I'm 5 days out from my surgery. Everything went perfect during surgery. After surgery I struggled with severe pain, and continue to do so. I stayed in the hospital for 4 days and then begged to go home... I now regret that. I am weak, exhausted and in pain. The painkillers give me moments of peace but barely. I am struggling through drinking fluids, protein, and cream of wheat. Every swallow results in a sharp, almost unbearable pain that shoots through my chest. I walk a tiny bit and need to sit down. My headache is going on 3 straight days.

I thought this entire process would be smooth and easy for me. I'm healthy with no co-morbidities, young, and not extremely overweight. This is something I thought about and committed to for 6 months, and it feels so disappointing now. I'm losing weight...12 pounds in the past 5 days, but I feel like complete crap. Please tell me it gets better! Am I doing something wrong? Suggestions?

first week only clear fluids to my understanding....i think the cream of wheat is too heavy....talk to your doctor....

Try taking smaller sips? It should not be causing you pain. . Definitely consult your doc or your NUT. I'm only 2 weeks out and I've pretty much lived on the premade Pure Protein shakes and a Greek yogurt. Only time I get pain is if I drink to fast or too big of a sip.

It gets better but the cream of wheat may be too much stay with your protein shakes n liquids right now. Sip very slow n small amounts a lot of patience involved. Get ahold of your pain before hand take them when its time. Try water first to stay hydrated n keep your headache away.. Make sure you are comfortable.

It does get better, I promise! I had to stay in the hospital for 3 nights as I was in a lot of pain and had nausea for the first 2 days. Once I got home, I struggled for maybe the first week and then felt a whole lot better. By the time, I went back to work, 3 weeks later, I felt liek my old self again. Just give yourself some time, sip slowly all day long and get up and walk throughout the day.