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Post by Taterweight on Jan 20, 2014 22:34:04 GMT -5
Now I should have been a boyscout (if only they'd have let me in!) coz my motto is always to Be Prepared!
Carp!
Really wasn't prepared to change up my surgery date, but I've been moved up from Feb 12th to Feb 3rd. So, $640 in plane ticket changes, car rental, and hotel stay later, DEEP BREATH, all good! I'm ready, I've got almost all my stuff put together, my man child goes back to his dorm tonight and is out of my fridge. (!!) UPS will arrive this week with all my fun stuff like dry D3, vit A, comfort wipe stick. (Who says I don't know how to party?!?!?) Husband is taking it all in stride.
Mini freak out over. I still have a week and a half to liquefy my diet and boost my vitamin numbers and iron. (And have my last carby meal of Lomein with filet mignon - I LOVED you Ling and Louie's!!!!)
OK, I got this!
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Post by Leonie on Jan 20, 2014 23:26:12 GMT -5
Enjoy these last few days! The sooner the better! Sorry about the extra cost.
After our pre-op consultation, Dr K said we should go eat out. Day before surgery liquid diet included milkshakes, and he was not talking about the protein kind. Gotta love the man.
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Post by goodkel on Jan 21, 2014 0:06:26 GMT -5
Sorry for the financial bite, but congratulations! Sooner is better than later. Less time to sweat the small stuff. You've got to be excited! You are going to have an incredible year!
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Post by Mariposa(Heather) on Jan 21, 2014 1:34:02 GMT -5
Aww, I was really hoping to meet you on the 10th! To bad about the additional cost. That is not easy especially after having to come up with the program fee! I say go out and enjoy some great meals as often as possible before your surgery! At 4 weeks out I still don't have much interest in food but I do remember how great it was!
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Post by Girlrocker on Jan 21, 2014 9:43:07 GMT -5
WOW, talk about off to the races! Well my girl, you are well prepared and on top of things and, handling all this so well. I/we've got your back and I look forward to meeting you and hubby. California is waiting for you with warm temps and open arms!
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Post by deedee484 on Jan 21, 2014 16:02:22 GMT -5
Wow CONGRATS to you!! Sounds like you are all ready to go! Wishing you the BEST!! Enjoy sunny CA and time with Sharyl! She was such a huge help to us while there!! Good luck sweetie!!
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Post by tina9999 on Jan 21, 2014 16:03:39 GMT -5
Congrats on the revised date! Good you can be flexible.
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Post by Taterweight on Jan 29, 2014 19:06:36 GMT -5
So one more day before I leave for LA. I've had a really crappy week and thankfully my dear husband has been my rock and keeps me off the ledge. Bags are almost packed...I wrenched my knee a month ago and can hardly walk more than 10 minutes without collapsing....AF's unexpected "visit" is almost done...and I have been on a self-imposed liquid diet this week thanks to either a flu bug or nerves. Have been calm and excited up to this week - now I'm a weeping nervous wreck. I'm leaving my son behind to tend the dogs - first time I've not taken him with us on a trip, so I'll miss him. I have no worries really about not making it, or dying on the table -- that's in Gods hands as far as I'm concerned -- but I am afraid for the unknown of this new life. Am I going to be able to take these vitamins without nausea and feeling like I have an ulcer the rest of my days? Am I going to be wearing depends? Am I just going to be trading one miserable fat life for a different miserable thinner one? I'll be fine, I'm sure, just the thoughts racing through my head at the eleventh hour. So if you're a pre-op and feeling this way too, know you're not alone! But! All that said, I am good to go. Have Unjury unflavored powder, Unjury chicken protein powder, different single serve types of proteins. Flushable wipes and comfort wipe stick, crystal light, loose comfy clothes, lightweight robe, slip on shoes, liquid Tylenol, my meds, etc. I'm looking forward to leaving the gray snowy cold of Idaho for sunny warm California. Bought first class tickets so I wouldn't have to squeeze into a plane seat after surgery on the way home. Friday will be traveling and having my consult with Dr. Keshishian for the first time and then to get admitted to the hospital. Saturday will be driving around getting some sight seeing done. Sunday will be Super Bowl! (Oh, and bowel prep ) Then Monday is the big day! Anyways, sorry if I come off as sad or depressed. I'm good! Just wanted to record my feelings as I make my way to the bench with you all!
