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Day 21 since surgery....Lets compare notes!

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Posted 8/20/2009 1:06 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Everyone,

 Well its been 21 days since my nissan surgery. I was wondering if anyone out there is close to the same time frame as me?

This is how I am feeling:

Pain: Left side under breast pain when I bend over and my whole stomach  area is pretty swollen I guess, it  seems real hard when I push on tummy.

Eating: It seems as though i can hardly eat anything without getting that super full feeling and then I am miserable for several hrs. I wish I could nail it down exactly how much I can eat without feeling this way each time.

Infection: Had a kidney inection 1.5 weeks after surgery, but seems to be gone now

Breathing:

Still seems like I am having a breathing problem, after I walk alot or exert myself a bit, I kind of loose my breath easier than before.

 

I guess the worst part for me now is the fullness feeling after eating. Sometimes I don't even want to eat, because I know whats coming.

 

Any advise out there?????? nono

Posted 8/20/2009 1:32 AM (GMT 0)
Hi surfer girl, the biggest thing my Dr. told me and it applies to everyone is that 90% of your healing will occur in the first 8 weeks; the final 10% will take a year. On top of that, the first several weeks are hard, this a rough, tough surgery and the recovery is equally as bad! Week 5 or 6 seems to be the magic time, all of sudden you just start feeling better.

In the meantime, your body is trying to tell you to slow down. Eat slowly and if you're on foods that you can chew, chew and chew and chew and chew and chew! Eat 6 to 8 times a day, eat small amounts, you'll avoid the feelings that you've described. If you haven't used an anti-nausea med, you may want to get some, that will help too.

Pain will subside in time; they did a lot of work in there and it will take a long time to heal, so take it easy. Get childrens liquid motrin, that helps a lot, but you have to take more than what is written, it is written for kids after all. If you haven't been using gas-x get some; chewable gas-x will help alleviate fullness and pain too.

The breathing is part of the inflammation, post-surgical state that you're in; keep an eye on it and should it continue for another week or so, call your Dr.

Stay with us, we'll help you through this!
Janice
Posted 8/20/2009 3:19 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Surfergirl,
Try not to get frustrated. It does take time for your stomach to recover, but recover it will.

Here's a link for a description of my experience at 19 days. Hopefully you'll find it helpful:
https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=45&m=1417831

Try not to worry about your recovery. I know you have vacation plans, and want to be able to eat vacation foods. You'll have another couple of weeks of recovery under your belt, and that will help. You'll have to eat smaller meals in Hawaii, but should be able to enjoy some of just about everything you want.

If you can be patient and relax into your recovery, it will make a huge difference for you.
You can't rush the process as much as you'd like to.
yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah
We're here for you!
Take care,
Denise
Posted 8/21/2009 12:04 AM (GMT 0)
I agree totally with Denise & Janice. I had mine done on May 6 2009. I am doin quite well. I did howver have small incidences during my recoovery but I had the gang here to see me thru.
Thanx gang
B
Posted 8/21/2009 12:41 AM (GMT 0)
Surfer-
I wrote a nice long reply only to have it vanish into a blackhole.
I am in total agreeance with everyone. At 3 weeks things are still doing alot of serious healing. If you are eating more than a cup at a time you are probably over doing it. Remember you lost alot of stomach to the wrap and it is also the area that tells your brain it''s full. So you will get full faster. Please go slow with your diet and eat several SMALL meals a day.
All in all it sounds like things are going along as usual, but things should start to get better quicker as the next couple weeks go by. I hope I am making sense because I just got out of surgery an hour and a half ago.

Take care,
Bill
Posted 8/21/2009 1:13 AM (GMT 0)

bill

im praying for your speedy recovery

B

Posted 8/21/2009 3:35 AM (GMT 0)
Hi guys,

 Thanks so much for your replys. Today I ate 1 serving of grits. Went well.

Later I had 4 ritz crackers and some tuna salad on top. went well.

