jjldh_va
Surgery Story Continued – Sorry this took so long to post!
Oct 29, 2012
Day 3 I was up and walking, sucking on ice chips. Tried to walk every 30 min. Got my IV taken out… OUCH! Sheesh the IV felt like it hurt more than the surgery. Had a good day of walking and got my ice chips in without issue. Later started allowing some of the liquid with the ice, but not full sips. I saw the doctors (Dr. A and Dr. Gabe) more than once, and they continued to ask me how I was doing, and gave me a heads up on what would be coming… took a sleeping pill that night, per Dr. Orders, as he said rest was really needed. They gave us some videos to view on YouTube (private ones) to reference what was going to happen the next day, and so we could have a quick reference on Dr. Instructions and aftercare.
Day 4, the doc came in and went over the medications, release instructions, and other information. He gave us a “sleeve pillow” with a picture of the operation and the staff signed mine for me. We got into the Van with Rosie for the trip back to San Antonio. Going through the US border from Mexico was interesting. There are 5 different points where they ask you questions, and they had us get out and the Van was X-rayed by border patrol. It was interesting at least. The drive was not that fun, mostly cause it is so bumpy… but Rosie did what she could to avoid them… she drives this trip often enough to be able to know where the worst ones were! We got to San Antonio hotel, where we met Rosie to be picked up, and got checked into our rooms. We did take a trip to the local mall, to walk and get out some, however I got tired quickly and we (Just to reiterate, my Mother in Law went with me, so this is the WE I talk about) went back to the room. I had a pack of Unjury chicken soup in my suitcase (I highly recommend bringing at least 2 of both the soup and the shakes so you have something), which was dinner, and my cohort had picked up some regular food in the mall to bring back. The hotel room did have a microwave.
Day 4 was tough also cause I had the worst case of the runs!!! Doc said it could happen this or the other way, but still, agony.
Day 5 was the toughest yet… I flew home and due to flight delays, we did not arrive until after 1am. I went home, popped a pain pill and crashed. I know I did not get enough water that day since my urine was way too dark the next day, so I really had to focus getting in all the water I could for the next few days. I worked hard to get protein in as well… but other than being much more tired than originally thought, I felt OK.
The following week came with daily improvements in how I felt and my energy level. I admit that I did start feeling better once I could get on regular liquids instead of just clear. I think I was just getting more protein as well as more calories in general… its tough to get more than 300 calories when I am just sipping water and some clear soups. When I could get more substantial soups and my good protein drinks, I just felt like I had more energy. I was also able to get in more vitamins after this point, instead of just the liquid ones… so this may have helped! 
I have been off of work until today, and I noticed I have not been on the computer much, needing I think a real break from being attached to one while working. I am back today and I can already feel my shoulders tensing up and my back hunching. Fun. At least there is 30lbs less of me to get tensed up!!
So now I am heading into week 4, and soon will be able to start mushy foods. I have sampled some as I was cooking some chicken salad and egg salad yesterday, and handled those well, though I will have to admit surprise after a bite or two was enough. I know I will have to spend some time getting used to this new way of eating. I am looking forward to it!