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Post by Girlrocker on Jan 29, 2014 19:53:34 GMT -5
Aw, you have nothing to apologize for, truly! Everyone goes through pre-op jitters/freak/___________ (that's fill in the blank). Tears are so normal, wondering what post-op life will really be like, a little beating yourself up you're a mom, you're traveling for surgery, nothing about this isn't a big deal. I've said, I cried the whole night before my revision and the whole morning, including as I was wheeled in, to the extent they said, somewhat alarmed, 'honey, are you ok, have you changed your mind' and me blubbering away, cap on my head, compression stockings, IV'ed wailed "nooooooo, I still want to be fixed" You are really grounded and doing well overall, and you've planned, got it together. All you will need to do while you're hear is sip, walk, rest, repeat. You won't have to worry about vitamins just yet, and when you start, mutli and calcium citrate are just fine. There's really nothing, including pain-meds, that you can't get in chewable and liquid form to ease your way. I think its great you'll have a couple of days here to settle, be away from the chill and go into surgery in a good headspace of preparation. You know I'm here if you want to talk/meet up in person and a contact for you and your husband. You can do this!
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Post by Deleted on Jan 29, 2014 20:34:17 GMT -5
;)Congratulations Tater! You will be one of us frea...........I mean darksiders in a few short days.
Seriously, I am sorry about the extra cost but you are going to do well, and you are going to love your DS.
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Post by fullhousemom on Jan 29, 2014 22:43:02 GMT -5
Such an exciting time for you! You are well prepared and will do great!
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Post by Taterweight on Feb 5, 2014 2:11:16 GMT -5
So am finishing up day two post op. I spent a long time in recovery and intibated because I wasn't breathing on my own. A side effect of the CPap, we get used to it doing all the work for us. Eventually my instincts kicked in and I fought off that stupid tube. I was given broth and sf jello last night. I also asked for ice chips. That worked well, ice chips) portioning out those little sips we must take, so I never had a problem the first day.
Day two and I was feeling great. Was able to get up and do two laps at a time around the nurses station every 4 hours, Dr K was liking my progress. Then I get a slight fever around 5pm. Dr k removed my binder and I felt like my inerds were exposed and discombobulated. I figured I had just gotten too cocky, was over doing it. So I climbed back into bed, which hurt. So this is where I am now...laying in bed, sipping on iced tea, wishing this gas pain would subside. Not sure if I can handle this pain in a hotel room for the next week. Feeling a little overwhelmed at the moment.
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Post by Mariposa(Heather) on Feb 5, 2014 3:54:06 GMT -5
Awww, the first few days are so tough! You can do it! You are lucky that you will have your husband to care for you while you are at the hotel. I'm sure he will do everything possible to make sure you are comfortable. Meanwhile, can you get something more effective for your pain? I bet you will feel less overwhelmed if your not in so much pain. You are doing great!
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Post by Girlrocker on Feb 5, 2014 5:06:08 GMT -5
Ohhh, that feeling of being in the hospital and just feeling like crap, so far from home, of course you're overwhelmed. Don't leave the hospital until you feel truly ready, let them take care of you. These first few days really are tough, as your body works through everything it had to be prepped for in surgery. Hopefully you'll get some relief from the gas by days 3-5, walking will help that, gas-x. Hang in there, and keep posting as you need!
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TLady
Junior Member
Posts: 89
Surgery Type: DS
Surgery Date: Original DS: 1/07/09 // Revised to Hess Method DS: 1/29/14
Surgeon: Dr. Steven Simper & Dr. Ara Keshishian
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Post by TLady on Feb 5, 2014 14:48:22 GMT -5
I also felt the worst on day 2, both times. I think things will get better from here. However, if they don't, speak up to the nurse/Dr. K.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 5, 2014 15:02:29 GMT -5
As Sharyl said, stay in the hospital as long as you need. They can give you better pain meds there and you have the security of having somebody around if you need medical attention and it is nice to have somebody taking car of you.
Hang in there, it does get better and yeah, day 2 was really hard for me. I felt like I hadn't even had surgery on day 1.
