I've made it to the other side!

Hi amandapanda,
You're not kidding! How thoughtful of him! I'm glad you started your own thread. It'll be easier for your questions and comments to be seen and responded to. Nausea is a common post-surgical complaint. Your stomach has been through a lot, and will take some time to calm down.

Also, sometimes the narcotic pain relievers you come home with can be very hard on your stomach. You might want to switch to liquid Tylenol (extra strength) as soon as you can. Many take liquid Motrin, but the Tylenol is a bit easier on your stomach, as long as it takes care of your pain. It worked fine for me. I have a very reactive stomach, and Tylenol is all I'd even attempt.

Baby steps are just right. If you can surrender to your recovery, and follow it where it takes you, you'll have a much easier recovery. Those who struggle against what is, find it much more difficult. Let your body take the lead, and you will do just fine.

Good luck!
Denise

Did the doctor give you an anti-nausea medication? If not call him and tell him you need some right away. Don't want to throw up and tear something. :(

Yep my doctor gave me some zofran. It really really helped me last night when i was trying to sleep.

I'm glad he did that, especially since nausea was the main reason why I had to stay an extra night in the hospital. I wasn't eating too well and my nausea was intense, but since I've been home it has subsided a lot. I think that I can contribute a lot of the nausea I have now to my hydrocodone. I've been trying my best to stay on top of when I take my medications, eating every 2-3 hours (not too much, just little things like cream of wheat, pudding, plain yogurt, apple juice, etc) and stopping when I know I'm full. I think that's the hardest part of recovery, especially when I could eat A LOT before in just one sitting.

Post Edited (amandapanda82) : 4/2/2011 11:44:45 AM (GMT-6)

Hi amandapanda,

Yes, drink lots of water! Drink as much as you can tolerate. I've heard it recommended that you don't drink with your meals, as it fills your stomach more, but drinking water is recommended.

Before long, you'll be wanting to drink some water or tea when you begin eating a bigger variety of foods. At times you will need the liquids to help facilitate swallowing.

Drinking water is important for your healing body. Just don't add ice...drink it closer to room temperature, as really cold water can cause spasms.

To this day, water tends to back up a a bit at the wrap site. I can feel it gathering, and then draining through. Still, I'm a huge water drinker, and it doesn't bother me in the least.

Happy Healing!
Denise

UGH IS THIS NORMAL!?!?! I'm so emotional today I can barely stand it. I've lost 8 pounds in 8 days (I'm eating every 2-3 hours) and am crying at the drop of a hat. I'm usually pretty hormonal this time of the month anyway but this time it seems 10 times worse. Could it be because of the lack of food? I hate subjecting my husband to me like this...

Thanks Joy! I actually am proud of myself because I had a (EXTREMELY well chewed) cupcake this afternoon with no problems. With the exception of some air bubbles in my esophagus I have to fight through and a painful shoulder (my surgeon thinks its because of my diaphragm being inflamed and putting pressure on a nerve-makes sense to me I guess) I'm doing good physically. And not too many heartburn issues either....just the lack of food messing with me mentally. I kinda miss being able to eat as fast as I normally do-but no heartburn is SO worth it!!!

I hope you guys all know how much I appreciate your support and advice--it's made my journey so much easier!

Just an update: I had my first post-op appointment with my surgeon today and he gave me the okay to eat ground meat (minus hamburgers, of course) if I want to! He said that I get the jist of everything...as long as I chew really really well and eat slowly then that's the main concept and there isn't much of a chance of getting anything stuck in the wrap. So chewing well is KEY! Also took me off of the reglan, but said if I have any more nausea I can take a dose if I need it. Figured that was a pretty good appointment considering I'm only 12 days post op.

Still am off work until next Thursday the 21st, which is probably a good thing. This lack of food makes me really really tired quickly. Plus I still have a weight restriction until the middle of May.

I'm not going to try too many foods too fast...still sticking to mostly soft or liquidy foods and not pushing anything too quick. So glad that this recovery is going MUCH better than I thought.

So just when I thought I was doing awesome...I took a little step backwards last night.

Started at about 7 p.m. I started to get nauseous, so I took a Zofran. Didn't help at all. Still was able to eat a little but by 10 p.m. the nausea still had not gone away, so I took another dose of Zofran, which still didn't help.

I know part of the reason why I'm nausea is probably because I'm constipated (I've been taking a fiber supplement and Miralax) but my surgeon also told me to stop the Reglan unless I get nauseous (I've taken that too). Is this normal? I guess I just feel like I've done so well and now this :(

Hi Amandapanda,

Try asking your PCP for anti nausea drugs. I agree...the Compazine is very effective. I use the suppositories, which are great when you're sick to your stomach. I came down with a very bad and sudden stomach bug. The Zofran didn't work as good as the Compazine.

Just explain your predicament and why it's important for you to avoid vomiting at all cost to protect your wrap. Your PCP may very well give you a script. That's where I got mine.

Good Luck!
Denise

Hi amandapanda,
So sorry to hear that! I suggest that you go back to your surgeon and press the issue. Best wishes!
Denise

Hey everyone! So I go back to work tomorrow and for some reason I'm really nervous. I have walk around work a lot so I'm scared that I will run out of energy and won't be able to keep up with everyone--but I will try my best anyway. I'm sure once I get through the first day things will be easier after that.

I have still had nausea & constipation issues, but the nausea is getting better and nothing I can't handle with meds. I still am going to ask the surgeon why he didn't give me Compazine at my next appointment though, unless it gets worse beforehand and I will continue to pester them.
Crossing my fingers for a great day at work tomorrow!

Denise,
Thanks for the encouraging words!!! I'm so glad I found this board because you guys have all helped me so much!

I will keep you updated on how things go at work!

Amanda