I'm Home From The Hospital - ThinnerTimes

stakeda · 07-09-2004, 09:57 PM

Hello all! Well, I'm home from the hospital now and I'm feeling okay. I'm hurting though. I have never had surgery before so I couldn't imagine how I'd feel afterwards. But, this is just a temporary situation. I met Pam, Adam, and Jeanie in the hospital. They were all very nice people. It was a pleasure to share the experience with them. I'm a little nausiated though. I can't tell if it is because of the Lortab or what. I stopped taking it this afternoon because I think that this is the problem. Now I'm in pain. Any suggestions? Tracie, thank you for coming to visit me in the PACU. I don't remember much about the visit, but I do remember you holding my hand. It helped remind me that I was still alive. Very comforting. Thanks again. I'm looking forward to hearing from you all.

Blueyz · 07-09-2004, 10:16 PM

Stacie,
Glad to see you at home. If you never took vicodin (Lortab)
before, it can be that which is making you nauseous. I hope your recovery is speedy. I bet you are happy to be on the other side. I have 4 more days to check in.
If you have any advice, please let me know.

Hope to meet you soon. I think I remember you from the pre-op meeting.

Tracie · 07-10-2004, 07:33 AM

Stacie,

So glad to see that you did make it home ok. I phoned yesterday but your daughter had no idea where you were...LOL I asked if it was possible that you were sleeping and she said 'NO'.

I was glad to visit. I know how scary it can be and just thought that I'd check in on you. It was so nice to see you smile after all you've been through. You are a trooper and each day is a little bit better. YOu will do great...after all, you made it to the other side...YAAAY.

Now rest, sip, walk and take care of YOU. Please let me know if you need anything.

Karen Wright · 07-10-2004, 12:13 PM

Stacie,

You sound like you are doing well. The Lortab wasn't that great for me either....only because I couldn't stand to drink it! YUCK!!!

If you mix it with crystal light...it is a lot better to handle. It could be that is what is making you naseous (sp?)....it made me ITCH really bad but it did help with my pain.

Keep us posted.

newthindale · 07-10-2004, 03:19 PM

Stacie,

I don't know when you posted your question about the painkiller, because I have been out of town on vacation. But, if you call Dr. Callery's office and tell them your problem, they can prescribe an alternative pain med for you. Loritab isn't the only med for pain, of course. This goes for anyone post op who can't tolerate vicodin, for whatever reason. Call the office and they will help you.

Dale 6/19/02

stakeda · 07-10-2004, 06:10 PM

Dale & Dale M,

Thanks for the info. I've put a call into Dr. Callery for a different pain med this evening. Hopefully he will return the call. I'm just so sick to my stomach. And I have this piercing pain in my left side. It feels like a hot poker is still stuck in my stomach. Didn't Dr. Callery say this could be a symptom to a leak. The rest of my stomach feels fine. It's just this one concentrated area. It's kind of freaking me out!

Tracie,

Don't mind my airheaded 13 year old. She always says she doesn't know where I am, even if I'm only downstairs from where she is. I'm surprised that she knows where SHE is half of the time. Gotta love her!

What do you think about the pain in my stomach?

Karen,

Thanks for the info. I'll let you all know what Dr. Callery says tonight.

Blueyz · 07-10-2004, 06:16 PM

Stacie,
That piercing pain would freak me out. I hope everything is ok with it. I am glad you called Dr. Callery. Let us know what he says.

Take care

pambragg · 07-10-2004, 06:58 PM

Hello everyone,

Well, finally I am on the other side, and what a beautiful place it is!! I had surgery 7/7, came home 7/9 and am doing wonderful. I had mine open but did not have any of the drains, which amazed me since Dr Callery said I would at least have the JP and possibly the other. I have not gotten hungry yet and eating is something I do to keep my buddy (sister) happy! I do laps around her pool/patio every 1-2 hours. I am doing my spirometer religously. I got to meet Stacie while there and did speak to Gerry while in ICU. All and all it was a very positive experience and I am soooooo glad I went thru with it. Bless you all who have been my champions and I so look forward to meeting all of you!

With love and affection,
Pam

Open w/ Dr Callery
7/7/04
333/???/150

stakeda · 07-10-2004, 07:21 PM

Well, Dr. Callery called me and pretty much knew exactly where the pain was located. He said that with "Laps" the bottom left and middle left incisions have a large set of stitches between them underneath the skin. He said that often this is the place that hurts the most. He had me take my pulse and temperature. Both were normal. He advised that I keep off the Lortab and start alternating Advil and Tylenol every two hours. So, at least I know I'm not leaking or anything.

Pam,

I know exactly what you mean about not wanting to eat anything. I'm basically having to be forced to eat. I am only doing so for nutritional value. I'm glad to hear you're doing good. I know we were both kind of scared to leave the hospital, but we made it through.

Blueyz · 07-10-2004, 08:38 PM

Pam,
Glad to see you are also on the other side. I am happy to hear that you had such a positive experience....and no drains, too.