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Post by PrettyGirlBounce on Feb 5, 2014 15:35:22 GMT -5
Hang in there Tater!!! If your pain feels a bit (or a lot) out of control, ask to speak with the charge nurse. Explain how you are feeling and tell him/her that you would like to discuss your pain management options and optimal pain med schedule. Often, there are other medications ordered (so they are in their system) and available to you upon request. Ask for a list of all meds ordered by Dr K and available. My close friend is a NICU nurse and explained this to me before my revision. On day 2-3, my pain was GAWDawful and I remembered what she had said. Once I had a list, we were able to come up with a suitable new schedule, alternating narcotic and non-narcotic pain medications so I was getting a little something more frequently and working it into/around my sleep/nap schedule. I can't tell you what a difference it made. I felt my pain was WAY more in control within 24 hours. Just a suggestion since it really helped me. I am so glad you are breathing on your own and up walking when possible. Take it easy though, okay? One more thing...(((HUGS)))!!!! ETA: As an example, I just remembered one of the things that helped was implementing a scheduled dose of benadryl. I did not know I even had it available. Now of course it is by NO means a pain reliever...but it sure did knock my ass out and allowed me to get more rest which helped everything as a whole. That may sound silly, but adding it to my night time dose of meds not only helped me fall asleep faster but stay asleep longer. Mid-day, it helped with a nap.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 5, 2014 15:59:40 GMT -5
Hang in there Tater!!! If your pain feels a bit (or a lot) out of control, ask to speak with the charge nurse. Explain how you are feeling and tell him/her that you would like to discuss your pain management options and optimal pain med schedule. Often, there are other medications ordered (so they are in their system) and available to you upon request. Ask for a list of all meds ordered by Dr K and available. My close friend is a NICU nurse and explained this to me before my revision. On day 2-3, my pain was GAWDawful and I remembered what she had said. Once I had a list, we were able to come up with a suitable new schedule, alternating narcotic and non-narcotic pain medications so I was getting a little something more frequently and working it into/around my sleep/nap schedule. I can't tell you what a difference it made. I felt my pain was WAY more in control within 24 hours. Just a suggestion since it really helped me. I am so glad you are breathing on your own and up walking when possible. Take it easy though, okay? One more thing...(((HUGS)))!!!! ETA: As an example, I just remembered one of the things that helped was implementing a scheduled dose of benadryl. I did not know I even had it available. Now of course it is by NO means a pain reliever...but it sure did knock my ass out and allowed me to get more rest which helped everything as a whole. That may sound silly, but adding it to my night time dose of meds not only helped me fall asleep faster but stay asleep longer. Mid-day, it helped with a nap. Benadryl is also a great drug for nausea. We learned that when Cameron was going through Chemo.
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Post by PrettyGirlBounce on Feb 5, 2014 16:34:00 GMT -5
^^^ True story, Scott! I forgot about that too...thanks for chiming in.
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Post by Taterweight on Feb 9, 2014 3:31:26 GMT -5
Let me see if I can sum up the past couple of days; pain, never comfortable, sipping, walking, exhaustion. The days just drug by in the hospital. It was loud and noisy during the day with food carts and such clanging down the halls, floor polishers, you name it. I had some absolutely fantastic cna's though that my dear husband asked to help me bathe, and do my hair. Something I would have never asked for in a million years but he somehow knew I needed to desperately feel human. I was released Friday morning since Thursday at midnight I finally pooped! Dear God, why did you give me a sleepy bowel?!?! And now I'm going every hour... Today, Saturday, is my first human day. I have coordinated my mess of meds and foods into a schedule...at the hospital it seemed like every hour they were giving me something I've never heard of before. So every six hours I now take phenergan, 2 Tylenol, and a hydrocodone. At 6am and 6pm I also add in a bactrim antibiotic horse pill. The hydrocodone is for innerd pains, the Tylenol seems to help me sleep and works on inflammation pains and aches. Food wise I am drinking mainly bottled water - can't get enough of the stuff. Have no taste for crystal light, drank mostly iced tea in the hospital, and definitely like everything ice cold. Have had sf Popsicles - half of one a day, and have had at least one serving of 30 g's protein a day that I force down. Had a chocolate chike drink today, yesterday was Unjury chicken broth, so trying to rotate flavours. One huge regret -- I use a Cpap, and while brought it with me, did not bring the humidifier half thinking I would conserve space. Ugh! I feel like a dried out husk after sleeping an hour so getting measurable sleep is a challenge with keeping hydrated. Incision pain is minimal. Have just mainly the drain spots that are clearing up quickly with the protein intake. Cannot sleep but for one sitting position. I'm normally a side sleeper and that is impossible right now. Not from outside wounds, but the internal ones. Roll over and it feels like a separate 300 lb mass just rolled on top of you. No bueno. Sorry this is long - had a few days to catch up for. Thank you Sharyl, for angeling my husband! You've been invaluable! Thanks to the rest of you guys for the help too! The charge nurse idea helped a lot! Goodnight.
