Home from the Hospital (Again!)

Hi all! Well, I got home today from the hospital after another 6 day stay and surgery on the 14th for a small bowel blockage. I was in from 8-29 to 9-4 for the same but the decision was made to send me home as the blockage was partial so surgery wasn't necessary. Anyway, I ended back in the emergency room on the 12th and was admitted. One day to prepare for surgery and then exploratory laparotomy for the blockage on the 14th. They found an adhesion that had surrounded a portion of the small bowel and pulled it into the stomach wall where it herniated (at least that's what I remember from the surgeon's conversation the next day ) REcovery was very painful and it felt like I had been punched lots of time in the gut and abdomen. Nothing by mouth until I passed gas and that happened on the 18th. I got some real food this morning and they let me go home today at around 2 PM. I now have an incision that extends about 3 inches above and 2-3 inches above and below the navel. I had a reaction to the adhesive from the dressing and the steri strips so I'm taking Benedryl and applying a 10% hydrocortisone cream. The itching is the worst. The pain is nearly gone except when I laugh or cough or fart. Everything I like to do So I'm going to spend some time reading the posts from a week ago and pray that now one has to go through this type of surgery...not fun at all. Plus I put on nearly 12 lbs of fluid and gas weight that should go away in about a week. Oh well...another goal to reach again... Take care. I'm heading for got to catch up on my beauty rest - something that one doesn't get while in the hospital. Linda M

Hi Linda! Soooo sorry that you had to endure all of that!! It sounds like you have amazing strenght and spirit! My thoughts are with you for quick recovery. Thanks for sharing!

Thanks LC. I really appreciate the sentiment! I'm getting lots of rest and much better meals at home ( I make them myself!). LindaM

Oh Linda! I wish I had known you were in the hospital. I would have come to visit and stroke your head!!! I'm so sorry you had all these complications. I hope now things will be steady on, no more problems. Was it Dr Rosati that did your surgery? (Were you at Albany Med?) No coughing, laughing, or farting! How terrible! LOL. Heal up well sweetie. Let me know if you need anyting. Hugs, Amy

Hi Amy, It was sudden so I had no time to call anyone. Dr. Rosati did the surgery and I was on E4 trauma unit. Staff for the most part were very good. This was not related to wls in my case...just some freak thing. Anyway, I'm enjoying being home. LindaM

Linda, OMG I had no idea hun, I am sorry that you had to go through that and know you will be in my thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery! Who did your surgery? was it Dr Garber? I am so worried about getting something like this since I am upstate and Dr Garber is on the Island. What are some of the signs of the blockage? Well write back when you are feeling up to it hun.... Debra P

Hi Deb. I am doing well. I had the surgery in Albany at Albany Med. Their staff is top notch. I had a scheduled 10 month check with Dr. G on the 14th that I had to cancel and they had called me to cancel as well so I have to reschedule for that. Signs of blockage? Number one is no bowel movementsm. Then there's stomach cramping, bloating, gas pains up and around the bowels, stomach and back...nausea and a general feeling of "BLECH!" and that was a partial blockage. After the first week in the hospital and then a week of mineral oil and Glycolax with still nothing...it got very painful so I went back to the ER and was admitted. The surgeon was Dr. Rosati and he's excellent! I have no complaints about the surgical team and would go back to them again. I still have to inform Dr. G's office and will probably email him this week. Take care. LindaM

SORRY YOU had this situation arise. GLAD your home and recovering and my best wishes for a speedy recovery! HUGSssssssssssss

Thanks Lisa S! I am resting and resting some more. Work is already bugging me about when I'm coming back...seems like they like what I do but only when I'm there...typical! Anyway, I appreciate the hugs and the wishes. When I retire on Feb 1, 2007 I'll celebrate more! Right now I have to deal with these gosh darn hot flashes too! Take Care. Linda M

Hi, Linda. I'm sorry to hear you had that complication... and so far out of surgery! I had the same thing... I know it's miserable. Take care and get lots of rest! You'll be in my prayers! Traci