Weeks since last posting - SETBACK

Hi Everyone - boy, I have really missed coming online to see how everyone is doing.  As you all know, I had my surgery, and two weeks into it, I was feeling great, and good to go do most anything.  However, that week-end I started feeling pretty punk and could hardly get out of bed.  I was throwing up, felt constipated, had a back ache, and high fever.  I quickly phoned OHSU and talked to Dr. Kumer (I think that is how to spell it).  He works with Dr. Deveney.  We decided that I had a urinary tract infection.  I wanted to wait until Monday to see Dr. Deveney, but by Sunday I was at the ER having fluids pumped in through an IV and starting Cipro through the IV also. Monday we left to head up to Portland, and by now I have no strength at all, so Dr. Deveney sent me up for more fluids as I was dehydrated due to the fever and UTI.  After another full bag of fluid, I started feeling a little better.  It's now been two weeks since then, and I am still very weak, and trying to get my strength back up again.  IT's been a tough recovery. So, that is where I have been all these days past.  I am still doing a liquid diet with an occasional bit of fish and cottage cheese, but I really don't feel like eating.  I went to my pain doc this today, and have lost another 10 lbs, so that is a total of 40 lbs I have lost so far.  Hope everyone is having a good week and you all are feeling great and losing weight!

Oh Gayla,  I am so sorry you have been ill.  Scary I bet.  Amazing how a urinary infection can knock you for a loop.  They can be bad all by themselves but adding to your recent surgery, it takes a bigger toll.  Please rest and get better soon.  Julia

Oh my!  I'm so sorry to hear you went through this.  I hope your strength will return quickly now.  Looks like you're doing great on your weight loss, but it would be better if you felt well. Get better! Linda

Oh, poor you, Gayla! I hope you are on the mend and doing better. Thanks for keeping us posted and take care!

Thank you Julia, Linda and Schmecha - I do think I am doing a little better.  I am throwing up almost daily, but it is because my stomach is having trouble remembering to keep things down - when I was dehydrated I was throwing everything up - including water!  I can keep the water down, and so am looking at doing more liquids with little consistancy.  I sure miss crackers, and have even thought of eating a saltine when I feel nauseated.  Oh well - things will get back to normal soon - I am thinking positive and focusing on planting my flower baskets and enjoying my yard.  Thanks for responding!

Wow!  You have really been through the wringer lately.  I'm glad you are on the road to recovery though!

Actually, I don't really think I am on the road to recovery.  I'm really feeling sick most of the time, and today realized that I have been blazing a trail around town and not slowing down for anything.  I guess this is my way of dealing with not eating, or not feeling well.  Anyway, the bottom line is that I am taking this week-end off and trying to rest and relax.  I called Susan at OHSU, and I may have a ulcer or a spot where the wound is not healing very well...or dealing with Acid.  I'm miserable right now.  I'm mad at myself for not taking care of myself.  This isn't the first time I have been so abusive to myself after surgery and not allow myself enough rest or time to recouperate.  I thought I had gotten past this stage in my life, but I've returned, and not liking the way things turned out this time either.....so it's just slow down time!

Sounds to me like you are pushing yourself too much and not giving your body the time it needs to heal.  You gotta slow down, take yourself back to the basis of after surgery care and follow the directions given to you by your Dr.  You gotta take time to smell the roses...... Hang in there!

Hugs, It sounds like you need one. Recovery is one of those silly things. One day you might feel ok and the next you will feel like you have run a marrothon. Hang in there, I hope you start to feel better soon. I know it suck but sounds like you and Dr. Deveney are working together to do the best you can. Your in good hands!  Keep us posted and let me know if you need anything! Rebecca