Hi everyone,

I'm new to VST so this is my first post on here. I had surgery last Thursday, May30 and boy has it kicked my butt! My husband had it down about a week and half before mine, and he was in no pain whatsoever. I, however, am still in loads of pain like someone is stabbing me on my sides and the middle of of my belly. I am having a horrible time even getting water down of th day and am SO extremely thirsty. Getting barely an of my protein shakes in either. I'm not hungry, but extremely thirsty and I'm scared I'm not getting what I am supposed to get. Doctor said to drink room tempurature water, so I guess I will try that! Any other suggestions to get the horrible pain to go away would be wonderful!!

I was where you're at. My 1st 7 days it felt like an alien was trying to burst out of my chest. I ate about 1/2 sugar free popsicle each day and sipped on Crystal Light Lemonade. It all got better as the days passed. By day 9 I was almost normal and was back at work on day 10. Hang in there, it will get easier.

Sorry you're having a hard time right now. I couldn't get enough water or protein in the first few days either. I was too busy dozing, trying to get comfortable and trying to manage the pain, too. At that time, I called the doc about not getting enough protein in and my nut and PA said just keep trying to reach the goal and that they didn't really expect me to "get enough in" for a few weeks, just keep striving for the goal. It takes a while to get there. So, that put my mind at ease a bit as I struggled to sip, sip, sip. Don't be too hard on yourself this early out. Just do the best you can and sip, sip, sip. Things will get better with each passing day. If you're staying on top of your pain meds (taking as scheduled and not waiting for the pain to signal meds), and you're still in pain, then you might want to let your surgeon in on this matter. I'm a big advocate for asking for stronger pain meds when necessary.

Are you walking any? That helps with gas pain.

So sorry your having such issues, the first 4 weeks Are hard. Walk as much as you can, it really does help.

Call doctor.

My surgeon suggested 2 crushed pepcid several times a day. That has helped. ( I am one week out from surgery). The gas has been quite uncomfortable. Walking has, indeed, helped.

oh dear! I feel your pain. The first couple of days home I couldn't drink enough. I HAD to have gasx before drinking anything. My mom and kids were on stand by to 'burp' mom! Yes, they were my burpers. If it was to cold, i got a stomach cramp. Too warm, I got stomach cramps. I would barely sip, walk around the living room. Sip again, walk around the living room...... It does get easier. If you have any painkillers, take them and then drink....

Good luck.