Question:
Im 2 weeks post op, have no strength and a continued stiff neck, help

Anyone know how long or what it takes to get your strength back. Im extremely tired it takes effort to walk. Anyone know of a good protein drink. Do you think that will help?    — kcraig (posted on October 20, 2000)

October 20, 2000
KC, Are you eating enough? Taking your vitamins? I use Designer Protein Powder. Chocolate is the best. I add 1 pkg Nutrasweet and skim Milk, with ice in a blender. About the stiff neck, you may be low on Potasium. Try some babyfood strained bananas. It helped me after surgery with muscle stiffness.
   — Ellen M.

October 20, 2000
Hi. I too had NO energy, a stiff neck and other various issues post op. I tried a to get more protein but I finally realized the problem was more related to the after effects of the anestisia, and the fact that as my doctor says "your guts were just spread out on the table, of course you have no energy!" I found it took 6 weeks before my energy returned. My advice, try to relax. It will pass. What you are experiencing is totally normal. I wish I had a miricle cure for you, but I am afraid you will just have to wait it out. Take care, Leslie
   — Leslie A.

October 20, 2000
KC have not fear it gets better, i was there not long ago, i am about 4 weeks postop and i posted just about the same question. i got alot of my energy back between the 2nd and 3rd week, so much i was able to go back to work at 3weeks, and it was really what i needed. I still have my moments and night time still involves alot of tossing and turning. My worst problem now is sneezing, i did not do it for the first 3 weeks after surg. now i have been and i feel like my insides are ripped open. So my insision is sore once again to the tough. I tried the protein drink, and got the vanilla, due to the fact i could put fresh fruit in it with ice and blend it up. And i heard it's great with died root beer, but i could only handle it for a few days, so needless to say it's sitting on my kitchen counter collecting dust. I will keep it for hard times. I am able to eat all meats and often have chicken for breakfet ( i know everyone think i am nuts but i love it that much). So if you can just hang inthere until you can eat some real meat, you will be fine. Just walk as often as you can. and i to had a sore neck and back, but that finally went away, when i could walk longer and sleep alittle better. In fact i am proud to say i walk in the Race for the Cure a 5k walk last Sat. good luck to you and if you ever want to chat you have my email address Barbara
   — Barbara R.

October 21, 2000
these are just thoughts: the stiff neck could be from the way they have your head tilted back for so long during surgery with the breathing tube in. this happened to me. It helped to use a soft, survical collar for awhile. i take 500 mcg. of B12 daily which does wonders for energy and helps alot in healing (which your body is doing so much of.) take all your vitamins and get in your protein each day - it will get better and don't forger to get lots of rest
   — Cindy H.

October 22, 2000
It was the 3rd week post-op that I really started to feel ok. I know it is an effort but please be sure that you are up and walking every 2-3 hours. I was in a haze the first week just sleep, meds, water and walking but it was all worth it! The walking is what I feel made the biggest diffrence in how I felt. It also kept me from getting phnumonia and blood clots so drag yourself out of bed and walk some laps, even if it just around the backyard. Hang in there, it just keeps getting better!
   — Andrea P.