ideas needed to build strength and stamina

I am so bummed! I am beginning to get cabin fever. I have not needed pain meds for 2 weeks. Still not too comfortable with an elastic waist or a bra. Got my PICC line out yesterday and have driven 3 times now. So I thought I was really doing good. I scheduled a dentist appointment this morning to get a TMJ mouthpiece impression made. Since my PICC line is out I could shower without having to wrap my arm in plastic and tape. I almost passed out in the shower! The water was not too hot and I didn't think I had been in there that long, but I about went down. I had been awake about an hour before I got into the shower and had already sipped down 8 ounces of milk prior to my shower. I have been pacing in the house trying to get some exercise and build up myself a little. Too much snow on the ground outside here to venture out. Should I head to Wal-Mart and walk a few aisles each day? Thank goodness I am taking 8 weeks off, rather than 6 weeks. I definitely would not be ready to return to work next Thurs. I am getting really close to 70 g. of protein per day. Should I increase that? Thanks for your ideas. Karen

Hey, good to hear from you. I think walking some each day would build up stamina. You could do a little more each day. Don't pass out on us though! Linda Vicory

Thanks Linda, maybe I will head to Wal-Mart each day this week and walk a little. I can hold on to a basket for stability. Maybe that will help. I really want to come on Saturday. Did your husband hear anything about the job interview that he had? Maybe you already posted about it but if you did I missed it. If he hasn't heard anything yet, let's hope he does soon. Waiting is so hard. Karen

Increase your water,,not enough will cause ya to feel faint. As for the walkiing, every little bit helps they say. Take care!!! Blessings Betsy

Thanks Betsy for the idea. I have a really hard time getting enough fluids in. I get usually 48 in but seldom anything more. I have to push every ounce down it seems. It goes down ok and I do not throw up at all, but I just haven't found anything yet that really rings my bell. I have a hard time drinking the plain water, so I got some that had slight fruit flavoring without any carbination. I can drink that if it is really cold. I have tried several flavors of the crysal lite powders that you add to water. Haven't found anything that was particularly yucky but haven't found a favorite yet either. I used to love a cup of hot herbal tea with Equal in it. Can't get it down now. Used to be a huge coffee drinker, and I even got changed over to decaf before surgery, but can't get that down now either. I can't believe how much my tastes have changed. I will really try to get more fluids in to see if that will help. Karen

Anytime I need to calm down my pouch I go for the fruity herbal tea.. I use Splenda though cant stand the taste of anything else.. sorry you cant handle it anymore.. YES tastes do change.. funny .. they worked on my tummy not my mouth.. Linda

Linda, if I recall what I have read here, what tastes yucky today, may not taste that way a month or two down the road. Am I understanding that right? I thought I would try decaf coffee and tea sporadically down the road and see if my tastes change any. I still haven't figured out why things taste so different. I thought all taste buds were on your tongue. Oh well, at least my pouch is happy and for that I am thankful. Karen

Everyone has given you great ideas. I agree on increasing your walking. I do it by not fighting for the closest parking space. If time allows I shop for things in the order of my shopping list instead of the shortest route through the store. I put the laundry away a few things at a time instead of carrying an armload (more trips). Drinking your fluids will help build up your blood volume that was lost to the surgery and will keep you from feeling faint. Keep up the good work. Annette