citizenk9
Junior Member
Posts: 99
Surgery Type: DS
Surgery Date: 10/13/2009
Surgeon: Dr, John Rabkin, San Francisco, CA
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Post by citizenk9 on Oct 31, 2014 9:42:37 GMT -5
I don’t know if I’m being paranoid or what. I just have no idea what is normal after this type of event and surgery. I have only had a few hours of pain relief since getting out of surgery. It’s when they added an extra dose of pain meds on top of my pain pump. I guess because I had almost no pain in my stomach during my DS that I’m concerned. I think I may have just gotten lucky and stayed ahead of the pain during that laparoscopic, virgin procedure where this one was open. My back hurt with both surgeries since I am a stomach sleeper and hours on the table do a number on me. I told them in the hospital that I was in pain but they treated me as if it was normal. It has decreased, albeit slightly, over time.
I don’t know how sensitive the repairs are. Getting up and down was quite a battle in the hospital. Of course I needed to engage my core muscles, which is right where my surgery was. Could one push too hard undo everything? Everyone looked at my stomach and no one seemed to think anything was wrong. I feel like I have swelling in that area and a small bubble at the top of my incision. This began in the hospital. It isn’t worse or better since getting home.
I didn’t progress to soft foods until I came home. I was instructed not to eat anything that you need a knife to cut. If I can eat/cut it with a fork or spoon it was ok. Surprisingly I have had an appetite and no problem finding things to eat. I was told to avoid nausea and vomiting and not to eat everything at once. Liquids and foods have not given me any troubles. I had very small amounts of scrambled eggs, fake crab with mayo, a few protein shakes, and yogurt until last night. I had some wonton soup. It was so good so I ate about 4-5 wontons and broth. A few minutes later I started having the same pain in my stomach that I had prior to surgery in the exact same spot.
Of course the very thought of having another surgery gives me absolute panic attack (NYB – not sure HOW you did 2 surgeries in 2 days – OMG!!!). Could the pain just be from being swollen/sore inside where the repairs are? I was instructed to follow up with my PCP in 2 weeks and Dr. Rabkin in 4 weeks. I still have a lot of gas coasting around my insides and FINALLY had my first bowel movement last night before I ate the wonton soup. As I write this I guess my pain is getting better. I just had a burning bowel movement but I’m sure all the stuff pumped into me will make it abnormal for at least a little while. I am afraid to eat anything with texture now. I’ll probably stick to the yogurt and protein shakes again today. I keep trying to remind myself that I just had major surgery 5 days ago and that all of this is normal pain and healing. I’m so traumatized by it though that the thought of another surgery or complication scares the crap out of me. I worried about no gas or bowel movements in the hospital and Dr. Rabkin would just smile and me and tell me not to worry. Since then those have resolved. Will the pain after eating resolve, too?!
I would love to hear in detail how everyone who had a bowel obstruction healed. I know I need to call Rabkin’s office but I think it’s also important to hear from people who experienced this surgery and how they recovered. If I could say exactly what is going on inside my head it would sound like this (don’t judge) “I’m a big baby, I hate pain, I hate that I had to have surgery, I want someone to hold my hand and do medical tests to make sure I’m normal. I want guarantees. I want my pain to go away. I want another CT scan to make sure I’m fixed inside. I want to be in denial. I never want to go to a hospital ever again so if that CT scan can come to my house and be done I’d feel better. I don’t want Dr Rabkin or people on the board to think I’m crazy, over exaggerating, yell at me or tell me to go to the hospital. I will absolutely hate myself and hate my life if I f&^%ed up this surgery by something I did. Did I %&^% up my last one and that’s why I’m in this situation? I wish my mom didn’t die 3 years ago because I can’t imagine going thru this or anything else without her wisdom, guidance, phone calls and her soothing voice. I want to cry but I’m afraid I won’t stop.” Thanks again for listening.
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Post by newyorkbitch on Oct 31, 2014 10:09:24 GMT -5
Take it reallllly slow and easy on the eating. Lots of soup, soft stuff, poached eggs, etc. Eat a little at one time, eat every couple of hours. Rest. Drink water.
I think your pain is normal. You have an open incision, and your guts were manipulated big time. It hurts a lot. Just take it easy, be careful when you move up and down, in and out of bed and chairs. Walk around a lot.
What pain meds are you taking and how much? Are you in a lot of pain even when you don't move?
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shawnern
Junior Member
Posts: 52
Surgery Date: November 24,2014
Surgeon: Michael Kendrick MD
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Post by shawnern on Oct 31, 2014 10:11:42 GMT -5
Your not a big baby, you just had a huge surgery. You should call your surgical team. They may need to change or increase your pain meds. Do you have an ice pack on your incision? They do help. Don't worry about calling your team, it happens all the time. As a RN, I would be upset that you didn't call and were in pain. I hope you feel better
Shawn
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Post by Melinda on Oct 31, 2014 10:24:30 GMT -5
Oh honey - you're stressed and recovering. It's normal. I'd be anxious and upset, too. I also get it about your Mom. I lost my Mom 14 months ago and she was a daily part of my life. It's a huge, horrible hole without having her to talk over every little and big thing in my life. I get it - and it makes this so much harder right now. Your body has been through trauma. It's recovering and all the bodily functions are coming back. It will hurt and ache. You're easing into eating with nice soft things like you should. Keep up on the fluids and stay on top of the pain meds. What did they give you for pain? Don't wait for the pain to get too intense to take them, take them on schedule. Be gentle with yourself. Try to nap when you're able. You are not crazy and you did not @#$!* up your surgery. You just need time. Hang in there.
