samcl1

My pain wasn't bad from the surgery, but the positioning during surgery was hell on my herniated disks....I used my meds for that.

I'm taking 3 weeks. I'm 9 days post op and I can't imagine going back any sooner. But everyone is different physically and financially. .if I could afford more, I'd take it.

I'm 9 days post op and have not been able to make the 64 oz goal. I do the best I can but if I start feeling like "if I drink one more ounce, I'm going to vomit" I quit. My surgeon said he would rather I be a little dry from not drinking enough instead of from vomiting. "Avoid vomiting"...ok, I'll sure try. Lol

I'm 9 days post op, I had the "reluctant support" of my grown children They were concerned because with me " there are always complications ". I'm happy to so "so far, no complications ", I've had a couple of "what have I done" moments, but then I think long term. It's hard, your body goes through a lot, this isn't a simple little surgery even if it is laprascopic! Take your pain meds, this is not the time to be a martyr. Getting the fluids have been the hardest thing for me so far. I haven't made the 64 oz goal once yet. I try, but I start getting nauseous if I try to force it. But, I don't feel or look like I'm getting dehydrated. ( I'm a nurse, and know what to look for).. I'm just now starting to feel hungry and all the Christmas dinners going on are hard, going to one tonight with my liquid protein... I had not told anyone I work with what I was having till my last night at work because I was afraid of negative comments. I was overcome with emotion when I told my co-workers and they were so supportive. Saying "what do you need from us" "we're here for you". You have to do it for you. If you get support its great, but you know what??? Even if you don't, you be your own support system because in the final analysis it's your body and you have to do what is best for you. No one else lives in your skin. Hang in there.

I live just south of Olympia n tumwater. The drive to Seattle was the only downfall

Dr.Sung did my surgery on Dec 15th. I can't say enough good about him and his whole team! The nurses at Swedish first hill were all superb as well. I have been a nurse for 35 years and I am very hard to please I have absolutely no complaints. I was treated with compassion and respect throughout the whole process. The first day home I was called twice to make sure I was ok. Still sore but otherwise I feel great.

I had mine on the 15th, overall doing very well Having bit of trouble getting in all those liquids. But at 4 days post op, I'm pretty convinced I did the right thing. Still on pain meds. Dr.s office called me twice yesterday to make sure I'm ok. I love, love, love my surgeon and his whole team. Hospital staff were wonderful as well.

I was very pleased with the level of care I received at swedish first jill

Waiting to be called back for surgery. Seems like I'd never get to this point. No nerves this morning

Two more days.....

I my experience the doctor has given orders for "up to" X am trying of pain med and when you reach that, you're done. Nurses don't usually withhold pain meds. The charge nurse in your case may have been able to talk the Doc into more. But that's not the norm. Charge nurses are not always the most experienced either. There are lots of more experienced nurses that just don't take charge anymore because we don't want the headaches.

0 is none, 10 is curling up in a ball crying.....the worst pain you can imagine. I'm a nurse and it just kills me when people are chatting on their phones or with visitors and they say their pain is a 10....no its not. If it's uncomfortable enough to need pain med but you can function 3-5 is a good answer. If you can't move well it's a 6 or so. If you feel like your abdomen is split open it may be a 10. Everyone is different in how they feel and handle pain. I prefer the "a little, a lot, a hell of a lot" scale...but that's just me

I've been a nurse for 35 years and unfortunately the trend i have seen is that post operative pain is very under-rated these days. I'm having my bypass in 9 days and I have a horrible back with multiple bulging disks and spinal stenosis, I am dreading the surgery more because of the way I'll be positioned on my back for the surgery which will cause me a lot of pain later, than I am the actual surgery That's undertreated. Not underrated. ....autocorrect.

I am a nurse. My surgery is scheduled for dec 15. My surgeon only oks fmla for 3 weeks. Unless there are complications.

I should add, I'm scared to death and excited all at the same time Is that normal??

Dec 15 for me. Have had some bumps in the road pushing my date back ( new grand baby on the other side of the country was a good bump) . I'm doing the liver shrinking diet right now. Counting down the days. Nervous. Where are you having yours done. Mine is in Seattle. Good luck to you!

Great!!! Glad to hear it

Gill123.....how are you doing now? I hope you are having progress

I would be interested, I live in Olympia, how far is that from you?

I really appreciate the encouragement, thank you

I think I am going to ask for at least 6-8 weeks off

I appreciate all the advise

Problem is, we did have a friend die of complications from a bypass. Had to get my oldest daughter past that. But it's been a long time ago.

You all make me feel better, last night I was fighting with a little 175# guy with Alzheimer's and he just about whipped me, I can't imagine doing that a couple of weeks post op

Maybe flights with a couple if stops and longer layovers this time would be a good idea.