Who Knew Water Would Be My Biggest Obstacle?

I almost 2 weeks post-op and while I'm not having problems with my semi-solid foods... water is my nemesis. Each time that I sip water, eventually I get a sharp pain radiating around my chest and diaphragm (?). It reminds of drinking water on an empty stomach pre-op X 10! LOL I'm getting worried about staying hydrated since I know that it's critical to avoiding strictures.

Is that the same type of feeling that other's have experienced? How long did it last?

Thanks!

 At four months out, I still can rarely drink plain water. If it hurts, don't drink it. Warm herbal tea, a thick Crystal Light like the orange or grapefruit flavor, or even skim milk or protein drink are often easier on the pouch. 

Water didn't give me sharp pains, but even one sip felt like I'd eaten a brick. It's still uncomfortable.

Does that happen with all drinks or only water?  Do warm drinks or room temp drinks feel better?

It doesn't happen with flavored water with Crystal Light (but I no longer like the taste). A friend suggested sugar free Hawaiian Punch. I'm going to try and find it this afternoon. I can sip warm mint (caffeine free) tea with no problem. However, my doc tells me to keep working at the plain water. Right now, I think that I'm getting about 48oz of plain water, 6oz of ice chips and give or take 8 oz of tea per day. I may have to increase my cups of tea. Now that I'm eating semi-solid, it's more challenging getting the water in while waiting the appropriate time between meals.

As far as strictures, I don't have all of the details regarding how proper hydration prevents strictures. However, the "owner's manual" from doc's office stated that "the consequences of not getting in enough water include dehydration, nausea, vomiting, kidney failure, poor wound healing, stricture of anastomosis (connection site) and re-hospitalization". I can ask for more details when I return for my 30-day follow up. I'd like to understand, too! :)

Please do ask about the strictures.  And remember to post the answer!  I'd love to know.

I don't see why you need plain water.  Any sugar free liquid should be fine for staying hydrated.  And remember, protein shakes, sugar free jello, and sugar free popsicles also count as fluids.

I found the "poor wound healing, stricture" part of your manual's description actually quite hilarious.

Stricture comes from BETTER wound healing than normal. So they should try to make up their minds.... will it cause you to heal better (and get a stricture) or not as good (and therefore no major risk of a stricture)

Your doc might want you to get in plain water, but if you can get your liquids in non-plain-water form, I'd suggest you do so. Obviously I'm not a medical practitioner, and in general you should try to follow your surgeon's plan, but to force the plain water issue when non-plain water does the job for you? No, that's nonsensical. My suggestion is to try to get 64 oz of liquids in, then after that switch to plain water and sip it one ounce at a time, or half an ounce at a time (little bathroom dixie cups are 3 oz, fill it up and fini**** down in 30 minutes. That's one ounce every ten minutes, or 1/2 ounce every 5 minutes. But get your liquids in any way you can, then worry about the pure water .

From day 3 onward, I've had pretty close to exactly 6 ounces of water per day for almost four and a half years. But I get upwards of 100 oz of liquid daily. If I had to do water, I'd be at 2 ounces per 15 minute all day long and still not get there. 8 hours of drinking ONLY would get me to 64 oz of liquid.

Are you drinking to fast? I ended up needing 4 dilatations, but i was also a revision, so was at higher risk for strictures also. I know in the beginning I had a lot of trouble getting fluids in and needed IV fluids several times.  It took close to 6 months before I felt it was under control. Keep working at it. It does get better.

Oh, and how does staying hydrated prevent strictures?  I've never heard that before.  I've always thought there was nothing you could do to prevent strictures.

Try warm, cold, icey cold, with a bit of lemon, with a bit of splenda, weak herbal tea, with crystal light .... it might be that you need it to be different from plain

I STILL can't drink plain water, cold, warm, etc.

Thanks for the suggestion! I'll try lemon juice and splenda today.

Thank you to everyone for the quick replies and suggestions. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this site!