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Post by jpcello on Oct 31, 2014 13:02:35 GMT -5
Just like when you had the DS, you need to take a deep breath and slow down. You're going to be fine. The pain will continue to get better as your insides start to heal. Also, if you feel you want to call the doctor - if you think something might be wrong (or not), don't hesitate -- call the doctor immediately. We're here to support you but your medical team is taking care of you. Melinda's right about the pain meds - don't wait until you're in pain to take them. Stay on schedule. Hang in there - heed NYB's advice - we know she gives good advice
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Post by OnMyWay2Thin on Oct 31, 2014 13:05:18 GMT -5
I can't add anything to this discussion but wanted to let you know I'm praying for you. I honestly think the mental was worse for me than the DS physically. I remember thinking much like you. No experience with obstructions but I'm sending healing thoughts...
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citizenk9
Junior Member
Posts: 99
Surgery Type: DS
Surgery Date: 10/13/2009
Surgeon: Dr, John Rabkin, San Francisco, CA
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Post by citizenk9 on Oct 31, 2014 14:15:59 GMT -5
With everyone's awesome support I think I am over my first breakdown officially. It really helped to get everything off my chest instead of sugar coating it or worrying what anyone would think. Post surgical thinking is understandably dramatic. Thank you for your love and support. I'm feeling better. I took a long hot shower, put on my favorite casual dress from Maui, lotions, deodorant, brushed my teeth and made my husband pick up my recovery area.
I promise to pay it forward. Maybe I'll be the queen of bowel obstructions around here! :0 It's easy to forget how emotional it is to have surgery so I'll remember to be gentle in my thoughts when people can't remember all their pre-op instructions or overreact to small stuff. What a great group we have!
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Post by bboop on Oct 31, 2014 18:17:23 GMT -5
I just wanted to chime in. You are in the healing process and it's sometimes bad and sometimes you feel ok. That's part of it. You did good by showering and slathering lotion and stuff all over yourself...makes you feel better, doesn't it? Continue to take care of yourself. Be gentle with yourself. You just had major surgery and good grief, did you think you would get up and run a race? No, I didn't think so. :0 Listen, stay away from the fake crab...at least the fake crab I've seen has a lot of carbs and so do the wontons. The wontons probably gave you a healthy dose of gas - I know they would give me gas...so avoid them. Just sip on the broth. Drink fluids and stay with soft food for now...you can progress as you feel like it but I would't overtax my guts with anything that has carbs right now. You are really doing well considering what you just went through. Hang in there sweetie, you are getting better each day.
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Post by jpcello on Nov 1, 2014 5:29:05 GMT -5
Listen, stay away from the fake crab...at least the fake crab I've seen has a lot of carbs and so do the wontons. The wontons probably gave you a healthy dose of gas - I know they would give me gas...so avoid them. Just sip on the broth. Drink fluids and stay with soft food for now...you can progress as you feel like it but I would't overtax my guts with anything that has carbs right now. Agree 100% about the wontons and your carb intake. Try egg drop soup instead. Just like when you had your DS, your guts have been through the ringer and need time to heal. Hopefully your recovery will be quick and you will progress nicely, but in the meantime, back to basics. Make sure you also stay hydrated. Here's to a speedy recovery.
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citizenk9
Junior Member
Posts: 99
Surgery Type: DS
Surgery Date: 10/13/2009
Surgeon: Dr, John Rabkin, San Francisco, CA
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Post by citizenk9 on Nov 1, 2014 11:30:55 GMT -5
You guys are soooo spot on about not eating carbs. I thought since I got Flagyl in the hospital I might reap the benefits of no gas. Wrong! I also don't normally get gassy from carbs. I had horrible gas last night which is worse than the incision pain. I'm going to focus on greek yogurt, protein shakes and broths. Thank you again for great advice!
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Post by Leonie on Nov 3, 2014 15:57:57 GMT -5
You are doing very well. Everything about the surgery was traumatic. I think you need to find your way through all the stages of grief, and that is perfectly ok.
I think that what you had was actually much more than the virgin DS. There was a lot of slicing and dicing going on for three hours. So surrender to the healing and let your body set the pace.
I am now quite recovered from a massive hernia repair and Tummy Tuck nine weeks ago. The surgery was also nearly three hours, and they had to go back the next day to clean up a bleed and try to find the cause. By day 5 I was still sending blank messages and barely turning on my computer. I only got discharged on day 5. The difference is that I had very little pain if I held still. Sometimes movement or gas would have me gasping for breath, but mostly I was ok. Yet it took me eight weeks to feel really normal again.
Surgery isn't for sissies. and you are being a super hero.