Dinner I had about 1/4 cup of chicken noodle soup. I think that I have been eating too much at 1 time. nono

This evening I must have bumped my IV site because now its a bit swollen and hurts. Even though I don't remember bumping it. I was told to keep an eye on it, that it could be a small clot or its just scar tissue area and when I bumped it I disturbed it somehow????? It seems as everyday thereis a new twist in my  healing saga. turn

Thanks for all of your replys, I appreciate it.

One more thing...do you think it would be ok for me to use a tanning bed...Got to start getting a tan before the big trip...... smilewinkgrin

Cheryl

Posted 8/21/2009 4:30 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Surfergirl,

I just passed the 4 week mark yesterday.  Today was the first day I didn't have an unpleasant reaction of some sort after eating.  Still eating tiny amounts.  Applesauce and yogurt and chewing everything else like crazy.  ALso the uncomfortable stomach area sensations seem much better today.  I too had trouble bending over so I STARTed babying myself and resting-A LOT-.   It was really hard but I forced my self and today I feel almost normal.  At 3 weeks I was wondering what was taking so long, but I think 4 weeks was a real turning point.  Like the others said, A lot was done to your stomach, diagphragm and espophagus Hope that is spelled right.  Try to continue to take it easy and don't put too much pressure on yourself.  Tomorrow is back to work day for me and I hope I don't get too tired.Good Luck with the recovery.  I am hoping that I don't take a step back tomorrow. Ask your doctor about the tanning.  I went out and tanned in the yard because it was one thing I could still do  after surgery. So my age spots are on display and "lookin good". Too bad all the skin can't be as tan as they are! That's what happens when you tan for 60 years, eventually you get some interesting little extras, but it sure beats the "fish belly white". I hope tomorrow is a better day and so on and so on.  Sending good thoughts your way.

Mariacarole

Posted 8/21/2009 5:10 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Mariacarole,

So nice to hear from someone that is about the same in days of recovery as I am.

I was wondering why you are still eating the soft foods? Didn't your doc say you could try anything yet, or are you having problems with things getting stuck?

My doc told me on my follow up visit 1 1/2 ago that I could eat anything. But I still am very cautious..I did try a piece of cornbread last week...big mistake. So no bread for me for a long time. I felt as if I had a lump stuck in the pit of my tummy for 3 hrs. But I can eat crackers and cheese just fine.

I was going to lay out in the back yard but in Texas its flaming hot right now, thats why I wanted to try the tanning bed...easy way no sweating turn

Question...does your stomach area feel real...lumpy..for a better word.especially on the left side.

Unfortunately I have been working since last week pretty steady, so I know that I am overdoing it, today I just sat an an open house on the computer...that is no problem.

Take care and talk to you soon,

Cheryl

Posted 8/22/2009 12:05 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Surfer Girl, Yes my left side certainly feels more sensitive especially when lying down.  It has gotten better in the last few days.  I am still eating lots of soft stuff, but am adding regular stuff too.  I just try to go slow with the food.  I have eaten chicken, beef and pasta lately and they have been fine.  I try to start the day with mostly soft stuff.  I know what you mean about the bloating discomfort after eating.  It was awful,between 3 and 4 weeks it has gotten better.  The general area on the mid left seems to be going down and is getting less sensitive.  My clothes are starting to feel more comfortable around the middle.  I have lost about 15 pounds and am about down to my ideal weight.  Sounds like you have been working a lot and I would guess that Real Estate is stressful, so rest as much as you can.  I am a part-time teacher and went back to school today.  Luckily I won't be with students for about 2 weeks which hopefully will go smoothly.  I have a second part-time job in another school district and will go back in a couple of weeks with them too. I am a "retired" regular classroom teacher, but looks like real retirement  is going to be a few years away.  I found that any little stress made me really feel ill at first after the surgery.  Another reason to rest as much as possible.  I was just in meetings today, but got up super early to walk the dog etc and was soooo tired when I came home.  I hope you notice the kind of improvements I have around the 4 week mark.  I grew up in Oklahoma and know how hot the area can be in the summer.  As Texans say when they make fun of Oklahoma-I grew up in a little place north of Dallas-Oklahoma.  Ha Ha I used to watch King of the Hill on TV and they were always making little subtle jokes about Okla.  Very authentic.  I have some friends and relatives in Texas.  I hope you have a restful weekend and that your symptoms continue to improve.  Let me know.  It is good to have people  to discuss this situation.  My children were getting REALLY tired of me talking to them about it.  It is a difficult surgery and even kind of hard to explain to people. Good luck

Mariacarole

Posted 8/22/2009 11:24 PM (GMT 0)
Hi cheryl.

