Some Post-op Questions

[Jnfinney 513]

Hi all. I had surgery Monday 3/15. I’ve been quite a bit more sore than I had anticipated (not sure what the heck I was expecting 😂). But I do have a couple of questions.

1. I’ve noticed my eyesight gets blurry when I try reading things. For example, reading things off my phone my eyes go blurry and last night I was writing a couple checks out and had a heck of a time seeing what I was writing. I have been taking dilaudid at night before I go to bed and the internet says that temporary visual impairment is a side effect of dilaudid. Does anyone else have experience with this?
2. My dietician and surgeon said I could start drinking skim milk 3-4 days post op and wait about a week to resume Protein Drinks. I’ve basically been living off of Water and pedialyte and the thought of drinking milk right now seems extremely unappealing, but I know my body needs the calories and Protein. How did you all handle getting calories and protein in so quickly after surgery?

[catwoman7 10,846]

I started drinking Protein Shakes right away (in fact, they gave me those in the hospital) - but I'd do whatever your clinic is telling you. Hydration is the most important thing the first few days after surgery.

[Creekimp13 5,838]

I'm stunned your clinic has you on dilaudid at home.

Like catwoman, my clinic had me drinking protien shake on day 2 before I went home to make sure I could tolerate it....which I did, with no issues. Focus was on fluids. Diet sports drinks, sugar free Jello, broth, coffee, tea, Water, and protien shakes.

[ChubRub 1,696]

I was also on Dilaudid for a few days after surgery. I didn't notice blurred vision then, but did notice it about 2 weeks later when I went back to work, looking at computer screens, etc. Once I started my Vitamins, it went away.

As for getting in calories and Protein right away....don't worry about it! It's pretty much impossible to make your protein goals in the beginning. My nurse told me not to even think about it in the beginning. Once you are on solid foods you can start working on it.

Hope you are feeling well! Good luck!!

[ChubRub 1,696]

2 hours ago, Creekimp13 said:

I'm stunned your clinic has you on dilaudid at home.

I was on Dilaudid too. Pill form, not the IV like I had in the hospital! I'm allergic to morphine, so had dilaudid after my c-sections too. IV in the hospital, then pills to take at home for a few days.