1Bumblebee

Okay...its 11:48 on the 9th and I'm doing great. Im typing using my cell phone so it'll probably be tomorrow when i am done. For someone who hasnt had so much as stitches or pregnancies, i must say that this surgery was not so bad. The day didnt start off as planned. My mother-in-law had a stroke yesterday so i told my husband that he needed to go and stay with her. I cried most the day (behind closed doors) because i was so scared and i really wanted him to be with me. I ended up coming to the conclusion that this was the way it was meant to be and went with my backup plan...my brother and his girlfriend. Madigan Army Hospital at Fort Lewis Washington gave me the best experience for what was a very nerve racking experience. So far the entire staff who has worked with me have been so kind and caring. I give them an A+. I guess my attempt to disguise my fears once i was wheeled into the surgery room didnt work. The angel of a surgical nurse very nonchalantly placed her hand in mine so i could hold her hand. With no words i could see in her eyes that she was going to take care of me. Next i woke up in the recovery room. The worst of it was the pain in my chest. I was immediately given something for the pain. Next was the nausea. I was given a tube that was aroma therapeutic which after many deep breaths took that feeling away. Then my brother and his angel of a girlfriend were there cracking jokes and making me laugh. The pain that i was experiencing at this time was what others mentioned (like the day after doing 100 situps). The incision that was worse than that was on the left side where i think they removed the cut away stomach. My advice here is to not try to be tough. Every chance you can, push the button for your pain meds. Thats what i did and there was not so much discomfort. After reading so many threads from this web site, i knew how important it was to walk so i did. The nurse said that i was one of the first people she knew to walk so soon after surgery. Just to keep it in perspective, im 5'8" and started this process at 298 day of surgery 267. After a very short walk, back to bed it was and back came the nausea. The aroma therapy helped again. I've walked 3 more times since then each time going a bit farther. My problem has been the shakes from not eating. I havent had anything to eat since noon on the 8th and nothing to drink since 10:00 pm on the 8th. Again thanks to VST i knew about how thirsty i would be after surgery so i tried to drink as much Water before my cutoff time. Walking does help you feel better overall. Nausea a few more times (only after walking) but not so bad. I found that when i was walking, i had some discomfort on my left side incisions when trying to take a deep breath. I solved that problem by stretching very slightly when in bed. Also anytime i had to make a big move, i put slight pressure on my left side incisions while doing so. Again, so far...not so bad (and i started out scared to death). My next challenge is going to be tomorrow (EATING and DRINKING). Will keep you posted. As for my mother-in-law... she was admitted and i made sure my husband stayed with her. My surgery was done 5 hours away from home and i am doing fine.

Thanks suite bliss for asking this question. I am on day 4 and tomorrow I'm going on full liquids. I am already struggling. It doesn't help that my brother and his girlfriend have all sorts of junk food around the house. I'm stuck at his house for another 2 weeks...the most difficult time. Everyone else who replied I can't thank you enough. I hope I can get to the stage of being supportive like you folks are.

Thanks for the prayers. Sorry I didn't get back to you all sooner. My cell phone died. I came home yesterday (to my brothers) and was settling in. MIL doing fine. Husband is too. I just need a little more recuperation time so I can handle the 5 hour drive home.

Thanks you guys. Yes I am taking Prilosec once a day. Sorry I'm still groggy on pain meds. Hoping pain from largest incision to go away so I can stop with the pain meds.

Hey kbs1010. Your day is coming up. Will keep you and all other 3/15ers in my prayers. I hope your surgeries go as easily as mine did. Right now I'm just scared of doing anything that could damage it.. Following doc's advise to the t.

Thanks Dooter. When did you have your surgery? Also when you were at full liquids how much could you eat. I was able to eat a full sf jello cup last night. Does that sound about right. I read that some people eat 4-5 bites then they are full yet I was able to eat a full jello cup.

I had my surgey on the 9th and I feel the same way. I am still on Clear liquids and will start full liquids tomorrow. Still have the gas pockets rolling around and they mostly settle in my chest. Did you have that problem? If so, how long did they last.

Katyb, it sounds that you are military. I know the Air Force has a family support office at all bases with all sorts of resources to help family members out. Not sure what branch of service you are in but maybe they have something similar to help you out. Also, whether you are enlisted or officer, there are also spouses groups that might be able to help. I know it wont give you the independence you want but it's better to play it safe and don't risk potentially damaging your new stomach. Good luck...I hope it all goes smoothly for you.

3 days to surgery and I'm sure as everyone else, I am excited, scared, stressed, lacking sleep, haven't gotten to pooping my pants yet. Please share how you felt so I know if I'm normal or not.

Thanks folks. Just had my preop tests, blood draw, chest X-ray, meeting with anesthesiologist. I'm going in waves. One minute I'm fine next I'm up in the air. Whew! I'm so glad to have all of you to help me through. By the way....told the anestesiologist that I was anxious. He said to let them know the day of the surgery and they would give me something for that. I asked if they could giv emu husband some too. Lol. He's more worried than I am poor guy.

Thx Enerfina. I needed that. Wish my surgery date would get here and over with so I can move on to healing both my mind and body.

Wow!!!

What a hoot. I'm 3 days out and I' totally get it.

Im starting to get more excited than scared. Took measurements and pictures today. That was the exact reality check i needed.

No preop diet. I have been maintaining 1200 - 1500 calories. Am going to start liquid diet today. Woke up this morning having doubts but im not backing out. Just feeling stressed trying to keep my husband and brother from worrying. Im driving 5 hours across the state today to get to fort lewis where im having the surgery. I'll check back in with you all tonight.

So glad to have all this info. Thank you all for sharing.

I haven't had my surgery yet but my fast eating has been a concern. I was told to get a timer to help me but it has seemed impossible to eat an egg and 1 piece of toast in more than 10 minutes or so. I'm also a water guzzeller. How does it effect those of you who have had surgery?

Krista, you are absolutely beautiful. Thank you for sharing.