ttfulmer
Full Member
Posts: 177
Surgery Type: DS
Surgery Date: December 2013
Surgeon: Dr. K
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Post by ttfulmer on Dec 26, 2013 9:59:01 GMT -5
Hang in, take the good fight! Walk some than sip some. I am 13 days out and I am working on getting food and liquid down. I am only at one egg a day and 35 oz of water. My goal everyday is to up the numbers from the day before. We can do it. Hang in.
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Post by Girlrocker on Dec 26, 2013 11:36:31 GMT -5
WOW, I missed your date being pushed up too, well, now you're 'one of us'. I don't know if you've ever had major surgery before this, but I know my gastric bypass in 2002 was my first experience and I was so not having any clue about all the icky stuff that went on. This early post-op recovery time, especially the first couple of weeks are the hardest, and then you see it get gradually get better. It's a whole process of healing now, based on what was just done to your insides, you have to baby them. So these first few months, your job is to sip water to stay hydrated, hopefully around 48oz , drink whatever protein you can, 30g, walk, rest, and well that's it! While you're healing you might have to play around with the temperature of water (hot vs. cold) try different kinds of drinkable proteins, it's can be a bit of trial and error for awhile. The goal is to stay hydrated and get some kind of nutrition in, figure out what works. You'll do this again when you start working in more variety of soft foods. It eventually evens itself out - remember, this early time is not how it is big picture Ask, post all you need to see you through.
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katieahuf
Full Member
Adventure is out there!
Posts: 173
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Post by katieahuf on Dec 26, 2013 16:12:03 GMT -5
The nutritionist came up today, saying I'd been here six days which was a long time so she wanted to come up to make sure I understood the diet and was doing what I was supposed to be doing because I should be home by now.
I explained how my stomach was acting, how it was still swollen and if I follow their 8oz fluids, 2 oz of which are protein drinks, per hour I can force 2 oz of protein and 4 oz of liquid. That's the maximum. But the next hour, I would only be able to have 1oz of liquid and then the next hour, I will feel it sitting in my throat, i'm so full, so nauseous, so bloated, can't swallow anything at all and it is all going to come back up. My system is just moving sooo slooowly. Which I don't mind, but I feel like she didn't buy it.
She said "But, you're young."
I explained about my band and how I spent years with a swollen, sensitive stomach and how I wasn't expecting my tummy to react any differently to new trauma. I was expecting the swelling. I told her my surgery was pretty intensive with lots of scar tissue to remove and how I was letting my body take it's time to heal and that I wasn't going to rush to be where she thought I was supposed to be when my doctors and my body are telling me to take my time. She didn't have anything else to say. I am so frustrated, because I swear I am trying and I want to be a great DS'r. I want a speedy, typical recovery and I feel bad that I'm not where I'm "supposed to be". I also feel bad about needing IV pain meds this far out, I want to be off of them. But it just hurts and I can't trust my tummy with a bunch of pills yet.
Once I stopped crying and panicking that they were going to toss me out before I was ready and that I was failing as a DS'r, I decided to focus on just walking and getting 2 oz protein and 2 oz hydrating fluid per hour instead of trying to do the full 8 oz... Because that's just killing me.
Am I doing the right thing here? Should I keep trying to force the fluids in? I'm trying to listen to my body, but it's hard when other people just want you to hurry up and go home. I wanna go home too. But, I'm not ready and I'm scared.
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Post by hilary1617 on Dec 26, 2013 16:43:17 GMT -5
Katie,
You are a great DS'er and you are where you are "supposed to be". This is definitely not one size fits all recovery. Take your time. You are entitled to it.
You / your body know best what you can tolerate. Don't try to please others. This is one time where it is definitely all about *you* and others should be listening to you and catering to your needs.
Are they still pushing fluids on IV along with the pain meds? I'm not a medical professional, so check with one, but my guess is that you may not need to drink as much as someone not on an IV if they are pumping saline in through your IV. Is your urine frequent and nearly clear? Do what you can. Sip, don't chug. Don't hurry on account of others.
*You* are special. You have been through a lot. Now is your time to heal.
Best wishes, Hilary
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Post by kennyk on Dec 26, 2013 23:35:09 GMT -5
SCREW THE NUT! You will do great at your own pace. from what i know (very little) my body would do nothing that they told me it should do (like when they went to bring me eggs18 hours after my surgery) i thought i must be wrong and a wuss and I will probably starve etc... i did not want to leave till i could eat something. they explained the longer I was in the hospital the better the chance of getting an infection. i left. kenny
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Post by catecholamine on Dec 26, 2013 23:40:50 GMT -5
Just do your best - no one can expect more. You are doing very good in that you understand fluids are important. You probably have a lot of swelling. It's not your fault. Just keep sipping, you can do this.
