No energy, no desire to move off the couch

I am 1 week post op today. I have no desire to get off of the couch. Trouble getting in fluids and/or proteins. Today I got 42 g of protein and a little bit of fluid. I had to run some FMLA forms to my doc's office and was worn out when I got back home. I am supposed to go back to work next week, I don't know how I am going to do it. And my nerves seem to be on edge and I snap at everything everyone says to me. Is this normal??

((((Cutty)))),

I'm sorry that you are struggling. It will get better. Recovery really varies from person to person, but I will tell you that it's not unusual for people to take a while to 'bounce back.' Remember that you've just undergone major surgery and it is going to take a while to get back to where you were before surgery. The good news is that eventually you will not only get back to where you were re: energy, but you'll have more than you've had in years.

I too had my nerves on edge and really had issues with fatigue in the beginning, but it will get better, day-by-day. Keep working on the fluids and protien and be sure to get plenty of rest. I found that as soon as I started to 'feel better,' I'd start trying to resume my normal activities and would end up just wiped out ... soooo, go easy, it will come back, I promise.

Take care,

Barb

Thanks for the pep talk. Last night I was able to get about 10 oz of a G2 in me and started feeling better. It's weird how I some liquids go right down and others seem to sit like a lump. Ice chips have been a savior, but then my stomach/intestines growl like crazy! Hopefully things will start to go in the right direction, I've heard that one you are released to pureed foods it does get better!

Thanks to all,
Cutty

The first week after surgery was hard for me also, I sounded just like you do.  Reflecting back, I see that my problem was not getting protein and fluids in.  I did not want to get out of bed anymore.  Eventually my DH made me drink!  (grrrr) lol.  Once I did get to "eat" mushies, I felt 100% better.  It's a tough stage where you are right now, but it will be soooooooo worth it in the long run!  Be easy on yourself, you've just had surgery and don't expect to be wonderwoman.  Go slow and concentrate on you, your protein and fluids!  Are you drinking broth yet?  That helped trememdously for me.  Hang in there!

Nancy

i am drinking the unjury broth. That and the grape G2 is the only thing I can really get down without problem. Today I forced a jello in me as well- no fun! I feel weak at times and I know it's because of the lack of fluids/protein. Today is starting week 2, hopefully things start getting better!

At one week I was weak, tried just felt like crap. This surgery was not as easy for me as some folks seem to say it was for them. Maybe it's because im getting old. Three weeks out was a whole different story I felt great and was moving around much better. I'm still a little lazy with the exercise . But I have stepped it up and lost 6 pounds in the last 10 days . I still fined it hard to get all my proteins in some days. You will get better! I am down 55 pounds now !

Some days are better than others. Tomorrow makes 2 weeks for me and for whatever reason today Water is not my friend. Makes me feel semi-queasie. How weird is that? Getting my protein in was easier for me while I was on all liquids but it does get easier everyday.

A trip to the store wears me out. Just riding around with my Mom isn't bad but there's nothing like being at home. I sorta dread going back to work next week but I can't afford to retire at 41.

I know what you're saying about the nerves. I was taking Lexapro prior to surgery and for some reason I decided I wasn't going to need that anymore. Not my smartest decision ever BUT I started taking those again before anyone got seriously hurt. From what I've read the emotional rollercoaster is normal - so hang in there. If you notice it getting worse say something to your doc.

- Iris

Yes!  Totally normal!!!

#1 - nerves:  Your body is in a total hormone flux because of the major surgery it just went through, not to mention the severe drought in calories that it is experiencing.  So mood swings are definitely to be expected. 

#2 - lack of energy:  See #1!  :)  Limited calories means your body thinks it's starving, so it wants to conserve energy, which means it wants to do nothing more than absolutely necessary.  In addition, you are healing from the surgery, which takes a ton of energy on its own.  I was down for the count for almost 4 weeks.  There's no way I could have gone back to work after 2 weeks (thankfully I wasn't working at the time, so that wasn't a problem.)  Yes...for some this is an easy process, but not for all of us!  :)

Hang in there...this is normal, but so is the weight loss, and the "new you" you'll be meeting soon.  it'll get way better than it is now.  It'll get way better than it was before surgery!  :) 

Cutty
Totally normal to be worn out!! I also was worn out for about six weeks!! try to keep sipping tha****er and protein and best of luck to you!!

Darcie

I went back to work after two weeks (desk job) but came home everyday and crashed.  I was soooo tired, It took about a month before I started feeling more like myself.