Question:
When you come out of surgery, they won't allow any liquid, is there a 'swab' ???
I wonder if there is something I can take with me to help with this problem. — Kelly C. (posted on July 7, 2001)
July 7, 2001
They gave me a sponge on a stick that you could lightly wet in a little
water to only wipe your mouth & lips. I was not given anything to drink
for 3 days until after the Barium Swallow X-ray. Once they determine that
there are no leaks you are then given water. Be care not to swallow water
like you did in the past. Remember little sips.
— Linda H.
July 7, 2001
I had surgery 3/21/01 and the hospital used lemon swabs to wet my mouth the
two days I was n.p.o.
The swabs were kept in the freezer and were a welcome sight!
— Carol F.
July 7, 2001
Every surgeon has their own approach. Following my lap RNY, I was allowed
ice chips immediately after surgery and throughout that first post-op day,
then progressed to clear liquids the next morning. Most hospitals provide
lemon-glycerin swabs for their patients, also. Chances are that you will
be so sleepy from the anesthesia and pain medication that you won't be
fretting too much about thirst :-) Good luck!
— Diana T.
July 7, 2001
I had open surgery and was given a cup of ice chips while in the recovery
room. I was so dry and they tasted so good.
— Helen C.
July 7, 2001
I WAS GIVEN A CUP OF CHIP ICE AND A SWAP.
— crabtree
July 8, 2001
Diana is right. You will be so sleepy for several hours that you won't
care.
I was given some ice chips and a pink swab. The swab tasted funny. Must
have been flavored and it tasted bad to me. Finally after a few hours I
waited till no one could see me then put the melted water in my mouth
(without the swab). Then I swished it all around and "slowly" in
tiny sips, swallowed it. As much as I wanted to gulp, I forced myself not
to. Just small little trickles only. That way I did'nt have to have that
"foul tasting" swab. But if you don't have that kind of control,
then use the swab! There is a good reason they don't want us drinking for
awhile. The swishing the water around in my mouth helped my thirst alot. It
may have been only phychological but as long as it helps. Also, for the
first two to three weeks I was EXTREMELY thirsty all the time. I thought I
would go crazy from it. But it will let up some. Even now, everywhere I go
I take my water. ;) I NEVER LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT. ;)
— Danmark
July 8, 2001
I had my surgery June 12th.. The dry mouth after surgery was the worst!!
Luckily my friend was there and she knew about "Lemon Glycerin
Swabs". The nurse brought me tons of them and they were truly a God
Send!! They moisten your mouth and the lemon taste is really nice. Good
Luck!!
— Stephanie B.
July 8, 2001
My doctor won't let you have anything by mouth until the second day
post-op. Some of his patients will get a sponge on a stick and will use
this for their dry mouth. I chose to rinse my mouth out with water and spit
it out. I did this before and after every walk so it was a little reward
for my effort.
— georgiacarol
July 8, 2001
When I was able to get up and walk without any assistance(the day after
surgery) I brushed my teeth everytime. I held my head down toward the sink
so water would not run down my throat.I am an RN and also an adult. I know
that I can brush my teeth without swallowing water. Proper oral hygiene is
important. I felt so much better after brushing my teeth and applying my
Blistex Complete Moisture lip balm. Wonderful stuff.
— Vickie C.
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