Post Op Day 2

So I had my DS surgery on Thursday 6/10-it went off late due to an emergent appendectomy but I got into surgery about 9AM.. it took 6 hours(longer than everyone expected I think) but all went well.  The first day was pretty hazy, I was on a morphine pca that had me itching a lot so they switched me over to a fentanyl pump and then yesterday I moved into scheduled tylenol and sort of away from the fentanyl (it's still there if I need it).  I've only used it once today and I've had tylenol twice.  I wouldn't say I have NO pain, but it's generally incisional discomfort that I feel most when I'm getting up, sitting down, lying down etc.  I do have a JP (Jackson Pratt, looks like a grenade) drain in place on the right that tends to leak from the insertion site, but I think that's mostly from me moving around.  The amount draining has been getting steadily less. 

They had taken my Foley out but I couldn't pee in time to make them happy so they put it back in.  (I tried to explain nurses don't pee like other people~lol!)  Anyway, we got that out this morning and after about 6 hours I went.  It's so funny because the pee is green-they use a chemical called methylene blue to check for leaks and it makes your pee green.  I've been up and walking pretty routinely every couple of hours but I haven't had any gas to pass yet.  I've got plenty of bowel sounds though so it's working its way there.. just a matter of time...

The surgical unit here at Durham Regional is very nice.  I didn't get one of the bariatric rooms but boy are they beautiful!  My room is rather tiny but I don't have tons of visitors.  It's very nice and quiet up here which was really great during the first night I was here.  All the nurses and aides have been sweet and helpful.

I'm not getting any other meds except the tylenol.  I did have to get a new IV site today, the other one was in a bad spot and just getting uncomfortable.  The IV team lady was great.  So overall my experience here has been very good.

Dr. Sudan has been great.  I met some of the other doctors that work with him too-Dr Healy is also really nice.  :)

Satyavati

Dear Satya,

It's great to meet you and I look forward to getting to know you as you make this amazing journey. I have a friend, Angela, who also had DS and I'll ask her to contact you. She had her surgery in GA before Dr. Sudan joined Duke, but lives in Durham. She often attends my support group meetings and I know will be glad to welcome yet another DS'r into the fold... That doesn't mean you 'need' to attend my support group meeting, however, you are most welcome. We have several DS patients in our support group now that Duke is doing them. 

It sounds to me like you are off to a good start. I'm sure you know all about making sure to stay hydrated and keep moving around as you are able to ensure that you minimize the risk of clots. 

If you haven't done so already, as soon as you are able, please be sure to take measurements and get some photos. It really helps as you make the journey downward and are having trouble seeing it. I suggest that you have your photos taken in front of a door because it is a static 'size' and will allow you to 'see' the metamorphosis taking place. Try to get a front, rear and profile view. I always suggest that you wear something that makes you feel comfortable and go ahead and smile and wear whatever makeup, etc... that you normally would. In other words, don't make them look like mug shots because believe me you will be referring to them a lot as you make this incredible journey. I also really like www.thinnerself.com which has a measurement tool that you can use. You plug in your current measurements and where you think you'd like to be when you get down to your goal weight. Each month you enter the new measurements. It provides a wonderful graphic chart that provides a great visual before, during and after representation which gives you another was to 'see' the shrinking you. Sometimes we have a hard time actually 'seeing' the progress that we are making as we lose weight and/or the scale isn't cooperating, but the tape measure is showing you another 'measure' of your success.

Again, I look forward to hearing more about your journey and hope to meet you in person one day, either at a Duke support group meeting or maybe at one of the ones that I host. 

Take care and continue to heal gently,

Thanks Barbara!

Everything has been going really well; my gut is now moving and I've just gotten through my first tray of liquids.  I didn't have any nausea but I am pretty full.  But this is the first time I've had anything to eat really since Tuesday.  My headache is now gone :)  I knew it was from not eating.

I've done lots of nursey studying on bariatrics since I decided I wanted to do this so the only thing I worry about is will I get to the bathroom in time !  Right now though I think I'm about good for a nap.  Tomorrow is going to be a big day with going home and all.

Thanks,
Satyavati

I'm glad to hear it's going so well. I know from talking to friends who have had the DS, that for the most part, the trips to the bathroom are not as much of an issue as some would make them out to be, so I hope that it all goes smoothly for you. 

I know that I found the trip home tiring as have most others I've talked with, but it always good to be home. 

Please keep us informed of your progress and recovery.

All the best,