Orchids&Dragons

Major surgery sucks the life out of you. Ok, there are a few people who sail through it, but plenty of others have a really rough, exhausting time. Just be kind to yourself, work on getting your fluids, and rest a lot. Hope you feel better soon, it does get easier, I promise!

Sometimes you've just gotta get it out of your system. But, my goodness, you were enthusiastic! Hope you feel better soon.

It would be terrible if these complications interfered with your trip. Greece is so beautiful!

You can take the rest, but not my Taco Bell! I love their tacos, my absolute favorite!

Congrats! Very inspiring!

I pay attention to waiters names and always address them by name. Sometimes they're totally taken aback..

That varies a lot by doctor. At 9 days I think you're pretty much out of luck.

Good luck, you'll do great. You're so well prepared! 1-It is very hard to remember. When I set my timer to avoid drinking, I'd put a napkin over my glass (becasue I ALWAYS have a glass) so that I wouldn't forget. I personally wouldn't bother practicing sipping. You'll figure that one out pretty quick. 2-Yep, the headaches are a bear. But once you're over the caffeine withdrawal, most of the programs allow decaf coffee after the surgery. 3- My tastes have not changed at all, that I've noticed. However, I have to eat my food much less spicy than before because acid reflux has my esophagus very irritiated. Spicy foods burn all the way down now But hopefully, that will improve. 4-Plan for a variety of foods at the different stages. For liquids have shakes, protein waters, broths, SF popsicles, herbal tea, decaf coffee, etc. Because this stuff gets old fast. It also helps because sometimes people tolerate one temperature better than another. Also, in the beginning, don't stress over the protein. Focus on your fluids! 4b-Have an ice pack in the freezer and a heating pad handy. Different people prefer different ones, but they do help. Hope this helps and that all goes well!

Sending prayers and (hugs) your way.

"Nics a$$" - might get him slapped "Nice jeans" gets a pass

Happened to one of my cousins after major surgery. Her stick straight hair became curly.

Call the doc, it could be a multitude of things, some are bad.

Why? Are you in a lot of pain? Do you have a physical job?

I'm so glad that you finally got someone who'd listen! Sometimes doctors forget that they tend to treat the "average", but nearly all of us fall on one side or the other of "average". So just because strictures don't "normally" occur until 6 weeks, he didn't even consider the possibility. UGH! You're just a super-fast stricture developer. Yeah, you! NOT!

Wow, you're kissing up to 100#! Congrats, you look great!

I did the same thing with wonton soup. I didn't consider it a cheat at all!

Kidney stones are common if you don't get enough fluids. Have you been doing ok with that? Otherwise, good luck, I hope the doc can help you out.

I'm praying that there are no more hiccups between now and your surgery, my friend!

Your husband must be a bigamist! I'm married to the same guy!

Thank you! And I'll pray that you make your goal by 11/1!

That's a good approach. Especially if he doesn't compliment others, either. Maybe he just didn't grow up hearing a lot of compliments and just thinks they're "fluff". He might think differently once he realizes how nice it is to receive them. Good luck!

Thanks, Ash. I feel like that too, or actually more like you're my "other" daughter Btw, has your husband gotten better at compliments?

Wow, that sounds dreadful. I hope they figure out the problem soon so you can feel better.

I totally get you on this. I think we've all got a double-dip of self-loathing & regret that we need to work through. I was fortunate, though. I often got compliments on my clothes (I love bright colors/patterns) or my nail polish, or my Day of the dead facepaint for Halloween, or whatever. Maybe it's a Southern thing?

Bummer