Hi, I was just wondering if anyone could tell me how soon they allowed you to have ice chips or Water after surgery? I have had quite a few surgeries, and never fail to have the worst possible dry mouth afterwards, and can barely speak because my mouth and throat get so dry.

Any input would be greatly appreciated. This is probably the biggest thing I am worried about. Surgery doesn't scare me, dry mouth does. LOL

Ice chips as soon as I arrived on the ward (2:30pm) and a clear fluid tray the evening...

I am post op day 3 good luck!

I wasn't allowed anything until the day after surgery. I was also given the mouth swabs and some watered down myth was solution. It did help though. The next morning I was taken down for my swallow test then I was able to have pretty much any clear liquid I wanteD. It wasn't too bad.

I had to wait 4 HOURS! I was freaking out, they finally gave me cotton swabs that are suppose to moisten your mouth which barely helped I was so relieved once I was able to drink water (sip) Just giving you my experience from the sound of it its not very common. GOOD LUCK

I got liquids the next day.

Yeah I talked to the RN, and I told her, I said if you expect me to talk after surgery you're going to have to allow me something ...ice chips, biotine, something. or I won't even be able to speak. I've had enough surgeries to know better. I swear the dry mouth is more horrible than the surgery or pain or anything else I have to endure.

But the RN told me my surgeon doesn't usually allow anything until the next day.

We'll just see about that. LOL I don't want to go against orders, but I have to be able to communicate with the staff, or we're going to have serious issues.