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katieahuf
Full Member
Adventure is out there!
Posts: 173
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Post by katieahuf on Dec 28, 2013 13:18:11 GMT -5
I'm off of IV pain meds and nausea meds, IV is out and we're hoping it's for good. Tolerating fluids by mouth easily including watered down soy protein. ETA: I'm also tolerating my claritin, protonix and pain pills as well. Had a full shower today and am feeling absolutely wonderful. Energy and stamina isn't back to normal, but it is the best it has been so far. Dr. Sudan came to visit me today and wants one full day of no vomiting along with a good amount of fluids/protein by mouth before I can go home, and my check sheet is looking great today so maybe I'll be on my way tomorrow? Yaaaay.
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Post by newanatomy on Dec 28, 2013 14:12:41 GMT -5
Great news, Katie! I hope your recovery continues to sail.
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Post by brooklyngirl on Dec 28, 2013 15:41:23 GMT -5
I'm off of IV pain meds and nausea meds, IV is out and we're hoping it's for good. Tolerating fluids by mouth easily including watered down soy protein. ETA: I'm also tolerating my claritin, protonix and pain pills as well. Had a full shower today and am feeling absolutely wonderful. Energy and stamina isn't back to normal, but it is the best it has been so far. Dr. Sudan came to visit me today and wants one full day of no vomiting along with a good amount of fluids/protein by mouth before I can go home, and my check sheet is looking great today so maybe I'll be on my way tomorrow? Yaaaay. That's great! Don't worry about energy and/or stamina, it's totally normal to be low now. And don't let any NUTs/nurses/docs get you down. Many people that have revisions go home with a feeding tube because it's so difficult to get things down in the beginning when you guys had so much going on inside that needed to be repaired. Do what you can, if you push it, nothing will get accomplished when you vomit it all up. If you get dehydrated, just pop back in and get pumped back up with some IV fluids and head back home. It WILL get easier!
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katieahuf
Full Member
Adventure is out there!
Posts: 173
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Post by katieahuf on Dec 29, 2013 16:08:53 GMT -5
Hey guys, I'm home! Now that I'm in front of a computer, I went ahead and re-named the thread so y'all know what I'm doing here. The hour drive was pretty rough, but as soon as I got home the pain and nausea eased off on it's own. It's a little weird figuring out my schedule now that I'm not in a hospital room with constant reminders, but I'm getting sorted pretty quickly. I'm also quickly realizing what my limits are.. I gave my little Yorkie a bath and didn't have the energy to dry her off! Lol.
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Post by larra on Dec 29, 2013 16:31:15 GMT -5
Katie, fear not, you really are improving, and just walking into your own home must have felt awesome. Remember that with your prior history, you probably needed more work done and thus have more swelling of your sleeve than others might have, so it will take longer for the swelling to subside and for your sleeve to cooperate with you. but it WILL happen. Focus on staying hydrated and walking small distances frequently. Don't sweat the protein, your body has protein stores to tide you over. Drink whatever fluid works for you (not sugary or carbonated, of course) and eat little bits of soft food if you can. It will all fall into place, but it takes awhile.
Larra
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mistercy
Full Member
Posts: 228
Surgery Type: DS
Surgery Date: 03/26/2013
Surgeon: Mitchell Roslin
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Post by mistercy on Dec 29, 2013 16:45:48 GMT -5
Katie, you must have a wet, but very happy Yorkie who is glad you are home, as are all of us here! Welcome to the dark side. Take baby steps, things will improve, as well as having a few momentary setbacks - it is what happens. Don't panic! Things will get better! So glad you were able to get the surgery before the end of the year! What a great Christmas gift - the gift that keeps on giving (and losing)!
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Post by CVHarris on Dec 29, 2013 22:27:07 GMT -5
It takes time young or old do the best you can do and that's all you can do. I'm glad you were able to go home take your time rest and walk. just make sure that you stay hydrated you can do this you got it
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Post by MsVee on Dec 30, 2013 10:15:37 GMT -5
I am so glad you are home. You must be feeling better to bathe your dog. I wish you a speedy recovery and a happy and healthy New Year!
