drink..You have to keep from dehydration and you need your protien for energy.. You will find your self tired for a little while.. that is ok.. and once the drain tube comes out you will feel sooo much better... walking with help get rid of the gas and prevent blood clots, and remember for now... IT IS OK TO FART AND BELCH!!! Linda

Julia, Welcome home. I hope the pain is a little better today. The lower pain is probably from gas. As Linda said, walking will help with that. If you aren't able to release enough to get relief, ask Dr. Caccucci if you can take some Gas X. Post-op (for almost all of my different surgeries..even the one I had on my arm), I have to take it. It's like my tooter decides to take a vacation and I need the Gas X to fill in and do it's job for it while it's goen. You will also feel instant relief as soon as that drain tube is out. Yep, getting in the liquids can be a bear at first. Just do your best and don't worry about it. It will get bette quickly. Think of your new pouch as a funnel. If you pour liquid in too quick, it'll gurgle and come back up at you. You learn to pour at a steady pace so the liquid is able to go down without gurgling. That's what you are doing with the sipping. You are learning how to pour. Once you get that down pat, you'll be able to do more than an ounce every 15-20 minutes. Just have patience with yourself & you'll do great! Sherri ps....Belching & farting wasn't just 'allowed' post-op for me...it was 'allowed from now on'! Hurts WAY too much to try to hold it in!