Some Post-op Observations and a Thank you!!!

So, as you saw in my previous post, I came through surgery ok. I do have some post-op observations that I think will help anyone who is still pre-op...

Sip, sip sip. You will hear this from your nurses, from your surgeon, from your dietitians, and it's true. Keep some form of fluid with you at all times. Our idea fluid intake is 64+ oz. Yesterday was my highest so far post-op at 30 oz.

Try and get that protein. Make sure that one of those fluids you constantly have with you is a protein drink. I know a lot of people say they can't do the milk-based protein drinks after surgery, and that's fine. They make lots of clear protein drinks now. I'm able, luckily, to have the milk-based RTD shakes. I sip those puppies all day long. Again, with protein, we're supposed to get 60-80g per day. Yesterday, I got 30. I'm working on it.

Listen to your body. Listen to what your body is telling you. If you are feeling super full, don't try to put anything else in your pouch at just that second. You WILL end up regretting it.

Walk, walk, walk. If you do feel uncomfortable, try walking. I know that that seems a bit counterintuitive, but, trust me, it helps. Gas pain, being overly full, walking will help. Plus, it will keep that fluid out of your lungs. :)

Do your breathing treatments! When your respiratory therapist comes in with the weird breathing thingy, do them! And whatever you do, don't do what I did and forget the machine at the hospital. I've got crap in my chest now, and coughing hurts. :(

Take your medications! Don't be a hero. If you're uncomfortable, or in pain, take your medications. That's what they're there for. Yes, they taste like crap (Mine are a nasty lemon-lime), but I promise, they do help. Also, if you are sent home with carafate, take it. Again, yes, it tastes nasty, but nasty tasting medicine is better than ending up with an ulcer in your new pouch, yes? Finally, if you're sent home with Lovenox shots, I know that no one likes giving themselves shots, but, once again, would you rather endure a little pain in the belly, or a blood clot that could potentially kill you? So, yes, please take your medication.

Do not overdo it. I know that we all want to be super men and women, and be able to do everything, but, honestly, it's not going to happen. Remember me telling you to listen to your body? This is another place that that fits. If you're doing laps, or a lot of walking, or standing, or sitting in a new position, if your body starts to protest, please listen to it. Yes your surgery wasn't very long, but don't forget that you've recently had MAJOR surgery. I call rerouting one's insides major surgery. Just saying.

Finally, call your healthcare professionals. If you have questions, or you think something you're experiencing isn't right, or normal, call your surgeon's office. Someone will always be on call. It's what they're there for... to help you. Do not wait. Something that you think is minor could end up being a major issue that could have been prevented if you had just called your office sooner.

I'm going to end this post with a big THANK YOU to my mother-in-law, who sent me the other of the two books that I said that I wanted for post op! I've already started reading it, and it's in my nightly rotation along with the other book that my husband's cousin bought me. So, THANK YOU Mother-in-Law!!!!! ♥

~♥~
Lady D