MsVee
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Post by Mariposa(Heather) on Dec 30, 2013 20:22:12 GMT -5
Whoo-hoo! Doesn't it feel great to be home? Hope you are feeling better every day.
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katieahuf
Full Member
Adventure is out there!
Posts: 173
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Post by katieahuf on Dec 30, 2013 23:58:52 GMT -5
Today was a good day, only needed pain medicine tonight and it's getting easier to wipe my butt. Sorry if that's TMI, but it's the little things, ya know? Sleeping in my own bed was heaven and I even slept on my stomach with only a little discomfort. But, I woke up late with my heart racing and walking is pretty difficult. I get out of breath a lot faster than normal and my heart races bad. This happened a lot in the hospital and they said it was normal, so I guess it's just part of the re-adjustment/healing phase? I got 48 oz of water/tea in and about 12-16 oz of protein, which I mixed a little thicker (1/2 scoop instead of 1/4) than I did yesterday and it all settled no problem. Honestly, it is quite easier to drink now than it was with my band before surgery. Funny, huh? Today was the first day I've experienced hunger for food. My momma had a frozen lasagna for lunch and I snuck a baby spoonful of sauce and it was the best thing I've ever put in my mouth, didn't burn my tummy either. I've tried chicken broth and it smelled like blueberry muffins and it tasted like shit, so savory isn't part of my diet yet and that little bit of sauce was niiice. I'm a little thrown by my bowels.. I expected to have some kind of bowel movements other than pure liquid with few soft pieces, but that's all that I've experienced so far. I tend to have one day with several potty trips followed by one with none, does this sound normal to y'all? Oh! I've also incorporated one centrum chewable multivitamin and it doesn't cause any issues and the orange flavour is actually pretty enjoyable since my diet is so bland. I think that's all I have to update for now, any comments on the bowels and heart racing would be cool! Thanks for reading.
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Post by newanatomy on Dec 31, 2013 0:31:06 GMT -5
I got nothin' on the questions, just wanted to say I am thrilled you are doing so well!
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Post by aflame on Dec 31, 2013 1:23:48 GMT -5
Katie, lovely to hear you're doing so well:)
I will also watch this space for comments on heart racing. I get palpitations too, but based on the tests done last, they seem benign. They tend not to go over 110-120. So, I was also wondering if a high heart rate would be something I'd deal with early post-op as well. I've had this problem in the past when I had surgery. It turned out fine, but it's just really disconcerting and makes my anxiety worse.
I hope it'll resolve for you soon, since it's a bit of a pain in the ass. Hopefully, the experienced members will comment.
All the best to you:)
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Post by PrettyGirlBounce on Dec 31, 2013 21:25:14 GMT -5
Katie - glad you are home! Are you still having the heart palpitations? Forgive me, I am late to the party here. I have been spending time with my teenage son while he's on break so I haven't been online at all the last week.
Anyhow, I wanted to tell you that the rapid heart rate can be caused by dehydration (among a ton of other things lol). Just keep an eye on it.
I'm super proud of you girly! Boo on that nasty band. I'm SO glad it's out of you. Take care sweetie.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Dec 31, 2013 21:29:14 GMT -5
Glad that you are doing so well! I second the palpitations from dehydration. Take the pain meds if you need them- please! Pain will interfere with healing.
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katieahuf
Full Member
Adventure is out there!
Posts: 173
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Post by katieahuf on Dec 31, 2013 21:54:40 GMT -5
Thanks, lovelies! I am still having lots of weakness, sweats and palpitations. I really do think it is dehydration related. They were giving me 1L of fluids every 8 hours until the day I left the hospital and now, I'm working my tail off, but I can't fit my 64 oz in unless I lose sleep or force it and vomit and that makes me even more miserable and now I don't have those fluids to back me up. I think it's still an issue of swelling and I think it's getting better, so I'm just trying to just do my best and hang in there.
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Post by kennyk on Jan 1, 2014 1:42:09 GMT -5
Katie it took me weeks if not months to get 64 easy. Hell, still not easy. Thank god for big milky iced coffees or I still wouldn't be able to! You are doing great! Kenny
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robin1222
New Member
In process of Revision from RNY to DS in spring
Posts: 5
Surgery Type: Revision
Surgeon: Dr. Roslin
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Post by robin1222 on Jan 1, 2014 12:39:36 GMT -5
Katie, wow so great, love your posts really helpful. Helps me revisit the worst 10 days of my life with my open RNY in 1999 and also reassures me that my old plan will still work, hold on to the idea that in a week things willbe better. I did that for 3 months and its true. I couldnt wipe my own butt for a week, DH is my hero. I had stomach spasms for 2 weeks after surgery just the worst, vomiting big time, sipping protein drinks was the Worst! Keep looking for the next milestone and soon it will all seem like a truma worth suffering Gl
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katieahuf
Full Member
Adventure is out there!
