questions/concerns

Hey all, looking for some guidance. I am having pretty bad pain on that left incision, taking my lortab, but also started using a heating pad. Think that's ok? I hope, cause it seems to help.

Also, I am so NOT hungry that eating/drinking make me want to . I'm trying my best, but know that I am no where near getting enough fluid in. How do I know if I'm dehydrated?

Thanks,
Melissa

The heating pad should be okay.  Just don't over do it, if your skin gets red give it a break.

Just keep your drink in your hand all the time.  You will get your fluids in before you know it.  The fluids are more important than the food right now.

Dehydration will usually reveal itself through decreased and/or darkened urine.  It may also cause severe fatigue and confused thinking.  Not something to take lightly.  Keep drinking.

Melissa, sorry you are having a bump in the road.  I go thru the dehydration all the time even now.  The nausea is a part of the dehydration for me.  Try going to popsicles and see if that will help you to be able to want to drink.  For me the cold stuff makes me more thirsty and able to drink.  For some hot things work better because the warmth relaxes their pouch.  Try adjusting it that way and see if you can get past the nausea.  Sorry if i spelled it wrong.     Anyway, popsicles are my friend when I cant get down anything else.  They do go towards your fluid count too so its not a wasted effort.

Hang in there, the first couple weeks are the hardest.

Call me if you need someone to talk to or ask questions.  I will be here for you.

Take care,
Tracy

Thanks guys. I'm currently having my first tearful episode. I'm afraid I'm going to get dehydrated despite trying my hardest. I will try the popsicles and see if I can get more fluid in. So far today I've only had 18 oz, 22 if you count my 2 jello meals. I'm hurting pretty bad but the Lortab is so gross. I make myself take it, but then my pouch hurts.

Also, is the gurgling in my stomach normal? I don't feel hungry, just the opposite. But it's constantly gurgling. I don't want to end up back in the hospital, I'm trying really hard.

Melissa

My stomach still gurgles, Melissa, that's okay. It sounds to me like you're getting enough fluid in to avoid being dehydrated. It's almost impossible at first to get all they want you to drink in. Just as everyone else here has said, just sip, sip, sip!

It gets better, I promise! Hang in there.

Jenny

Melissa I hated the Loritab too so my surgeon let me take tylenol instead.  Just regular tylenol capsuals and they worked good enough to lessen my pain to tolerable.  You may want to call your surgeon and ask if that is an option for you. 

Just keep sipping the water, have it in your hand at all times.  I really enjoy a warm cup of Carnation Instant Breakfast before bed its very relaxing and the protien is a plus.  Start with baby steps and you will be walking before you know it.  Maybe you can try to get in 5oz of liquid an hour, if you can do that you should be getting in your liquids for the day in no time.  When I was early out I set my alarm clock and got up a little earlier than normal so I had an extra hour in each day to work on my liquids.  I know its a bit overwhelming right now, but hang in there it will get better each day. 

Jeannie

Hey Melissa - sorry you're having a tearful episode.  Lord knows, I've had several of those lately. 

My last one was triggered by a stupid TV commercial of all things.  It happens.  Consider yourself hugged.  Welcome to the club.

I couldn't stand the lortab... it was nasty!!  I wanted to mention that my MIL says she mixes her lortab with cranberry juice and she can't taste it at all.  She has also mixed it with grape juice and says it helps, but not as well as the cranberry juice.  Might be worth a shot as long as you are allowed to have those juices.

I was dehydrated about a week out from surgery.  I was so weak and exhausted that all I wanted to do was sleep.  I was dizzy and lightheaded.  I went to St. V's and spent a few hours in the ER getting fluids and then things were SOO much better after that.  My suggestion is that if you think you might be dehydrated, don't let it go for too long.  It's harder to get rehydrated and stay rehydrated the longer you wait.

I hope things get better for you real soon....hang in there.

Melissa

Hey Melissa - that left incision is a bear, isn't it?   It still gives me fits sometimes.  The lortab is probably making you nauseated.  It sure did me.  For the first several days home I was so extremely nauseated.  When you are able to get off the lortab, that'll help.

Annette mentioned one way to know if you are dehydrated - the color of your urine.  Another way is to pinch the skin on the back of your hand.  If it doesn't snap back right away, you are getting dehydrated.

I have a 32 oz. water bottle at my side at all times.  Sip, sip, sip.  You may find warm liquids more to your liking.  For me, I need cold stuff like Tracy.  I fill that bottle halfway with ice and the rest of the way with cold water and work on it all day.  I know I need to empty it twice per day to be sure I'm getting my liquids in. 

Now if I could do the same on protein, we'd be rockin'......  

Hey Melissa,

Don't feel bad....I'm in the boat with you.  I'm not depressed, or tearful,  but getting fluid in is next to impossible.....I'm feeling  too.   Sometimes I feel as if I have a golf ball stuck in my chest.....Michelle