 I hope your doin better each day it gets slowly better

B

Posted 8/23/2009 2:01 AM (GMT 0)
Yes actually feel better today, every day the pain eases up a bit more. Still getting full fast, but I could stand to loose more weight.

Anybody out there had a cocktail since their surgery?????
its been a while now..
Posted 8/23/2009 2:17 AM (GMT 0)
Mariacarole, I would much rather be from OK than TX!!! With the exception of the tornadoes, I swear I would have an underground shelter if I lived there!

I hope you feel comfortable talking to us here, don't ever feel like you're asking to many questions or talking about "sensitive" topics..honestly, everyone here has experienced some part of it to some extent, so we all understand the type of topics that come up!

It's nice to have someone going through it at the same schedule as you are, Cheryl and you are surgery buddies!

Cheryl, alcohol was one of the thou shalt nots for a long time. I think it was months before I had a glass of wine...now Bea on the other hand, I swear! has a cast iron gut!! She has made us all laugh at what she has been able to eat and I heard that she had Pepsi in her IV in the hospital LOL!!

Have a good night everyone.
Janice
Posted 8/23/2009 5:24 AM (GMT 0)
Surfergirl,Bea,ldyjane, Thanks for all the encouragement and info. I read on one of the threads,maybe Bea, don't remember for sure, that you had sore forearms after the surgery.  I did too for about 2 and 1/2 weeks and wondered if it was from surgery and being restrained.  I certainly didn't remember it.  Not bruising just sore across the tops of my forearms.  I just chaulked it up to being one of the many aches and pains.  I had all kinds of neuralgia:arms, legs,top of my head,side of my head.  but it all went awAY pretty fast.  I am tired today, but it is hot and muggy in Modesto today.  The stress of thinking about going back to work also makes me a little anxious and tired, but recovery is progressing.  I was wondering about firewater too.  I haven't had a drink of anything alcoholic in about 6 weeks and would love to have my little glass of beer.  Guess I will give it a week or two. What a difference between the 3rd and 4th week.  Hope it continues.  Hope everyone is feeling well this weekend as summer starts to wind down.  Fall is beautiful here.  It is a tree city and leaves are everywhere.  Not as dramatic as SE Okla, but pretty and then it gets foggy.  Rarely freezes but it is chilly in the winter. I think the weather cooling down will help with recovery too.  The heat always makes everything more difficult.Happy weekend.  Hope everyone gets their share of R and R this weekend. 31 days and counting!  Maybe we should all write a "Wrap Rap" to chronicle our experiences!

Mariacarole

Posted 8/23/2009 7:12 AM (GMT 0)
Mariacoole-
They aren't very gentle with you when you are out. They use what ever force need be to move us around. I asked the surgical nurse about this at Loyola. She said they can get pretty roough with people, but don't have much choice trying to move around dead weight is hard work.
Anyway, hope everyone is doing better and enjoying the weekend.

Take care,
Bill
Posted 8/23/2009 12:36 PM (GMT 0)
I spoke to my doctor about having a cocktail when I was in Hawaii and he told me that it would be fine. So I guess next week I will do a trial run just to see how it works out. So that would put me as 4 weeks and 3 days after surgery being able to have a cocktail for those who are counting the days.

Have a great day,
Im off to go show some homes in Clear Lake....
Cheryl
Posted 8/23/2009 1:27 PM (GMT 0)
Surfer

I am so glad to read your feeling better and a trip to Hawaii ...Whooooooo Hoooooooooo for you.  There are so many wonderful members here that have gone before you and they all come here and support each other. I think this forum is the best.
 
mariacarole

I am so hapy to know you are progressing through your post op time well. Are you working on your "Wrap Rap" yet.  We will have to follow your lead. I think fall is coming as the temp is only 54 this morning in Minnesota.  :-)

Blessings to both of you and keep on getting better each day.

