OWWW

Okay I have been home since Thursday...home being my sister's as I can't stay on my own yet.  I have been in quite a bit of pain and battling a fever.  I am just about done with the pain to be honest.  Although I have a high pain tolerance I hate feeling trapped and confined to my bed (or couch in this case) and unable to really move.  Don't get me wrong I walk as much as possible and my muscles are getting quite the work out with all of the coughing I am doing.  I have not eaten much, as I don't when I am not feeling well and I also find it hard on my stomach.  My first bowel movement was on Saturday, which was quite painful.  When does the pain stop?

I'm assuming your doctor is aware of the fever, pain and coughing??  If not, run, don't walk to the phone and get them involved.  If they are, and they are treating you for it, what are they having you do?  I never had much pain and had no fever.....but everyone is different.

Kim

You say you just got home Thursday so I am assuming you have only had your surgery about 2 weeks ago or something like that.  Make sure you aren't pushing trying to eat.  Stay with the clear liquids and your protein drinks if soft foods are upsetting your stomach. 

Take care of yourself and definitely give your doctor a call about the temp.

Colleen

Please talk to your doctor... this much pain doesn't sound "normal to me.

Thanks everyone.  The doctors are aware of the fever.  I am to go immediately to the hospital once it passes 100 F  but its been good and I'm back to normal on that front.  The pain I'm told is normal and the coughing is due to being intubated during the surgery.  It's really important to get the gunk out or there is a risk of pnemonia (sp?)  I am taking pain meds and just had my perscription renewed today.  I think part of the problem is that I have high expectations that I will be able to "bounce" back and be my normal self within a very short time frame.  My limitatiions are frustrating to me and I think that is why I push myself instead of relaxing and being within the moment. 

This has been a very real learning experience for me.  It's only been a week since the surgery and my progress has been amazing so far.  I have lost 40 lbs since I have started the journey.  I have had several enlightening "aha" moments and I am coming closer and closer to my authentic self.  For these gifts alone I am grateful.  What i am truly blessed for though is the unconditional support and encouragement that has been given to me by my family and friends.  My life is good. 

That first BM is often quite painful, as it usually takes us a while to pass the first one.
PLEASE keep a close eye on that temperature. You never know when it will spike. I am wondering if part of the temp might be that you are not getting in enough liquids. This will also make the BM's more painful. Increased water will also help thin the mucous and make it easier and quicker to cough up.  Please be sure to focus on drinking.. just sip sip sip all day long. Eat some SF popsicles.

Take those several litle walks daily, as it can take a couple of weeks to work all of the gas out, and that gas they pump in to do the surgery can really cause tremendous discomfort. The thing is.. don't push too hard or too far, or you are just setting yourself back, and increasin your pain and healing time. Try to find a nice tolorable balance.

Instead of looking at this time as being trapped and confined, look at it as a worthy time of self investment into your journey. A needed and deserved down time, and a necessary part of healthy healing, that will yeild an awesome result for you! Get a really good book and bury yourself in it, to help distract yourself from feeling so limited. Maybe even a book on a subject you want to learn more about, and never really have the time to look into. Now is a great time for that!

When you have to cough, press a pillow to your abdomen to help support the area. I KNOW this is terribly painful coughin so early ost op. This helps a bit...

Hang in there and know you are cared about! Please keep us posted on the fever and pain and i hope to see it is all improving rapidly!