Update on me

Hello everyone!  My surgery was on Thursday the 26th and everything went really well. Dr. Chapman commented that I had very little bleeding during surgery and that everything went exactly as it should. My experience in the hospital as a patient was a great one as well.  My discomfort is limited to minor to moderate soreness accross my abdomen and around the upper curve of ribcage. About 12 hours post op I started having some discomfort in my chest and was concerned until I realized it was a bruised feeling rather than anything systemic or heart related. When I saw Dr. Chapman he felt around and I realized that the whole upper curve under my breast bone is very sore and he said that came from the retractor they used to raise my ribcage up to allow more room for them to manuver. I thought "Wow that's an unpleasant thought, but makes complete sense!".  Something else I was surprised to find was that Lortab Elixer works better for my soreness and pain control than the Morphine I was getting through a PCA pump. Morphine helped me care about the discomfort less, but it didn't really get rid of the pain and the sedation effect wasn't so great either. However as soon as I passed my leak test and was able to start having things by mouth I switched to Lortab every 4 hours and that works so much better for the pain control and it allows me to function more coherantly. The last time I needed pain control was for a tonsilectomy in 2004 and I was on liquid Roxicet wich is the same as Percocet. That helped me control my pain very well so when Dr. C told me he would put me on Lortab I was very skepticle.  I'm soooo glad I didn't get him to change to the Roxicet now! I just feel too good and can function so much better with this Lortab than I ever would have imagined. I'm currently taking in 2 oz of water every hour, 2 oz of Optisource 4 times a day and the lortab wich is 15 ml (half an oz) every 4 hours and I have not felt hungry at all. No weight loss on the board just yet, but I am still swollen from fluid intake at the hospital so I don't expect to show any difference on the scales for a good week.  Ya know what though? That doesn't bother me at all. Last Thursday was the first day of the rest of my life and no matter when the numbers start to drop, my journey has begun.  Thanks for all the well wishes, thoughts and prayers everyone. I've crossed over into my new life and I like the way it looks on this side a lot.

Congratulations Holley. You sound like you are doing well. Your attitude seems great as well. You are well on your way to a new and healthy lifestyle.  Lisa

Way to go Holley!!! Thanks for giving us a update on your progress! Best wishes to you sweetie!!

Darcie

 

 

My surgery date was last thursday also, so you're my surgery sister!!  I had Lap though.  From your post it seems like you're managing well, keep up the good work, and hope to meet you soon! sip sip sip..... Nancy

Thanks for the update Holley, Sounds like you are doing great. Wishing you an easy recovery.                                     Annie

The liquid Lortab was also a lifesaver for me when I got home. Where are you in NC?

Jennifer

Holley, Sounds like you are well on the road to a new life. Congratulations. I am so glad that is has gone smoothly for you. I wish you continued success! Linda

Ya, Hollz!!! You sound like you're doing and feeling great. I am so happy that things went well for you.  Take care of you, my friend, Mare   

Glad to hear you are doing well.  I used my Lortab for a few days too.  It helped.  :)  Stay upbeat and keep it up.. that fluid weight will just fall off and you will be a big ole loser like us before too long!

Congratulations Holley! Sounds like you've got things under control. Know that you have many cheerleaders here to help you along! Continued Success!