Hugs

Kitt


 

Posted 8/23/2009 5:59 PM (GMT 0)
Kitt, Thanks for the kind words and encouragement.  You always have something positive and welcoming to everyone.  It is greatly appreciated.  This is such a positive group.  Thanks to all! Surfer Girl- Enjoy your time in Hawaii.  The rest of us can day dream of Hawaii while we recuperate.

mariacarole

Posted 8/24/2009 1:35 PM (GMT 0)
Whats A Wrap-Rap??????
Posted 8/24/2009 8:31 PM (GMT 0)
Surfergirl- Just kidding- Like a Rap song about the Wrap surgery.  Hope you are feeling well today and getting ready for your big trip.  Have a great time on the beach.

Mariacarole

Posted 8/25/2009 2:10 AM (GMT 0)
OOOOHHHHH...got it...duh
Posted 8/25/2009 4:41 PM (GMT 0)
Its nice to read this thread and see what I should expect out of the next few weeks. I'm at 15 days out now and have noticed a bit of improvement in the last day or so. I feel less inflimated and my bowels are "wakeing up". So you can guess how anxious I am to get to where you ladys are now.

I dont know when I go back to work. Since I work construction, I think they want to give me extra time to heal before Igo and bust a stitch. My Surgeon asked to see me in 45 days so I guess he will release me then.

I lived in Denton, TX for 3 years, 20 minutes south of OK border and I can tell you the state rivelry there is crazy! Growing up in So. Cal the only rivelry around me was with Illigal Imigrants..LOL!

Surfergirl, have a good time on your trip. I still think you are over doing it but it seems like you are the kind of person that is filled with life and lives to go 100MPH.

Have a good day!
Rafael
Posted 8/25/2009 9:03 PM (GMT 0)
Rafael, Funny how many people from Texas are on this.  Yes, the rivalry is great especially football.  You know they say that in Texas(and Okla) "They teach ball and play school".  Pretty funny.  I have an uncle who lived in Denison which is also near the border.  He taught Spanish at the Jr college by Denison and Sherman.  When his wife died he became a priest and is now in Dallas, I think.  He is a pretty well-known figure in Texas and has always worked with immigrants.  Anyway, I hope your healing is progressing.  I went back to work this week and even though it isn't very physical, I am very tired.  Of course I am 62 which also figures in to the equation.  So I guess it is just go to work and rest the remainder of the day.  How exciting. This forum has been so helpful because it lets you know that you are not alone and that your symptoms are normal.  It also helps you see the proverbial "Light at the end of the tunnel"  (In a good way!) Sounds like you are being very practical and wise about your recovery. Tomorrow is 5 weeks  for me and it is kind of day by day. Some days are good and then some are not so great.  But a general steady progress.  I hope your progress continues at a good pace. 

Mariacarole

Posted 8/25/2009 9:56 PM (GMT 0)

Cheryl,

I am glad you are headed out on a great holiday.  Just remember no limbo dancing on the beach.  nono While you are soaking up the rays you can write the first line of our Wrap Rap tune smilewinkgrin

Hello to all and it really does sound like this group is making grand progress.

Wishing you the best,

Kitt
Posted 8/26/2009 1:29 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks so much for all of your support. I did speak to my doctor today and asked about the tanning bed. I was told that it would be fine, but to cover up surgery areas with tape if the area is exposed so the scars wont get darker. You are right about over doing it. I left the house at 7:30 and just got home. Its 8:30 pm houston time. Lets see today I closed on 2 deals, had a corporate meeting, went and showed my listing and then helped my son out with some groceries for his new apt. Yes I am TIRED!!!!!! But I am feeling sooooo much better. Just cant eat much at a time. And don't want to try bread again for a loooong time. But everything else I can eat. I even had 1/2 an enchilada and a bit of rice and beans...no acid reflux...woo-hoo. Before i would have been bloated and miserable from the reflux. But it seems like I am indeed cured. Hope it lasts forever......
Take care...8 days til paradise!!!!!!!!!!
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