newly wrapped- 11/05- what's happening

Hi Ruby,

Welcome to the club! I am on post-op day 8 today. I returned to work and it wore me out! But I have to get back to the grind sometime. I have found that milk and water are really the only drinks that my tummy likes. I tried those vitamin water drinks, but it felt like they irritated my stomach. I continue to have the left shoulder pain, but it really started to show improvement around day 5-6. And yes, my tummy is very noisy and I have gurggling sounds coming out of my mouth. Pretty funny at work today since they are hard to control lol! Make sure you are only drinking recommended drinks and not drinking too much too fast or with a straw. Also, try not to drink too much when you eat. Glad to meet you! Keep us updated!

Newly

My stomach couldn't handle the milk products when I was recovering. It seemed I became lactose intolerant during my recovery.
My stomach was noisy for months afterwards.

Hi there Ruby! I am also on day 8 from Nissen surgery.

Try drinking slowly - and make sure all drinks are room temp, uncarbonated, and caffeine free. Like newlywrapped, my tummy wont tolerate any liquids that are exotic. I'm sticking to aloe verra juice, water with mineral oil in it, smart water, 1% milk with whey protein in it, and watered down apple juice. All of it needs to be lukewarm to avoid the spasms - at least in my case.
Also, get yourself some gas-x strips (I'm eating about 1/2 a box a day.) They really help the stomach gas thing!

The pain in your shoulder is from trapped gas they put into your torso during surgery.

Walking helps this, and I'm also getting relief from the menthol pain patches you can get at any drug store.
Mostly though, you need to be walking. I've yet to find any other relief for it that REALLY slows it down for a while.
If I dont walk for a couple of hours, the pain comes back - but like newlywrapped said - it's not as bad after day 5.

Both my tummy and newlywrapped's tummy make lots of noise too - we've talked about it.
I assume that's normal since I've read that others also experienced it.

I'm not really on any kind of solids yet though newlywrapped has been trying soups and things.....that part as well as tolerance for dairy seems to vary for each of us.

Hang in there! You are not alone! : )

Cat

I love milk, too. I can have it in small amounts now, but I have to be careful and not overdo it.

On the protein shakes, if you are not drinking alot of water, be careful not to get too much protein. I am drinking the shakes too but only with 1/2 scoop and 8 oz. of milk. If you get too much protein and not enough water, it can damage your kidneys. I was having spasms with too cold of water, like Cat was, but that seems to have subsided. Go with the lukewarm for now...much better! I don't think your surgery is messed up. Just drink water all day...little sips at a time. No gulping it down! That has been a hard habit for me to break since I was used to drinking water constantly before surgery to help with the reflux and nasty taste in my mouth and throat.

Daisy - call the doc and get a script for the nicotine patch honey.
I was a heavy smoker, tapered down to half a pack a day before I went into the hospital - it was the best I could do.
They put a patch on me in the hospital and I took an electronic cigarette with me as well - that worked just fine.
I got the lowest dose of nicotine they sell - it satisfies my urge to inhale and exhale - I know you know what I mean.
You change the patch every day - be sure to switch sides!

I still drink water all day - but I do it in small sips and I keep it room temperature.
I feel all dried up if I dont drink enough water..... and since I'm still really just on liquids I do at least 2 shakes a day and one dose of liquid vitamins. The aloe verra juice soothes everything - I make sure I drink 16 oz of it every day.

It's such a shame that they didnt tell you how to care for yourself after surgery - but you've come to the right place! The people here are great and they'll help you with everything you need to know! I couldnt have gotten through this without them! : )

Ask any question, bring up absolutely ANY concern you may have!!!!

Cat

Denise: *blushes* lol


Ruby...yoo hoo..... where are you? Let us know how you're doing! : )

Cat