One Week Out

Well it's been all most a week since I had my surgery.  I did great in the hospital and then came home and had the worse 48 hours of my life!  I think I ate too much pureed food in the hospital before they sent me home and also ate it too fast.

Anyway, I'm much better today and was wondering what you guy felt like one week out.  What was your level of physical activity, what were you eating, etc.

Also, I'm wanting to go to Gatlinburg on Friday for the weekend, but am afraid that's too much too soon.

Your comments please.

B

I felt like crap the first week.  No appetite, no energy, could barely get down any fluids.  I lived on scrambled eggs and oatmeal.  Remember what your "owners manual" said.  If you have to choose between food and liquid, choose liquids.  Take it slow.  It will get better.

If you feel like going to Gatlinburg then go.  Just don't overdo it.  I went the second week after my surgery and I did fine.  You know your body so listen to it.  If you do go, have fun!!!!

Melissa

Well, my first two days at home were horrible. But, on the 3rd day I felt much better. Each day got easier. And, nine days after surgery I was in the gym. 10 days after I was swimming.  Wishing you well!

Every person is different. I was sick for 5 weeks because of infections so I couldn't do much of anything for about 7 wks.  Some people go back to work after 2 weeks but with my complications it took me a while to feel good again. I would take it day by day and make sure you get your protein and water in.

Hey Baboo,
I felt great after my surgery.  I had it on a Tuesday and was home on Thursday.  On Friday, I was out shopping at Wal-Mart and went shopping everyday thereafter for about 4 days in a row.  I drove my mom to the doctor the week after my surgery.  Suffice it to say, after my surgery, I basically hit the ground running.  It was like that for me after I had my hysterectomy 16 years ago.  I went in to both of those surgeries with a positive attitude and outlook and was never scared for one minute.  I think that is what helped me so much - but just remember - EVERY ONE IS COMPLETELY DIFFERENT.  Dr. McDowell was an absolute sweetheart and was able to put me completely at ease before my surgery.  I did not have one single question the day of surgery for him.  I was back to work 2 weeks after my surgery.

As as eating was concerned, I was still eating SF popsicles, broth, scrambled eggs, very finely mushed tuna and chicken salad, Pintos & Cheese, Wendy's Chili, and some oatmeal (never cared for it before, but it sure hit the spot after surgery).  Hang in there, you will get this 1st phase of post-surgery behind you before you know it and then it will get easier.  I won't tell you this is the easiest thing I've ever done, because it does still have it's struggles and I think that gets more so the further you get out, but you've always got a source of support on this board and eventually, you will have an "inner circle" of support friends that will be there for you quickly when you hit a bump in the road.

Congratulations on moving to the "other side" and keep up the good work you are doing and awesome job.

I have a Yamaha Venture tour bike - 900+ lbs.  22 days after my surgery the wife and I left out with another couple and rode to Tellico Plains, TN. on a 3 day trip.  It's about 250 miles one-way. We rode the Cherohala Skyway while there. All in all it was about 750-800 miles  of riding during that 3 days.  I had to stop and rest more than usual, but did OK.   I was pretty tired when we arrived in Tellico Plains, and also when we arrived back home.  . 

When I told the Doc about the trip I had planned, he was OK with it as far as the actual riding, but cautioned me that my innards were no where near healed and would be easy to rip loose in the event of an accident or if I dropped the bike. 

If ya feel like going, I'd say it's doable, but you'll get tired faster and must take extra rest breaks and  be EXTRA careful not to overdo it.

I am still pre-op but I am so glad to hear from you.  Sounds like with the kind of support you get from everyone here -you will be just fine.  Best Wishes to you on the recovery process.

Welcome home B!  It's nice to see ya posting and letting us know how you are doing.  Now all you need is a place to sit while Jim waits on you. so, here ya go!



May this Losers Bench be a place of rest after a long day of walking!
May it be a place of comfort while sippin on your favorite protein shake!
Most important...May it be splinter free!

Congrats on your surgery and here's to a safe and speedy recovery!
Scott

Thanks for all the posts.  I can't imagine going on a three day bike ride or shopping for 4 days.  I still trying to stay up most of the day and fighting to get most of the water and protein down!

Scott,  my DH, Jim, deserves a medal for the treatment he has given me.  Yesterday was the first day he has left the house for fear I might need something.  I'm told him I think I'm over the worst of it so he needs to go about his usual routine.  Thankfully he has been out and about today also.

I did go to my DD's house for dinner last night.  While they ate in the dining room, my 16 year old GD ate her dinner in the living room and talked with me.  I ate a few mashed potatoes and they were wonderful.  If was good to get out of the house.

I was looking at previous post and saw another one about being one week post op and she said she has already lost 100 lbs.  Is that some kind of record?  I can't imagine loosing that much weight that fast.  I'm just happy that I'm down a few pounds of what I was when I checked into the hospital!!

B