Don’s Half of the Story: day 15
Yesterday was the 2 week anniversary of Melissa’s and my open RNY.
So, the first few days at home, I took LOTS of naps. The recliner seemed
very nice. The naps were very deep.
My surgery, compared to Melissa’s, is like we had to totally different
operations. I didn’t care for my binder much, so I didn’t wear it and
didn’t miss it. The pain continued to get better each day (have only taken
two pain pills since leaving the hospital on day five). I was able to sleep
on either side, but have not been able to sleep on my stomach.
The new routine has been a drag. Since I’m on “vacation” from work, I’m
sleeping much later than my normal 5:00 AM. I get up, and immediately eat
something since I’ve not been drinking during the night. Sometimes a little
oatmeal, sometimes some cream of wheat, sometimes a scrambled egg. Keeping
to the breakfast, lunch, dinner schedule has been tough as Melissa and I
were used to eating one, maybe two, meals a day. Drinking constantly is
different, but not too difficult as I’m always thirsty. My breakfast is
generally followed by my round of vitamins, etc. The calcium is the worst.
The dietician recommended Calcium Citrate Liquitabs, but we’ve not been able
to get any as they are backordered from the factory. She says these are
tablets you dissolve in water and drink, a la Alka Seltzer, and they taste
OK. I can’t wait until we get some.
Protein drinks are up and down. Some days they taste OK, other days not.
Today, for example, is a “not” day. Just have to force it down. Ugh.
Melissa’s stomach fills up very readily while eating. Mine doesn’t seem to
do that; it seems to take much longer to signal ‘full.’ I have to be
careful to not overeat.
I’ve not been on a formal exercise program. Instead, I’ve just been going
about my daily routine. Walking, driving, shopping, taking care of errands.
That seems to tire me out plenty, so I’m not worried about additional
exercise.
We seem to be very bad about planning our day around this food routine.
When we go out on errands, we MUST plan on taking water, some kind of
protein (in case we suddenly feel empty), etc. This has been difficult as
we are still trying to be more ‘normal’ in our activities and planning.
Haven’t really felt hungry much. I have felt hungry a couple of times in
the last two days, but not like I was starving. Simply that it was time to
eat something. I’ve felt a bit weak or dizzy, usually when it was time for
protein. Guess I’m beginning to learn my body’s new signals.
Three days ago–on day 12 following surgery–I got a bit scared. Melissa
and I tried part of a boiled egg for breakfast. It sat like a ROCK in both
of our stomachs all day. By nightfall, I developed a real pain in my lower,
left stomach area. Bad enough that I took my second pain pill and went to
bed. Bothered me all night. The next day, it was just like coming out of
surgery: IT HURT. Called the doctor, and he said that as I was running no
fever, and food was still passing through my body, I must have pulled a
muscle. I put my binder back on and, viola, the support pressure helped
immensely. So, I wore my binder for the next day or so, and the pain went
away. In fact, today is the first day I’ve not had any pain at all.
Earlier today was a surprise, too. I ate some supper: boiled shrimp, a
piece of cheese, and some yogurt. In a few minutes I began my first dumping
episode. Ugh! Thought I was going to die, and wished I’d hurry up and do
it. A little came out both ends but in about 45 minutes, I felt better.
Tomorrow, I will return to work. I will begin by going half-days for a week
or so. My usual inclination is to jump right back in full speed ahead, but
this time I’m being very cautious. I really don’t want to push it, so
half-days it is.
Oh, I’ve lost 24 pounds since surgery. I can already tell my breathing is
better. Melissa tells me I haven’t snored in two nights! I can already
tighten my belt a notch. So, maybe this thing will work after all.
Later!
Don