5 days post op: now what?

[Ali4]

I'm 5 days out and only just beginning to feel better today but am still so tired, weak, and sore. Having a hard time getting liquids down due to my chest feeling very tight and drinking (even tiny sips) causes discomfort. I have got to get back into my routine - I've got after school carpool this afternoon - have bake treats for group piano lessons tomorrow - how do I manage to jump back into my old life? Any advice on what to drink? When do you start the protein? I took a sip of one of those Whey Protein 42g tubes and it was disgusting! I have a hand out from the hospital but it mainly just says clear liquids for the first week - not much about any protein drinks or anything to help with energy level and how to get to feeling back to normal. What about vitamins - when do you start to take those? I just can't imagine swallowing them as I have such a hard time with the antibiotics and pain meds. My brain just feels like complete mush!!! Any help and advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!!!

[rn2babes]

Hi Ali4, I haven't yet had my surgery so I probably am not the best resource. But based on the research I've been doing it seems as though your doctor left you high and dry. You should have been given resources, ie. products to use to get your protein, nutrients, vitamins, etc. Some products I've made notes about that people seem to really like are Unjury (available on line), Premier Protein Shakes from Costco, Special K20 Protein Water from Amazon. I've also heard people say Gatorade in the several days helps to replace needed electrolytes. I hope this helps a little. I would suggest finding people on this site who are a month or more out; they should have tried and true help for you. Good luck on your recovery.

[Dudu]

Hi Ali, I was on clear liquids the first week, including chicken broth, Crystal light, Gatorade and the horrible Isocool protein with half the portion made with skim milk. You should drink all your liquids, be very patient, sip and walk, you will feel much better as days pass. I started chewable vitamins (Disney) on the 3rd day. And again, as you will be recovering your daily routines, do not forget to stay hydrated! That was the first scary thing I learned since I was about to pass out on my 5th day when I went to shop at a new retail store and 30 minutes after we got in I felt really dizzy and tired. I was dehydrated. Be strong and good luck in your journey!

[Lea]

Hi...I am only 8 days out but think I might be able to help.....I find water hard to get down. I acually found over the moon non fat milk with added protein easier. I am also drinking g2 for electrolytes. I am at about 50 oz of fluid now. I stqrt my day with a medifast shake made w/ 8 oz of the milk. Makes a good start at 25 g. I am eating greek yogurt otherwiae ...maybe one little container over the course of the whole day. The firt few days post op were so miserable for me. Its getting better everyday though. This operation is no cakewlk that's for sure. I also have ehad some panic moments w/ what have I done but I am sure most do. I wih I didn't have the head hunger though. I need to figure out a new way to boost endorphins. If you want to compare notes as we go along let me know.....I think this is the hardet time......chin up

[Lea]

Make sure u drink...it gets easier......

[txgal0337]

Hi Ali! You are my first post!

I am 6 days post-op and felt sluggish the first two days. I had a hard time in recovery at the hospital being physically ill and with pain. However, things have gotten easier at home. I agree with the other posts that you need to try to keep up your with liquids. I have been sipping water throughout the day, and then using chicken broth, vegetable broth, and Myoplex Lite protein shakes for my "food". When I am feeling like I need something different I will eat sugar-free jello. My friends who have had this surgery encouraged me to not do anything - just relax and enjoy time to myself (since I normally don't have it). Catch up on books you have been dying to read, old movies or even start journaling.

I, too, get the uncomfortable feel in my chest if I take too big of a sip or drink too much. My discharge nurse told me to take deep breaths and to try walking around. It actually has helped me.

Keep faith - things will get better! Good luck!

[Ali4]

Thanks so much for the help and suggestions! It's really nice to hear what worked or is working for other people! Just to be clear - for those who added skim milk - was that in the first week?

[Dudu]

Thanks so much for the help and suggestions! It's really nice to hear what worked or is working for other people! Just to be clear - for those who added skim milk - was that in the first week?

In my case, yes.

[proypage]

Hey Ali4,
I haven't had my surgery yet also, but feel like your Doctor has left you hight and dry. I found a doctor who is all about education for the best and healthist results. Call your doctor's office and tell them you need help and you are not recovering very well. There are doctors and other information out here that will help you with you difficulties. You did the hard part. They should help you with the recovery and the education for you to be the healthyist you can possibly be. Your on the right track, just find someone who is on board for you. Enjoy your new life.

proypage

[Diane D]

hi there,

I am one week out today, off all pain meds. What I did is make a pot of chicken soup leaving the veggies whole then saved veggies and chicken for pureed food starting next week. The broth is like comfort food to me LOL..I've been taking in between 70-90 oz. of liquid per day and my 3 oz. of carnation instant breakfast (no sugar added) 3 times a day., My liquids include, the broth, coffee, hot tea, crystal light, water, sf jello, and sf popsicles.

Hope this helps you. Good Luck

[Texas Girl]

I also feel like your doctor should have given you this information. I got a complete packet, as well as a consult with a nutritionist when I was at the hospital, and it details out everything I am supposed to do after surgery. It even included a calendar that tells me exactly what I can have, day by day, for the first couple of months.

Week 1 was clear liquids, weeks 2 & 3 are full liquids (this is where the protein shakes come in), soft foods start week 4 (like cottage cheese, chili, canned tuna and chicken, etc) and I am released to try anything I want starting week 6.

Hope that helps!

[BBARB]

you have just to take it easy. you had major surgery and you Must give time to your body. I could have some protein on day 8 but still energies were low
It takes rest and more rest. Walk and sip as much as you can. You need to experiment with protein and at one point you will find the one that will settle better on yout tummy. I am extremely picky and only keep down (STILL) the one from Whole Food, cheap but now super loaded. I guess this is why, I cannot drink thick stuff even now.
So going back to your question I truly reccomend to take it easy, everyday you will feel stronger, this week buy the cookies and take a nap instead or a walk. you will be in shape soon, be patient.
Hug and cogratualtions

[BBARB]

Also the more you rest and take it easy the faster your recovery will be

[Heartonmysleeve]

Hi Ali,
I am 9 days out. I stopped taking pain meds the 2nd day they made me nauseous. I really only like water, propel or ice chips and icepops. I tried broth, yogurt, pudding, cream soup but wasn't comfortable. I saw my doctor today and he said it was fine if I waited until next week for protein shakes some people take longer to get adjusted. I started taking my vitamins 5 days ago, they should help you with energy. The good news is I am not hungry.