Long Recovery..Dr. Garber patients out there???

Hi...Well, I had my surgery August 1. Kept my drain in an extra week.>>YUCK.....the drain came out last Thursday...(one week) and I am sore and still feel pain on my left when I drink mostly or eat. Dr. Garber has been great...getting back with me and helping me, but I was wondering if anybody else out there has had pain still 3 and 1/2 weeks later? I still have some liquidy puss stuff coming out of the middle drain area. Dr. Garber's office says it is normal...I have no fevers and all. I am SOOOOOOOOOO sick of pureed food and the texture is making me not want to eat. Ihave to force myself to eat and drink protein drinks. The protein drinks were ok in the beginning, but now they are gagging me. I have been stuck in the house for all this time....and I want to get on with my recovery!! I go back to work in literally 2 weeks and nervous that the pain will still be around. I am a teacher and I teach Home Economics, which can be alot of lifting. Whew..sorry for rambling. I also wonder when i will be able to transition to REAL food....getting sick of cottage cheese, yogurt, pureed tuna and soups!!!! Sometimes my stomach feels like someone is sitting on it and I don't want to eat lately. I really need to vent....sorry...Anyone out there wanna share their experience with me or ideas for food???? Any healing ideas????? HELP! Barbara Medford

Hi Barbara, Sorry you are not feeling very well yet. You need to give you body time to heal. I too was tired of that mushy stuff, before you know it you will be eating normal. Although I have come to love soups and cottage cheese. Drink your protein shakes slowly, have you tried making them with ice cubes in the blender? It makes a world of difference more like a normal milk shake. Hope you feel better soon. I think the sooner you get out and about the quicker you will recover, get out and take a little walk get some sunshine. Take Care and keep us posted on your recovery. Shannon

I am sorry that you arent feeling well. i too had my drain in for a longer time than usual. I had developed an infection and had to be on antibiotics for 2 weeks. Once the drain came out...I was feeling much better! Give you body time to heal! You WILL feel better!! Lisa 371/186/140

Hi Barbara, I am sorry you are having a hard time. Liquid oozing from (I am assuming) the JP tube area is normal. We all know around here how hard it is in the beginning but hang in there, you will feel good before you know it! Take care.

Hi Barbara..I'm sorry you are still expierencing pain. I hope that stops soon for you!! Dr. Graber did my surgery on Halloween in '03 and I've had wonderful results. I was one of his heaviest patients actually and since I'm still losing almost 3 yrs out he thinks I'm doing great. Sorry to go on about me. I think you might like mixing some ricotta cheese with peanut butter and a little splenda. It's still soft consitency..but it's kinda like a sweet treat. This soft food stage is the worst..in my opinion. I'm on it again now because I had to have surgery last week for a leak in my intestines. Best wishes to you!! *hugs* Kathy 427/211/150ish..which should be accomplished if I ever get PS approval

Hi Barbara, Everything everyone has said is TRUE! you have to give your body time to heal. I'm 10 months out and still have the occassional "ping" where the drains were. Dont' forget..those are deep cuts and take time to heal on the inside. Don't know what to say about the mushy food. It's the best for you right now and adding ice cubes and maybe a small piece of mushy banana or sugar free applesauce will help to flavor the shakes. Take care, stay patient, and you'll be just fine. LindaM 230/ 127/ 115 my goal