I must admit, I wasn't prepared for the pain and "icky" feelings after surgery. I should have been, but I wasn't. I read so much about how it wasn't bad and it went great, that I lost sight of the fact that this was major surgery. (That being said, I don't think people were lying to me - everyone is different and pain levels are different.)

So, why am I writing? I think people need to know that it might be hard ... I was scared when I woke up. I wasn't planning on that much pain.

The pain on my lower right side (largest incision) was UNBELIEVABLE!!!!! The nurses did what they could to aleve the pain, but it didn't do much good. I was still in pain when I got to my hotel. The liquid medicine helped, but only about 2 to 3 hours and I couldn't take more until after 4 hours. The first night, I would literally scream every time I had to get out of the bed - the pain was that intense. I was thinking - "What have I done?" I had to prop pillows around me on bed and slightly lean to my left side to get any relief. By midnight, the bruising was scary. :ohmy:

By morning, all my bruises started to mesh together to make a massive bruise. I was so pretty - NOT! But, I was able to get out of bed with only medium pain. This was good. But, I was nauseous and still felt "icky" - I know that doesn't say much, but it's the best description I can come up with for the overall feeling. Pretty much walked, sipped, and laid in bed that day. Didn't want to watch TV, phone e-mail was a pain (my eyes didn't want to focus), so I talked a little and slept a little when I was in bed. Did I mention I kept an eye on the clock so I could time every four hours?

Day 2 post-op was better. Thinking I could drink like I had on Thursday, I took in 4 ounces of Protein shake in 30 minutes. Whoa Nellie! Not good - felt like a huge gas bubble in my chest and I was really woozy. Had an appointment with my surgeon for 9:30 so got up to get dressed. At my appointment, my heart rate was up, but temperature was fine. Once I got calmed down a bit, my heart rate went back done. No leak - YEAH! Surgeon encouraged more Water - need to stay hydrated!!!! That evening felt well - pushed pain meds to every 5 hours. Making progress.

Day 3 post-op - Travel Day. How was I ever going to sit up for the flight? How could I even travel from the car to the airport? But, I did it. We decided I should take Reglan 1 hour pre-flight since I was having nausea issues with movement. Got to the ticket counter and almost passed out standing that long. Maybe the Reglan wasn't such a good idea??? Got on the plane - no pillows. Borrowed a jacket and stuffed it around me so I could sit comfortably. Yeah. I might just make it. And, I DID!!!! Got home that evening and saw my husband and my kids. Great medicine. Unfortunately, we didn't explain things well to my 8-year old. He thought I was coming home skinny so I think I disappointed him a bit! :biggrin2:

Day 4 Post Op - What's this? I sorta feel like me again. Terrible pain in my shoulder (tight muscle due to the way I am sleeping???), but decide to go with Liquid Tylenol all day. I feel good. Am I back? Got in a whole Protein Shake - took 2 hours, but I did it. Friends came over with homemade chicken Soup. They had "de-ingrediented" for me so I had rich broth to drink for a week.

Today is Day 5 Post Op - I'm getting a bit bored. I think I'm back. Just have soreness in abdomen and that pain in my shoulder (feeling better, my husband has been rubbing it for me and I am using a heating pad).

So, yes, recovery sucks, but thankfully, it's quick. :cool0:

Edited February 1, 201016 yr by MINI-Me

I just had surgery on Monday and had none of those symptoms you are having the hospital was very attentive in giving pain medication and it working well. Where did you go for your surgery?

I just had surgery on Monday and had none of those symptoms you are having the hospital was very attentive in giving pain medication and it working well. Where did you go for your surgery?

I had my surgery in Vegas. They were very attentive as well. I think it was just me - I don't do well with pain. And, my body wanted to let me know that I had done something MAJOR! :sad0:

My surgery was at prestonwood surgery center in Plano tx the nurse don he was the absolute best. Now I have a little nausea bit sure what to do w it

I liken this whole experience to pregnancy and child birth. Everyone's experience is a little different. Some people have very little pain and nausea, others have a bunch of either or both. Like child birth, I think once it is over and we are so happy with the results, we tend to forget the hard parts and focus on the wonderful. Just my two cents.

Thank you so much for posting this. I too liken it to childbirth and I had natural childbirth and NO pain whatsoever. I told that to a friend who wound up being in labor for 2 days and eventually had a cesarean...I vowed to never share MY experience again.

THANKS AGAIN. I'm getting more anxious to find out how I will feel and GEESH just can't wait to get it over with already.

Be strong, be patient and you will get through...God love and bless you Mini...

Be strong, be patient and you will get through...God love and bless you Mini...

Thanks, I am doing MUCH better. Even went to a movie last night with my husband and friends. (Extraordinary Measures - VERY GOOD)

Today I am feeling a little weak and shaky. Not sure why. Felt great yesterday, but maybe I overdid it. Taking it slow and easy today.

I feel much better too! Every day gets easier. I ventured to the grocery store today and that took it all out of me. Time for a nap! Nice to know I still have several days off work to rest up.