Question:
WATER RIGHT AFTER SURGERY
How long must you wait until you can have a drink after surgery. I fear that horrible dry cotton mouth and not being able to drink? — Kelly* P. (posted on January 5, 2003)
January 4, 2003
Hi. I had the same fear before my surgery. I had surgery on a Wednesday
morning, and could not have anything to drink until after my barium swallow
on Friday morning. But I was able to brush my teeth and rinse my mouth out
(as long as I didn't swallow any water) which helped. They also let me run
a wet washcloth over my tongue/mouth. Not being able to drink for a couple
of days wasn't fun, but it wasn't as bad as I expected. Make sure you take
chapstick or something for your lips, as they dry out and it's hard to keep
them moist. That was one of the most important things I took to the
hospital! Good luck!
— Sarah S.
January 4, 2003
My surgeon allows icey water in a cup with a sponge. I dreaded dry mouth
but it honestly wasnt a problem. Do call your surgeon and ask how its
handled.
— bob-haller
January 4, 2003
I was able to have ice chips right after I woke up in ICU, a couple hours
after surgery...but couldn't actually drink until 2 days after surgery.
The ice chips helped a ton.
— thekatinthehat
January 4, 2003
My surgeon requires his patients to drink upon waking in the recovery room.
I know that all of them are very different and you should ask your surgeon
or his/her assistant.I am sure it is a standard time per each surgeon. My
surgeon leak tests while he is in there so that he can fix it while we are
still open. Might sound very different but I remember that when my son had
kidney surgery as an infant that his surgeon said that he does the same
thing.
— Carol S.
January 4, 2003
This was a big issue after my surgery because I didn't realize I couldn't
drink! They gave me the sponges with water on them for 2 days. I had to be
reopened after 2 days due to a bleed in the old stomach. The night after my
second operation, I really started complaining and they finally gave me
10cc of ice chips per hour. I see all doctors are different, so I would be
sure and ask yours! Best of Luck! rny 11-19-02 down 48 pounds forever!
— Lisa W.
January 5, 2003
I remember still being in that after-surgery haze and I had the driest
mouth you could ever imagine. Once I got to my room, one of the nurses or
aides said she had some ice chips for me - all I said was "Thank
God." lol I could drink regular water the next day. Every surgeon
is different.
— Toni C.
January 5, 2003
At no time post surgery did I go completely without any "wetting"
agent for my mouth, so don't be scared. After the recovery room (which I
don't remember), I was taken to the ICU where they put 2 of those glycerin
sponges on a stick in a small cup. I was allowed to moisten my mouth with
those and still being very dopey at that point, I guess that sufficed as I
do not remember any discomfort. You won't be very "aware" of
things (like having a dry mouth) for the first 8-10 hours or so post-op.
The first time they got me up and walking (in the ICU) I could also brush
my teeth and rinse and then spit out the water. I remember looking in the
mirror and seeing the wreck that my hair was and not having the energy to
want or try to fix it! I walked about 20 feet with the nurse and then it
was back to bed. Day 2 I was taken to my room where I had ice chips
available to me whenever I wanted. Day 3 I was EATING, and had soup, decaf
tea and anything else I asked for that was on my program. By Day 4 they
kicked me out of there, and I was on my own. So don't worry....even if you
do have the sensation of cotton mouth, you probably won't mind it or even
realize it, and before you know it they're giving you ice chips or sponges.
Hugs, Joy
— [Deactivated Member]
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