Update on me.

Hi, everyone! I just thought I would give you a quick update on how I'm doing after surgery. Well, I had my surgery on Tuesday and all was well. Wednesday, I did my barium swallow test(yuck!) and all was well. I kept feeling like I was going to pass out, so I guess that's why they didn't get me up walking on Tuesday. My blood pressure stayed pretty good, but my heart rate was high at about 148/minute. It's still around 118 now, but at least I don't feel so much like my heart is running a Nascar race. Anyway, Wednesday, everything seemed okay, besides the heart rate and they got me up walking like once. Thursday, they took blood and said that my levels were low, so they had to give me two units of blood. Later on, before they started giving me the blood, I started throwing up old blood. Nothing worse than throwing up and seeing blood clots in your vomit. Well, they gave me some phenergan and I pretty much stayed out of it on Thursday. Friday, I felt 100% better. They got me up walking some. And after my IV infiltrated and made my hand swell to 5 times it's normal size, they took it out. They also took the catheriter out. Saturday, Dr. Cummins was on call so she came around to give me my discharge papers and said that I was already looking dehydrated. She said she didn't have to let me go, but she did anyway. Thank gosh! My neck was hurting so bad and I so desperately wanting to get home by my birthday, which by the way is today. Anyway, I'm still not able to get down more than about 16 ozs. of fluid. I know, I really have to work on that quick. But how in the world, is it possible? Any hints are greatly appreciated. I really don't want to end up back in the hospital. Well, I'm feeling kind of woozy, so I'm closing for now. Thanks to all of you that had me in your prayers. Jackie

Jackie, Happy Birthday! Keep walking and drinking. You are doing great! Sonya Sumrall

Hey, glad to hear from you! Happy birthday - must be a good day for them, it's my hubby's too....DeAnna.

Try some warm tea. It helps a lot and then just having water available to sip all the time. Even when you are not thirsty, just take little drinks. You can try sugar free popcycles too, they help with getting fluids down. I also had decaf coffee, I know that they don't like it but it helped me to try to get back into my routine. I also found that beef or chicken broth cubes (little on the weak side) were good to drink too, especially when I felt so hungry! You will feel hot and cold, and your heart will race at times as your system undergoes this big shock. Keep a cup by your bedside, I used to wake up just parched after sleeping for a little while. Even warm sugar free jello can sometimes be comforting and coats the intestines too. What works for one person does not work for another, it is just trial and error mostly. Later, you will go onto protein shakes. I like Isopure, no carb and unjury. Could not drink any juice until months later and a tiny bit of sugar gave me the worst stomach ache!!!!! I had a lot of dried blood clots up my nose from the catheters and tubes down my throat. It was gross, but as long as the blood is not bright red, you don't have to worry. Just take it easy, go to bed and sleep when you are tired or your tummy isnt cooperating, rest is so important. Your body has undergone a big shock and it is gonna be mad at you for a while! You will feel angry and impatient, think wild stuff, and feel crazy! It is all part of the detox you are going thru, giving up sugars and the fat is beginning to move! Trust me your body will fight you back if it can then, little by little it will smooth out and you will be feeling better. Ask questions of us all, no one here is embarassed and we will answer you frankly. This is the tough part, later on you will so glad you did this surgery as you lose the weight but it is a long process!!!!!! We are here for you!