This time last week, I was laying on a surgery table drifting off blissfully while the surgical team was getting ready to remove 75% of my stomach. I was in competant hands, in a beautiful, new facility. I awoke about 1 1/2 hrs later in a total fog, unaware of any pain, told that if I felt any to push a little button and it would relieve it. (morphine) I remember being SO thirsty and not allowed anything to quench it until I got clearance of some type. The few aware moments that I had were of extreme gas pain in my neck, shoulders, abdomen. I now know these were gas pains but I easily mistook them for nausea. I never vomitted. Constantly throughout the day, I was being monitored. My blood sugars went through the roof and I was administered insulin. The big drop in blood count almost led them to give me a blood transfusion. I was wheeled to an area where I was helped (this was painful I do remember) to get on to a device where they gave me an MRI. The gas pain was excrucitating. Pushing the pain button helped me not know my whereabouts and I was again able to sleep. Liquid clearance finally occurred. The Ice chips were devine. I wish my own icemaker could replicate the texture size and utter deliciousness. The next day, I was encouraged to walk a bit. I was shocked at how much this hurt. I am an excerciser, an avid walker who does a 15 minute mile, walks 3 miles at a shot and dosent get winded. A kind male nurse unhooked my iv and we strolled a short distance before I was totally winded. I asked the staff if I could have a recliner rather than a bed which really helped me. I am a Left side sleeper. The habit was much easier to break using the recliner.Last night was my first night in a bed and I had to pack my left side with pillows so that I didn't roll on to it.
The blood complications led me to a 3 day stay in the hospital. I was glad to have the caring, wonderful staff take care of me however, everyone knows that you can't really sleep in a hospital. The constant monitoring of vitals and required blood testing and the fact that they don't turn off lights interfered with sleep. I did bring an eye mask, a cosmetic incentive which is pink and black and has "Beautication in progress" written across it. It was a fine look that went well with my CPAP! I do remember them bringing me liquids. I was encouraged to use an incentive spirometer. I still can't figure why you can't use a straw but they want you to suck on this thing---My attempts were miserable, not even coming to 1/4 of what was my goal. I was finally released. My neighbor brought me home and again, I chose to recover in the recliner. I have used very little pain medication, suffered no nausea but BIG time gas!! I burped alot but the real release we all know about. I do a happy dance when I cut one! I do have constipation and what was recommended was MIRALAX which I'll be picking up today. Today will be my first outing since surgery. I feel somewhat good. Pain around the ribs and tiring easily I'll make it a short outing.