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Post by Leonie on Feb 9, 2014 7:29:57 GMT -5
Hello and biiiiig hugs!
Are you at the Comfort Inn? I managed to sit on the deck chairs by the pool. You really must try the egg drop soup at the Panda place next door. I ordered it with extra shrimp as my first food. Could not stop sipping.
Ask reception for a humidifier for the room. We can rent them at our local pharmacies. Dr K might even be able to organise you one.
Soon you will be jogging around the block, for now, just kick the block back under the bed when you are done.
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Post by Mariposa(Heather) on Feb 9, 2014 9:13:52 GMT -5
What type of CPAP machine do you have? I have a Philips Respironics REMSTAR AUTO A-flex with a System one heated humidifier that I could leave at Dr. K's office for you tomorrow. I know the odds are slim that we have the same one but I thought I would check just in case.
I can almost say that it is unused but I wore it for 0.4 seconds before I decided that I would never wear it again. My doctor was surprised that they sold me one because I barely had any issue. I'm not surprised they sold me one, it was like walking into a twisted car dealership, they were so pushy, telling me that I could die and such.
Anyway, you will get thru this! I can sympathize about how much it just suuuuuuucks right now.
I love Leonie's idea about the reclining pool chair! I wonder if they would let you bring it into your room?
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Post by Deleted on Feb 9, 2014 9:33:35 GMT -5
Hey Tater, sounds like you are doing great. No other way to say it but the first week really sucks and getting as much of that gas out as possible makes it better, but sounds like are doing great on liquids and protein.
Regarding getting the gas out, one thing somebody told me really helped. On your bed get on your hands and knees and lift your butt up as much as you can while keeping your head and feet on the mattress. It really does help to work the gas out, and that gas as I am sure you are experiencing causes shoulder/abdominal/chest pain.
BTW and this is JMO, but I didn't take any pain meds when I got home because it is very normal to be constipated/not have a BM from the anesthesia affects (for up to a week) and hydrocodone will make it worse. It was easy for me to quit because oral pain meds do absolutely nothing for me, and being able to poop was much more pain relieving. I always felt bloated and like my abdomen was full.
BTW, don't worry about vitamins for awhile (I think I started with one a day at maybe 3 weeks and then worked up). Liquids are what you really need first, then protein and everything else comes better. As I was told do not let anything get in the way of your hydration and if you do start struggling with hydration, do not hesitate to go to the ER for a bag of fluids. Remember the 30/60/90 goal for protein (30 g at 30 days, 60 at 60 and then up to 90 at 90) if you get freaked about not getting in enough (you will not have any problems from not getting much protein early on). If you ramp up faster that is great, but if not, it is no big deal.
Anyway, like I said it sounds like you really are doing great so hang in there and keep on keeping on.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 9, 2014 9:38:42 GMT -5
What type of CPAP machine do you have? I have a Philips Respironics REMSTAR AUTO A-flex with a System one heated humidifier that I could leave at Dr. K's office for you tomorrow. I know the odds are slim that we have the same one but I thought I would check just in case. I can almost say that it is unused but I wore it for 0.4 seconds before I decided that I would never wear it again. My doctor was surprised that they sold me one because I barely had any issue. I'm not surprised they sold me one, it was like walking into a twisted car dealership, they were so pushy, telling me that I could die and such. Anyway, you will get thru this! I can sympathize about how much it just suuuuuuucks right now. I love Leonie's idea about the reclining pool chair! I wonder if they would let you bring it into your room? I haven't worn my BiPap since surgery. I brought it with me to the hospital but I couldn't have worn it because I was moving from chair to bed too much and it would have hurt my throat and IMO increased gas from all the air blowing in. It was easy for me because a CPAP or BiPAP never made me feel like I was getting any sleep anyway. I always got more rest without.
