having protein problems

Hi gang:  well,I ha surgery 9/15 and got home 9/18, of course my computer was down and yesterday my server was down so  I am writing today and have some questions.  I drank some whey protein and it made me nauseous, didn't matter how thin I made it or how slow I drank it, am wondering if I am not able to take it.  Also, Sunday morning I sneezed twice and that is NOT something one wants to do, even a sip of water hurt all the way down for  about an hour and yesterday my insides hurt all day.  I just don't feel very good, this morning while brushing my teeth I got so nauseated  so fast I gagged, could feel the pull on the stitches, but some medication down and at least that settled down.    BM's still loose, guess I need to start the Benefiber, got to go back Thursday to Flint, see Dr. Wagner and get staples out and get some info.    While in hospital blood sugar went to 256, so got insulin via IV and finger picked every hour, not much rest, also had a dumb nurse that came in with 3 potassium capsules  said the dr. ordered them, I questioned her about them, remembered I was not to take ANY pills so I questioned her again, she said I was to take them.  I took one every 15 minutes, needless to say they sat in the pouch, couldn't ge****er down, dr. gave me some Karafate which helped ease the pressure, come to find out, the capsules are to be split in half, the contents put in water and drank.  Come to find out this dumb broad  was a float nurse and wasn't regular on the floor.  Needless to say, she is not there at all.now. Well, since I couldn't get much fluid in me, I had to have another IV with fluids.  I sure got poked and picked way too many times.  I am just concerned about getting my protein in me and vitamins down, started them today.  Any advice is greatly appreciated.  Thanks for listening--Sandra

I'm probably not the one to reply since I haven't had surgery yet.  But seems that I read that for the first couple of weeks it could be clear liquids only.  Something about our bodies having stored nutrients.  So we can give our new pouches a vacation before asking them to digest anything heavier.   My doc recommends chewable or liquid vitamins.  I'm aware this sounds very simplistic and you probably already know.  But hang in there.  I've heard it gets better soon.

Carmel Valley Linda

Sandra,

If the nausea isn't better in an hour or so, CALL YOUR DOCTOR!!

At first it is common to feel as if you have been hit by a bus. Still, if you don't feel right, it is time to call your doctor with concerns.

In the beginning  it is most important to stay hydrated. It takes a while until you can get the needed protein in your body. Keep drinking liquids or you will get dehydrated and feel even worse.

It does get better with time.

Annette

 Sandra,   #1 rule...  follow your Dr orders..   each is a little bit different.   I was told to do my best.  The first 3 months are a big adjustment for your system.  I was concerned because I was not getting all my nutrients in.  The Dr / nutritionist wants us to push to get them in but also realize some of us can't get it done.  One of the reasons for our follow ups is to make sure we do not drop below the normal levels into deficiencies in vitamins minerals etc.   

Really, what I'm saying is not to be too concerned if you are not 100% on your intake at this time.  Try to get them in but if you have set backs realize it is only temporary.  Continue to follow your Dr. orders best you can.  When you have healed more it will be easier to get the nutrients in.

Best Wishes    Millie

PS........ WELCOME TO THE LOSERS BENCH  

welcome home and congrats on making it to the losers bench!!!

as for your pills...did they give you a pill crusher?? if not get one!!! crush the pills and put them in some sf applesauce to take...or use some liquid in the spoon of meds and swallow them that way...soon you will be able to take them in full form...also if you still feel sick...call your dr!!! are you drinking your liquids to cold or hot?? try room temp see if that feels better going down....any time if you feel its "stuck" try laying on your left side for a bit and see if that helps you. if you are taking in all liquids...thats how it will come out of you...liquid form...it gets better over time trust me...keep trying to get it down it will go soon i promise!! also which type of whey protein did you try?? i use ANY WHEY and its tasteless and can be used to even cook with!!!

hugs

Thank you all so much for the advice and encouragement.  The whey I got is vanilla flavored but think I'll get unflavoredl I tried it with some unsweetened applesauce and it went down and didn't make me nauseous.  Seems I can't get in the  game of taking all my vitamins, protein and water.  I made up a schedule to follow so that should help me get in what I need.  Guess I am feeling a little sorry for myself today; am expecting to feel not so sore, but need to give it more time, only been one week since surgery; this old body got one hell of a shock (I'm 62) so  I will be patient and take things one day at a time.  I know I feel better this p.m., than I did this a.m.  later..

It's a little different with every doctor as far as what they want you to get down ... that nurse sure was stupid though to have you take potassium pills ... when I had to take potassium in the hospital it was powdered that I had to mix with water ... tasted like orange metal (but ... if you mixed it with crystal light orange, it tasted kind of like flat orange crush).

You should be crushing your pills until about a month out or so, until the doc tells you you can take them whole again.

Take it easy on yourself. Your body is brand new. The pouch is new, it's still adjusting. Take slow sips, even when you're taking pills or rinsing your mouth out. (That's hard when you have to take pills because they can taste yucky ... but crystal light orange can mask a lot of yucky tastes.) Yes, BMs will be loose, don't take anything for it, other than benefiber, that will help.

If you want to use some SF syrups in the vanilla protein, that will give you some variety ... I used to add sf orange and make like an orange dreamsicle, or flat sf root beer pop for a drink that was like a root beer float. Or you can add some decaf coffee and put it in a blender with some ice and make it like a frappucino. But the flavorless stuff you can add to soups and yogurt, things like that. Get in as much as you can but don't pu****; things are still new and will take time to get adjusted to.

Cheer up Sandra... I know it will get better for you.  I'm no expert... haven't had my surgery yet, but I know the experts here will help you and I agree that when in doubt, call the doctor's office. 

Hey Sandra ,,,I am five years out and I could never do the NASTY TO ME lol protein drinks ,, I got mine through food ,,,
THere is something new on the market now (EVERYONE ) that is yummy.  A protein drink with fiber and no sugar, IT is made by SouthBEach Living and comes in 2 flavors and you add to 16 oz water ,,, IT comes in Strawberry banana and Tropical Breeze,,, It is great ,,,,
The protein is only 3 per drink but your supposed to be drinking lots anyway so this may help you .
I discovered them this week and I drink them all day long
Hugs
Shirley
PS got them at WallyWorld   7 comes in a box for $2.50 and they are next to the Crystal Lite in my store ...

sandra...ouch! 3 potassium pills???

in the beginning (after my surgery i mean! not the beginning of time!!) ; i felt like i was running a marathon or something really impossible-going nuts trying to sip sip sip and get my protein and my vits and my this and my that!! it was nutso!!!!! you will find a routine for yourself...do folow your doc/nuts orders ...the thing i would worry about now is the possibility of dehydration if you are still nauseous and not getting your water in...
gentle hugs!