My husband is home!

[courtney]

I'm so relieved to have him sleeping in our bed. In fact, I was so happy to be taking him home tonight that I was almost giddy at the pharmacy- even when they told me how much 5 out of his 6 prescriptions cost!

The doctor gave him Ambien to make him sleep at night. Hopefully between this and the CPAP he's sleeping deep enough that he'll be able to stay awake enough to get his fluids in tomorrow. He also took a nausea medicine, his first dose of something that is supposed to help prevent gall stones, and still has his anti-nausea patch on his neck.

So, here's what I know so far:
-he needs to drink as much liquid as possible, preferably at least 100 ml (or 100 cc) an hour, and he needs 70 grams of protein a day (although the doctor said for the first few days he may not get all of the protein in, and that the fluids are a higher priority)

-he needs to get up and move as much as possible and have his feet propped up when relaxing to help his circulation (although he should do nothing strenuous for two weeks)

-he needs to stay on top of his meds and vitamins

-he needs to breathe into the spirometer (sp?) frequently to work his lungs

-as soon as possible, he needs to start walking at least 15 minutes a day in one session to start exercising

Those are pretty much all the suggestions from his doctor. Can you think of anything else I need to know?

Also, how soon did you start taking vitamins again? Can his stomach handle chewable vitamins tomorrow?

[Scotty]

I recon you have it all covered!
I had none of that, go home, drink what you can walk as much as you can
No tablets at all only had berocca in the morning, although I was back at work 4 days after my surgery, I did take it easy as I am 50 (49 then) best thing for me was to walking when I felt up to it, that causes you to drink and so on.
He is a very lucky man to have you look after him so well!

[MoreFitDiane]

Hi Courtney, the only meds I was given was Tylenol with Codeine (liquid form) and Potassium (liquid). I was told not to start vitamins until one week post-surgery. Best of luck to your husband; he certainly does have a great nurse!

[lgm32]

I had to take tabs within a few days of surgery as I take a coated tab for another medical issue I have, and the fluid needed for an adult dose is too much for the stomach. I was fine.