WLS, Dehydration, and Fibromyalgia

Question from a member: "Do you have FM? If so, how has it affected your recovery?"

Answer from Fibro Diva: Yes I have Fibromyalgia. The first week post op my Fibro pain went through the roof. I went from a baseline of pain at about 4 to post op pain of 10. I was taking pain medicine 4-6 times a day. 2 weeks post op pain level went down to 6 and pain meds went to 2 times a day. Now that I am four weeks post op my Fibro pain is back to 5 and I am only take pain meds 1 time every other day.

I did end up in the emergency room, that's why it has taken reply. The reason, I can't stomach the protein shakes and I was taking my anti-nausea meds incorrectly so I got to the point that I could not drink anything and became severely dehydrated. They pumped me full of IV fluids and anti-nausea meds and now I am back to business.

Just like with Fibromyalgia, everyone's experiences will be different. If you have not already spoken to your own FM doctor, do so as soon as possible and ask for liquid forms of all your FM medicines. If your FM is not under control before surgery, it will get even worse afterwards so work on getting and keeping it under control.

Finally, talk to your surgeon and the anesthesiologist pre-op. Emphasize to them that you have Fibromyalgia which may impede your recovery via increased pain. My surgical team at Little Company of May Hospital in Evergreen Park, IL has had lots of experience with people with Fibro so they made sure to address possible triggering issues such as plenty of warm blankets, postioning of IV arm for anesthesia, and frequency of post op pain meds.

I hope this was helpful

Fibro Diva