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Post by Girlrocker on Feb 9, 2014 10:14:12 GMT -5
Hey, great to hear from you and not too long at all. You're soldiering through this first week, and it will be a relief to get it behind you. Glad you felt up to posting and sharing your progress, challenges so far. I am forever impressed with the people who travel here for surgery and all you go through so far away from home and familiar surroundings. Recliners really are the best, and if I hadn't lived in a studio at the time of my surgery I would have rented one. I couldn't sleep on my side either, and even though I had an open incision, same, it wasn't the incision but my inside healing. I wore my binder 24/7, even when I slep because it was the only way I felt like had an structure or support. I know you moved from the Comfort Inn to the Extended Stay, any good reclining chairs at the pool, or pharmacy close by where you rent a humidifier. I wish I owned one, if I did I'd run it over to you. I would be more inclined to call the hospital than Dr. K's office for a humidifer, see if they have something you can use, or renting one from the nearest pharmacy. I was dry too, and it's very dry here in Los Angeles, we deal with a desert climate. I don't have experience with a cpap. Your husband is mighty impressive, he knew to ask for help to fix your hair? Omg. He could write the textbook on a caring, supportive spouse who wants to be informed, and of course the daily texts included updates about passing gas and pooping He even said that he would like to see more inforamtion for spouses/supporters of surgery patients, so they are better prepared. And I agree it's a great idea, I'm going to create a sticky thread (permanent resource) with this idea. Dedicated to both of you. Hang in there girl, you're almost through the very worst, nothing quite like the first week post op...thankfully!
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Post by melanie74 on Feb 9, 2014 12:29:32 GMT -5
I had to stay in a hotel for 10 days post op and rented a lift recliner from a medical equipment store - made sooooo much difference for me!!!
You're doing great on liquids and protein and meds! Hope you're able to get the humidifier and some better sleep soon!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 9, 2014 12:33:14 GMT -5
I feel for any of you who had to stay in a hotel. That would be so hard.
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Post by Taterweight on Feb 9, 2014 16:57:30 GMT -5
Thanks Heather for the offer - but alas, mine is a resmed, not a Phillips. You are a dear to offer though! I'll be back home in 4 days so will just soldier through till then. Looks like I won't be able to cross paths with you tomorrow in the hall, either, but I wish you well for your flight and check up! You are my role model! Can't believe you can hop on a plane and buzz around LA for a check up in a day. Just the thought of getting to the airport at 4am Thursday, going through security, then clenching my arse for the 2 - 2hr segments home just sounds near impossible. As for the idea of traveling for surgery - oh my....1) there is NO WAY I could have done this without a handicapped room. 2) there is NO WAY I could have done this without my husband. I think of all the folks that have come, in just these past couple months, and didn't have a support person with them -- my heart goes out to them! 3) At my size of 400 lbs, I am so glad is was able to fly first class for the extra room, plus the second you are seated they start serving you drinks, so I know I will have some nice ice water the whole way home to keep me hydrating.
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Post by goodkel on Feb 12, 2014 4:41:09 GMT -5
Even if you feel that you can walk, be sure to use the wheelchair assistance at the airport. It will make getting through security and to the gate so much easier. Be sure to use the airport bathroom before each flight.
Don't even think of clenching. The minute you realize that you have to go, start making your way to the bathroom.
Enjoy your last day in L.A., you'll be home before you know it.
And what a thoughtful offer Heather!
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Post by deedee484 on Feb 12, 2014 20:36:26 GMT -5
So glad you are doing well and able to go home! That's when I started really healing...once I got home! Lots of great advice here! Like Kel said def use the wheelchair services at the airport. I almost didn't (because we had to wait for one) but was sooo thankful we did by the time I got on the plane. good luck dear!
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