I want to thank you all for the well wishes. I am now four days post-op, and I'm feeling pretty well. It's so true what they say about not being hungry. I am forcing myself to get in the little bit that my body allows. It is so strange not being able to eat or drink like I normally would. It's like my body has an automatic shut off valve that says stop, that's it, and I just can't get anymore down.
The hospital experience was so much better than I expected. The only thing that would have been awesome to know in advance was that they required TWO IV ports. One was for fluids and medications, and the other was in case I needed blood. So... the part I feared the most was doubled. Other than that, I can't complain about a single thing. They made sure that I never even had a chance to feel much pain because they were on top of it.
Even now that I'm home, there is only a little bit of soreness. I'm not even taking the prescription painkillers. I have taken Extra Strength Tylenol a few times because I'm sore and a little stiff when I wake up in the morning. Be sure to do your coughing and breathing exercises because they do help so much.
I was a little freaked out because I gained weight in the hospital, but it's already almost gone. I'm told it's from being pumped full of fluids.
Anyway, now I'm on the other side and am so excited for this journey towards the new me. No regrets!