Buffy update

  • Well, I spent most of the day I wasn't sleeping and attempting to drink something in the bathroom with the trots. I have had water, broth, flavored water, and a popcyle. the Edie's bars are pure fruit with no added sugar. could they be causing the problems?

    Also for the third night in the row, I have been awakened with bile in my throat and coughing. I think I may have reflux, bc surgery I would get this due to over eating, am I drinking too Much? I try to get a sip in ever couple of minutes.

    Plus my feet and ankles are SWOLLEN.

    Other than that I am feeling pretty good.
  • um Buffy? the "other than that" doesn't sound so good!

    try ditching the fruit bars and see what happens. Whatever you do don't stop drinking non sugared liquids.

    I don't know about the swollen feet or the coughing. Perhaps someone else will come along.

    I do know that I took two naps a day for a couple of weeks after surgery. I didn't feel completely well until week 3.

    Hang in there, Buffy and consider calling your doctor tomorrow and asking about the coughing, swelling.

    peach
  • Hi Buffy---

    I'm an RN so here's the advice we give to gastric post-op: Avoid liquids high in citric acid. This includes sparkling waters, flavored waters and acidic fruit juices like cranberry (ie: your fruit bars) Avoid "red" liquids because most of them are high in citric acid. You can also elevate either the head of your bed or use extra pillows so you can sleep at a 30 degree angle. Also, I agree to check with your Dr. While you were in the hospital, you were more than likely given an acid blocker IV. Your Dr. may be able to give you something to help with the reflux.

    GERD (reflux) is very common in post-gastric patients. You are normal (isn't that a relief? )

    Good luck and keep us posted.

    Debra
  • wow!!!! we all agree!!!!! no fruit bars. call your doc. you should be seeing him sometime this week, right?
  • BUFFY
    I had the same problem when I had my surgery....I had to take meds for GERD up until just a few months ago....and I had my surgery in 1981! I agree about the drinks and the juice bars...try to drink only your water and your protein drinks..that should help with the problem...ALSO....don't eat anything 3 hrs before going to bed..that will cause the back up every time!
    I still sleep on two pillows..just got into the habit. I use latex foam...they're a little expensive, but well worth the price.
    GOOD LUCK
    BOB
  • Debra, thanks I want to be normal. actually I have had a good day and didn't use any of the fruit pops, I also had had some sugar free candy that when I looked it had sugar alcohols, but had only had two or three, so I haven't had any of them either. I have been walking further each walk today and made it 1/2 way around the block ( I started at the middle of the block--so I wasn't stranded or anything). Actually today I was fairly busy, and the treat of day was well blended home made veggie soup--YUM. and I drank two protein drinks, so I am feeling better today, thanks everyone for responding and caring. talk at you all tomorrow.
  • Another one born on Feb 20th
    1/2 way around the block ! Wow I had no idea you could do that so quickly.
    I am presuming you had lap? Good luck to you. I hope you feel a little better every day.

    Those of us born on Feb 20th have to stick together! Regards --Pookie
  • Pookie, I had open, actually I did cheat, I went down the alley and then around the block to the house again. but you know the nurses were brutal at the hospital about walking and getting up. they got me up in ICU where I spent the first night to walk a step to a chair.

    Yesterday I overdid the being awake. it ended up with me crying at 7:00 PM when people started arguing over something. I went to bed and slept . today I slept in until 11:20 AM.
  • i am so proud of you buffy!!!!!! rest when you need to. don't get overtired. and walk. and use this time to take care of yourself. you've just had MAJOR surgery, for crying out loud. and while you DO need to move, you DON'T need to wear yourself out!!!!
  • Actually Jiffy, I am kinda of proud myself! I didn't get outside today--it was freezing, it is 4 or 5 below zero now at 10:34 PM. I slept alot today--probably more what is in order for someone out of surgery. three protein shakes in today, a scrambled egg that I blended up even more, some jello and supper (whispering) mashed potatoes and gravy and I think I am doing okay with water and I love the fact that I can drink ice water, cause i hate room temp.

    Thanks everyone for the support.