Home sweet home... (long)

I'm finally home!!!! 

Yes, it has been a rough couple of days but I survived and am glad to be back at home.  I was discharged yesterday afternoon.  I was supposed to go home on Saturday but they wanted to get my pain under control (had really bad gas pains).  Once they switched me to Toradol I felt like a million bucks.  I had to stay Sunday because I wasn't getting in enough liquids.  Turns out that kiwi strawberry crystal light is not my friend lol.  Here I was trying to sip sip sip thinking the gassy, bubbly, bloated, slightly nauseous feeling was par for the course; one of the nurses suggested I try another kind.  Once I switched to the peach tea variety I was able to get in way more!  Overall, I am grateful that the staff cared enough about me to keep me until I was well... most places usually rush you out the door.

Pain - I did and am doing well.  Not too sore, but I can tell when I'm getting tired or overexerted because it will start to feel like I did a ton of sit-ups.  I sleep really well and have been able to sleep on my side since day 3.  I've taken a couple of showers without incident, am getting around the house okay.  I am down to taking pain meds just twice a day.  I made the mistake of stopping at Target on my way home from the hospital - BAD IDEA!!!  10 minutes into it I was leaning over the cart, rushing through my little list, trying to hurry up out of the store.  I had a SF fudgecicle (sp?) on the way home and that took the edge of a little.  :-) Needless to say, I plan to stay in for the rest of the week and take it easy.  My mom comes over in the evenings after work to help with the kids.  I don't get much rest with all the noise, fussing, and her insisting on cleaning up around me, but hey it's better than being here alone. 

Liquids/Meals - Still a struggle for me.  At first I was nervous, not sure how much we could sip, so it's kinda trial and error.  It feels weird going down but I just take my time.  Now that I'm home and have more options I think I will get better with it.  I was quite surprised to feel hungry, didn't think I would at first.  I tried some butternut squash soup (just a cream, no chunks) that I bought from Trader Joe's but it was gross.  I then ate 5-6 spoons of unsweetened applesauce but had to lay down afterwards... felt sickeningly full... think I ate it too fast.  This is definitely a learning process!  Woke up this morning at a complete loss.  Not sure what to eat really.  I've read the posts over and over but I just can't seem to get it together.  I'm thinking of working on a protein shake this morning and maybe doing some SF pudding or jello something in a couple of hours.  I really want some Cream of Wheat but I'm not feeling too ambitious just yet lol.  My main focus right now is getting my liquids in.  Also trying to keep my wits about me.  I got very depressed in the hospital, especially when I had to stay the extra days.  I didn't have any visitors except for one visit from my brother, so loneliness and boredom set in quickly.  Even now, I'm more lonely than anything.  Seems like life is going on around me and I'm just stuck here in my room (sigh).  Oh well.... I'm sure it'll get better soon. 

I guess that's it.  I can say that this is a TOTALLY different experience once you're post-op.  It almost feels like starting over from the beginning.  As much as I tried to read, prepare, etc beforehand... well, let's just say it all went out the window once I crossed over to the other side!  I couldn't fight the urge so I jumped on the scale yesterday when I got home.... 15 POUNDS!!!  Lost 8 between September and when I went in for PAT; now down another 7.  Can't help but to be happy bout that. 

Thank you all for your words of encouragement and support throughout this whole process.  The journey is just beginning for me, and I'm ready to take it on!!!

Congrats on your journey thus far...We are both in Philly...KIT