QUESTION ABOUT AFTER SURGERY IN HOSPITAL

Surgery - May 9th - I know everyone says take Chap Stick which I have packed. Just wondering - by my paperwork that I have from VSA they state I will not drink anything until the day after surgery after the swallow test. 2 questions - What is the swallow test like (does it hurt)? and Will I be incredibly thirsty since I will have nothing to drink even though I will have fluids via IV? Just wondering. Of course 5 days prior to surgery how your mind starts to wonder all these things and more. Thanks for the responses. Donna

yes, I was VERY thirsty. The swallow test does not hurt but it tastes really really bad. I threw up all over the radiology department, they had to help wash me down and get me another gown and it was freezing in there. HOWEVER, it was over quick and my test was fine and I was already feeling like I had lost weight and looking back, IT WAS NOTHING, compared to losing 107 lbs in the last 7-1/2 months!!! Pam 5'2" 282/175/145

hi, the swallow test after surgery wasnt that bad for me. nothing like the barrium swallow pre op. i was thirsty afterward too but the nurse gave me swabs of water and it helped. time went by so fast that the first day came and went so fast for me.to me it was nothing too. i dont remember using my chapstick at all. adrienne

Thanks for the reply. I have a weak stomach so I will try and be prepared. Donna :0)

YES!! Drink as much water as you can the day before your Surgery and I mean make your eyeballs float.... lol You will not be hungry... but you will be thirsty, I know a couple of people who became dehyrated... you do not want that you happen. Do exactly what they tell you to do and you will be just fine! Best Wishes to you! ToniGirl

I was able to suck on ice chips, so it wasn't so bad. They also had little sponges on a stick that I lived with! They were great. The swallow test was not that bad. It did not taste great, but remember, you will not be able to take real big swallows. Good luck! Nancy

I didnt have to do the swallow test (my surgeon has just stopped doing those unless he suspects something...so few of his patients have leaks) but I have heard it is unpleasant only because you have to swallow so much "stuff" and the pouch doesnt handle it well. When my boss had it done, she vomited it all up. I was allowed ice chips and those wonderful little sticks with the sponges on the end to "moisten". I was constantly applying my chapstick, though, so it's definitely a good thing to have. Lisa L. 380/346/170

i didn't have to do the swallow test....my mouth was incredibly dry from the morphine...the sponges really helped to wet my mouth...worrying is normal, but try not to...you'll be fine and you'll be home before you know it.