I'm home and alive

Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers.  My Mom was supposed to call Tracy but I don't know if she did.  I hit a few minor bumps along the road, like surgery pushed back so I was there super early, but apparently all went well.  I did end up staying an extra night as I was having trouble with getting enough oxygen.  Came home yesterday with a mild fever that hung on all day.  Finally called the on call doctor and they told me to keep monitoring it and let them know if it got any higher.  Part of me is terrified to be home, what if I mess up?  I'm doing okay so far getting the liquids in but I think I'm missing some along the way, so I'll just keep trying.  I had a little buyer's remorse at first but I think I'm over it and headed in the right direction.  I'm thankful I have all of you to turn to with questions and frustrations. Thanks again. Robyn

Robyn, I felt the same way when I got home.  I was alone and had no one to care for me and was in pain and tired and emotional and regretting the surgery (I regretted doing it for the first few weeks, but once I was able to eat soft foods and got off the insulin shots, my whole attitude changed).  I made myself a notebook with times marked in it and I made sure that each 1/2 hour I got in the required amount of liquid per the nut.  I would mark off that I got it in and tried to get in a little extra as I felt up to it.  I found that keeping track really helped me feel like I was doing the right thing and I wasn't going to end up in the hospital dehydrated. As I was able to consume more liquids, I took a sharpie and marked 1/2 cup servings on a water bottle (filled it and marked each 1/2 cup point) and then made sure I drank from one line to the next every 1/2 hour.  Now, I have 3 bottles at work numbered 1, 2, and 3.  My goal is to drink all three bottles of water before lunch.  Then to drink all three bottles (refilled and put in fridge as they get emptied so that I always have a supply of cold water) before I leave work at 4:30.  Then at home I try to get in 2 more bottles of water.  Each bottle is 16.9 oz. I know this sounds like a lot of work, but I am someone who needs lists and I can't just guess at how much I've drank or even remember half the time....so this works for me.  It was work at first, but now is just habit. Good luck to you!!!  The best advice anyone ever gives on this board is to sip, sip, sip and walk, then sip, sip, sip and walk some more and keep repeating. Stay on the board.  Expect some emotions to be stirred up.  We are here to get you through this! Debi

Hey Hon! It's scary at first and I felt the same way.  Hang in there, get your fluids in, rest, walk when you can and just take one hour, one day at a time!!  It DOES get easier and better!! HUGS!!!

It's still so new yet but I promise it will get better.  Hang in there and CONGRATS on being on the losing side! :) (((Hugs))) Michelle

I am so glad to hear you are home. It is a little scary at first but the best thing you will ever do for yourself. Hang in there and hang out here, this is a great place to calm your fears.

I know how you feel -- I got surgery one day before you! I was in so much pain and had some regrets the first few days, but I hear that's 100 percent normal!! Rest up and have people take care of you!! I got the band (less invasive) and I was on the couch (and doing some walking of course) for almost 5 days. Do what you need to do for YOU.

I'm glad you are home and it is normal to feel nervous. Get plenty of rest and keep an eye on that fever.

Congratulations!! Give yourself time and everything will fall into place.

There you are !!!!  I've asked twice about you and no one had heard anything.  I'm sooooo relieved you are home and doing well now.  Hope to see you soon == Sip, sip, sip, walk, walk, walk.  Then rest.....Lucky you with the nice weather this week to go walking too.....

XXOO 

I'm glad you made it home.  Just make sure you get your rest-listen to your body!

Welcome to the loser's bench!!!