Hope for the newly post-op: The good news is... - ThinnerTimes

LisaM · 10-26-2005, 10:22 AM

First the bad news - landed in the hospital last week (23 days post-op). Couldn't stop throwing up... went to the ER, one where they had no clue how to handle bypass patients. They loaded me up on Demerol and Zofran, then, despite my protests, got me to swallow 32 ounces of freaking Gatorade so they could do a CT scan. Scan, X-Ray and EKG were all negative (thank God) so they sent me home. Dumping syndrome began two hours later. Bad. Shivering, throwing up, diarrhea, all of it.

Went BACK to the ER, but this time one where my doctor has privileges. After a stinging lecture, he threw my steadily diminishing ass into the hospital for four days. They never figured out whether it was a virus or irritation along the staple line... but no food for four days, just bag after bag of IV fluid, and enough blood tests that I still look like an abused child from all the subcutaneous bruising.

Now the good news. Got out Saturday, weak as a kitten, still nauseous, felt like garbage through Monday, when I went to see my dietician. She moved me up to chewable foods... still some restrictions, but overall a lot more leeway. Don't know what snapped my head around, whether it was changes in food, just overall time, the hospital stay or what....

But I feel like "me" again. I have energy again. Granted, the energy doesn't last long--my stamina is shot for now. But I'm laughing again--my husband pointed it out last night. The depression that was staining my soul is gone (The "ohmigod, what have I done to myself, I'm going to feel weak and devastated for the rest of my life" feeling). I waited two days before writing this, just in case it was a fluke. But I'm genuinely feeling better, optimistic again, joyful. Now I just have to take charge of what I'm eating, take care of myself, and discover what's under here!

The first few weeks are worth it... and the darkness does lift...

Gladitsme · 10-26-2005, 10:35 AM

Lisa,
Sorry to hear you went through all that. Yikes! But I'm very glad to hear you're feeling better with more energy. You'll feel better and better as you go along.

LisaM · 10-26-2005, 11:46 AM

Thanks, Nancy... this board has been a tremendous help when I felt really dark, and even for the "little" things, like now my tailbone hurts! So I did a search on tailbone, and sure enough... so do a lot of other people's. So nice to know I'm not alone...

Brooke220 · 10-26-2005, 12:08 PM

Lisa,

I needed to hear that. Some days (like today) I'm beginning to think I see the light at the end of the tunnel, too. I'm just past 3 weeks now and still bothered by nausea at times. Sometimes I think it would be better if I didn't think about myself all the time.

I still have stomach spasms after I take my Slo-Fe and I'm very often queasy.

Again, thank you. Keep us updated.

LisaM · 10-26-2005, 12:37 PM

Brooke,

On queasiness... Any pill or supplement on an empty stomach was really hard on me. Talked to my dietician - she advised "padding" any pill that I take with food unless it's one that must be taken on an empty stomach. Particularly supplements. You may already be doing that, though.

Good luck... that healthy feeling will come back...

LizardQueen · 10-26-2005, 12:47 PM

Lisa, you poor thing! I'm so sorry you were so sick. Thankfully it was nothing serious. I know just where you are because I was there too. It gets better-slowly but surely. Glad things are starting to look up for you! Big hugs coming your way!

Brooke220 · 10-26-2005, 10:13 PM

Lisa,

I have my pills divided throughout the day. While the chewable Flintstones make me gag, I've learned it's mind over matter. However, the biggest problem is Iron; I take Slo-Fe (the gentlest one) but a little while after I take it (and I do take it in the middle of a meal, like with yogurt) I get nauseous and have stomach spasms.