Terrified

I am not having a lot of  luck since I got out of the hospital.  I had surgery, came home last Saturday, then yesterday, my right foot feels as if I Sprain it.  I do not recall actually tripping over anything.  It is excruciatingly painful  and I cannot put any weight on it.  Hence immobility.

I had also gained over 20 lbs of fluid while in the hospital, so mobility started off a bit of an issue as I felt I was lugging around Dr. Huse on my back...that extra fluid was not cool.

I am terrified of a blood clot but have no idea what to do.  I am still on lovenox injections and I have my ted hose...any suggestions.

I am going to see my orthopedic surgeon tomorrow because I know he can x-ray on the spot and maybe have an answer.  Because I have been walking gingerly, my back is starting to hurt again.

I feel awful about this.  My incision is leaking too - called the doc, told me to take a hot shower and squeeze it - supposedly is full of serum????  Looks like blood to me where it came loose.

I am having that first week issue trying to get enough protein and fluids in and now walking.  It has got to get better.  The first week is a itch.  Everyone keeps telling me everyday gets better, well I am waiting.

Well at least I have not gotten sick and am able to tolerate my diet.  Knock on wood.  Any body else have this issue.

Lisa

Hi Lisa,
Sorry to hear you are having problems.  I gained 11lbs in fluid before I left the hospital and it is painful having extra fluid in your body.  Your skin feels really tight.  This will start to go away.  I hope that is all that it is in your foot.  Please keep us updated on what you find out.

Jacque

 

Boy i thought you were doing good. Will Pray for you as what you are describing is what i fear also on the oozing etc and the clots....hang in there!

Lisa, I'm sorry you are going through this. First of all, the leaking at the incision: are you running a fever at all? It could be that you just had a pocket of fluid under the skin that is working its way out, probably no big deal. But if you start running a temp or your incision becomes red or hot, call your surgeon back again! Fluid accumulation: every time I've been hospitalized I have gained weight due to the fluid, it stinks, but it will go away. Some people lose it over a few days,others over a few weeks. Just know that it will go away and your weight loss will get going. Foot pain: glad you are seeing your ortho tomorrow and I will hope and pray that it's nothing. A blood clot wouldn't usually manifest itself as foot pain, it's usually calf/leg pain. Maybe something hit your foot during surgery or something and that's what you're feeling. Keep us posted on the ortho appt.

As for not getting in your protein/fluid, just keep trying. It takes time to get the entire process down, heck, I'm still working on it after almost 4 months.

Hang in there, you'll get there. And you're right the first week is a itch!

Lisa...

Just take it as it comes.  One day at a time.  Sometimes... one hour at a time, if need be.  You have been through major surgery.  Your body has so much to adjust to.  Concentrate on your fluids.  And you can be creative with that... sf jello counts as liquid, so does sf popsicles.  The tropical flavor is my favorite thing in the world!!!  Do what you can and the rest will work out.  You are being proactive by seeing your ortho dr. So that is good. That first week or so was not fun. I am not going to lie. I was a miserable, crying mess half the time.  I think my husband wanted to take me back to the hospital.  Just keep faith.  Close your eyes and picture your favorite location... for me it is a beach... I picture the warm sand, I hear the waves...I feel the water at my feet....ahhhhhh.  Just pick your favorite place and go there in your mind sweetie.  You will get through this.  You are a strong woman!  And we are all here for you!!

((HUGSSSS))

Hang in there, it really will get better.  Everyone is different and react differently to the surgery.  Do not be afraid to contact your doctor.  It is better to get answers to your questions and concerns than worry yourself sick. 

Lisa,

I hated my first week too.  The first couple days were fine but then I felt like Floyd and my Mom nagged me all the time to drink, drink, drink and I didn't want to.  If the water was cold it hurt my pouch too much and if it was warm it tasted awful.  I questioned myself often about whether I had done the right thing.  That was 3 years ago next week and I have never been happier.  It was the best decision I have ever made.

Floyd "leaked" for about 6 weeks after his surgery.  Our surgeon said it's just something some people do and others don't.  It was just a little, not gushing.  Sometimes it was a little pink and other times it was clear.  He eventually healed and all has been well since.

If you can't get up and walk because of your foot do as many exercises as you can while seated.  You can do some arm lifts and maybe some forward and side ways bending at the waist.  Do leg lifts if it doesn't pull too hard.  If your foot can take it you might even be able to ride a stationary bike.  Just take it slow and easy and do only what you can.  The last thing you want or need is to pull something.

This sounds strange but the more you are able to drink, the more you will start losing the excess fluid.  I had emergency surgery a couple months ago in Jan.  When I came home 9 days later I was 20 pounds heavier than the day I went in.  They gave me 14 bags of fluid the first 10 hours I was there.  About 10 days after I came home I was 20 pounds lighter than the day I went in. 

Just hang in there and keep trying.  I know it's really difficult, but you have to really think hard and concentrate on being positive.  It won't be long when you start telling yourself and everyone else that will listen that it was all worth it.  Don't forget - we'll all be here to listen too.

Thanks so much  everyone....you are gems!

LISA - HELLO

HANG IN - FIRST WEEK WAS AWFUL FOR ME TOO ! 
You will get this solved with your feet issues.
I hoping & praying you will be much better soon.

Love, SUSAN