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Post by illinids2 on Nov 3, 2014 19:01:42 GMT -5
Listen, stay away from the fake crab...at least the fake crab I've seen has a lot of carbs and so do the wontons. The wontons probably gave you a healthy dose of gas - I know they would give me gas...so avoid them. Just sip on the broth. Drink fluids and stay with soft food for now...you can progress as you feel like it but I would't overtax my guts with anything that has carbs right now. Agree 100% about the wontons and your carb intake. Try egg drop soup instead. Just like when you had your DS, your guts have been through the ringer and need time to heal. Hopefully your recovery will be quick and you will progress nicely, but in the meantime, back to basics. Make sure you also stay hydrated. Here's to a speedy recovery. gotta be honest in that I eat the cream cheese portion of crab rangoons with no issues but the egg drop soup at most places seems to have a thickener in it and I can't eat much of it (ymmv) and I have a feeling there are more carbs in many egg drop soups than meets the eye. That being said, if it works do it. BTW I am a month out from my hernia repai/blockage surgeryv and I am eating my second bowl of chili while I post (Italian sausage and ground beef..beans too). I was able to eat normally almost immediately after surgery without any issyes. Luckily he was able to fix it laproscopically so my healing was minimal compared to an open procedure.
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Post by west4thavenue on Nov 3, 2014 20:49:28 GMT -5
Hang in there, honey. It's going to keep on getting better. You've certainly been through a battle.
<<HUGS>>
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Post by jpcello on Nov 4, 2014 6:26:01 GMT -5
Try egg drop soup instead. J gotta be honest in that I eat the cream cheese portion of crab rangoons with no issues but the egg drop soup at most places seems to have a thickener in it and I can't eat much of it (ymmv) and I have a feeling there are more carbs in many egg drop soups than meets the eye. That being said, if it works do it. Good point about the egg drop soup thickeners.
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Post by illinids2 on Nov 4, 2014 14:25:30 GMT -5
And I hope you are feeling better every day. Hang in there and get some much needed rest. I came back to work at least two weeks too earlu snd really wish I had listened to the surgeon's team. Don't make my mistake and rush back too soon.
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Post by songbird177 on Nov 7, 2014 13:04:51 GMT -5
Are you sleeping in a recliner? That helped me. It's an emotional journey . I'm still experiencing issues from mine but my situation was different. Big hugs. You can do this!
For me it was a complete turn around . Before my obstruction I felt fine and healthy and thought I'd never feel that disabled feeling like I did when I was SMO but then this happened and played with my emotions . But you have to remember you are strong and a fighter - but most of all this is only temporary and soon you'll be back into your normal and forget just how bad you're feeling now, almost like it never happened.
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mcp2k
New Member
Posts: 1
Surgery Type: DS
Surgery Date: March 8, 2000
Surgeon: Dr. Gary Anthone
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Post by mcp2k on Nov 15, 2014 16:59:20 GMT -5
Been where you are. Had misdiagnosed bowel obstruction in 2005. Was very lucky and was airlifted to Dr. Kaufman at USCUH, who saved my life. But you will have pain for quite a while. make sure you are hydrated so you don't have to push when you potty, and eat clean. Stick to the post surgery diet from DS and that helps a lot. Take it easy when getting up and accept help, even if you don't want to. Just a warning: you might have to have additional hernia surgery. I did. My case is unique to say the least, but just in case. And my last bit of advice is to trust your instincts. If you have a new pain and it doesn't feel right (you'll know what I mean when you have it) or just feeling not right, go to your doctor. Better safe than sorry.
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citizenk9
Junior Member
Posts: 99
Surgery Type: DS
Surgery Date: 10/13/2009
Surgeon: Dr, John Rabkin, San Francisco, CA
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Post by citizenk9 on Nov 15, 2014 20:43:06 GMT -5
Been where you are. Had misdiagnosed bowel obstruction in 2005. Was very lucky and was airlifted to Dr. Kaufman at USCUH, who saved my life. But you will have pain for quite a while. make sure you are hydrated so you don't have to push when you potty, and eat clean. Stick to the post surgery diet from DS and that helps a lot. Take it easy when getting up and accept help, even if you don't want to. Just a warning: you might have to have additional hernia surgery. I did. My case is unique to say the least, but just in case. And my last bit of advice is to trust your instincts. If you have a new pain and it doesn't feel right (you'll know what I mean when you have it) or just feeling not right, go to your doctor. Better safe than sorry. Thank you for sharing your experience. Tomorrow will be 3 weeks since surgery and I'm still having problems in the same area. I spoke with Dr Rabkin over the phone about a week ago and he wasn't concerned because I wasn't having a fever or vomiting. I still have a really sensitive area just at the top of the incision. My PCP looked at it on Wednesday but I realize that I was lying down when he examined me and I think whatever it is retreats when I'm flat. I should have had him feel it when I'm standing up. I swear it feels like a hernia and when I touch that spot it not only hurts but it feels like I'm pushing a button that makes me want to vomit. I still can't wear underwear or pants for more than a few minutes because the pressure on my stomach hurts. Does that sound normal after 3 weeks? I have 3 weeks until I have to go back to work and I'm pretty sure they won't want me to go naked.
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