Posts: 173
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Post by katieahuf on Jan 4, 2014 23:29:29 GMT -5
Well, as I posted in another thread, I went back to the hospital to get fluids, they found out I have a nasty UTI and what the ER doc suspects is the beginnings of a kidney infection. (Which would explain the back/left side pain) Everything went well today and I was able to do a lot of walking without feeling like I was going to keel over.
But, tonight I'm vomiting again. I tried a phenergan, but by the time I feel nauseous and take one, it's already too late. Still having back and left side pains randomly. Started the anti-biotics they gave me. I feel like shit, but I just wanted to update this tonight. Blegh.
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Post by newanatomy on Jan 5, 2014 0:19:03 GMT -5
I am sorry you are feeling crappy! I'm glad though, that you are taking some antibiotics to help you get well again. Try to keep the fluids up. Is there a particular drink that sounds good to you? I bought some Fruit 2 0 at Sam's Club. It is pretty good, not too sweet. I am hoping I will like it post-op.
I hope you feel better soon!
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Post by deedee484 on Jan 5, 2014 0:24:21 GMT -5
Aww sweetie! I'm praying you get some relief soon!!! Try to rest and we'll hope for a better tomorrow! Night!
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katieahuf
Full Member
Adventure is out there!
Posts: 173
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Post by katieahuf on Jan 5, 2014 1:03:08 GMT -5
Thanks so much for the kind words. Thanks to my research and the stories I've read here, I know that things could be so much worse, so I'm grateful for that at least when I can pull myself out of misery long enough to remember that. Y'all know how easy it is to get lost in the hard stuff in the early days. But for the record, I'm still glad I had the surgery. I just can't wait to move out of this stage of recovery. I can do water, lemon gatorade and some tea. But try as I might, I'm only getting 32-48 oz in daily. Usually it's in the form of 2 bottles of water and half a bottle of gatorade. My poor little new baby stomach is just having a hard time keeping it down today. I'm also sleeping a LOT more and have less hours in the day to drink. Just super tired and trying to find a balance of moving, sleeping and drinking.
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Post by newanatomy on Jan 5, 2014 1:50:37 GMT -5
You will get there! Keep up the good fight!
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Post by aflame on Jan 5, 2014 8:43:10 GMT -5
Sending prayers your way:) Feel better soon!
Are your palps getting better? Infections can make them worse too from what I understand.
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katieahuf
Full Member
Adventure is out there!
Posts: 173
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Post by katieahuf on Jan 5, 2014 19:02:10 GMT -5
My palpitations have really improved since I went in for fluids, but I had a shower today and let me tell you, that was EXHAUSTING. I didn't think I'd make it through that one. That got my heart rate up and pounding.
It seems my BP has a new normal, it has settled around 170-179/80-85 consistently.
I'm peeing blood, which is pretty disconcerting, but they knew that and said it was the UTI and that's why i'm on Bactrim. It still freaks me out. I'm wondering if the Bactrim is upsetting my stomach though and caused yesterday's vomiting. I guess tonight will tell.
I have food cravings, so I'm dabbling with things like greek yogurt, cashews, macadamia nuts, baked ziti in meat sauce minus the ziti, homemade stew beef minus the beef so it's really mushy carrot and onion in beef broth, fried flounder with the breading picked off etc. Most everything settles fine when I take my time and chew it to death, but I find that after two or three bites of whatever, it doesn't taste good and I don't want anymore. Anyone else experience this?
My ankles are thinner to the point that they don't look like mine anymore (I've always had thick ankles!) and my collar bones are poking out a tiny bit more. Inches, baby. Inches.
My joints haven't dislocated since surgery. (I had chronic dislocation in shoulders, hips and knees due to super loose ligaments due to hormonal imbalance- PCOS) Idk why, but okay I'll take it!
My hair feels a little less thick, but I have a shit ton of hair and I haven't really seen a lot of fall out. No biggie.
Still struggling with fluids, I add in one multivitamin when I have room and am not nauseous.
Still having random sharp stabbing pains in my left side through to my back.
I think that's all for now.
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