[tobin]

I don't have an appt with my surgeon for another few weeks, and they aren't in the same city as me. I have a few problems...

So I'm very weak, irritable, tired. I have no leave from work so I was back at hospital after 4 days. Bills to pay, children to feed, etc.

I can't eat. I eat maybe 3 mouthfuls of food per day. And then I proceed to feel absolutely nauseous all day. I try to have something for breakfast like yoghurt on some puree oatmeal, and one teaspoon does it. Then I start having lots and lots and lots and lots of phlegm come up. Really gross. I try to drink as much as possible, but I feel so sick.

TMI, but I pooped once 4 days out of hospital, and haven't since. I've been having benefibre, but it's not helping. Someone mentioned that I could be poisoning myself! Is this true? I know it can't be healthy.

Am I doing something wrong? Is it all the lack of vitamins and minerals catching up with me? I wasn't told to take anything. I have been taking my pill every day (losec).

My whole body is covered in a rash. I can't stop itching. Where the bandages were on my stomach is all raw. My back and sides, legs, arms, all covered in a rash. I feel like I have chicken pox!! I made an appointment to see my regular doctor, so hopefully they can help.

I'm feeling very down, and worried that I'm going to get really sick. I can't afford any more time off work, who will pay the bills and look after my children?

If anyone has any advice to tie me over until my surgeon comes to town, it'd be really useful and I'd be very grateful.

[tobin]

Crap, I think I put this in the wrong forum...

[dixieladybug]

You need to see a doctor as soon as you can. This does not sound good. You should for sure be taking your vitamins. You have to eat.. you need protein at this point to heal. How is your water drinking going? I hope you can see your doctor soon. Let us hear from you. I hope you feel better soon.

[TheRainbowsEnd]

I know it is hard post op. And I can hear how tired you are. I was exhausted beyond belief for months. Please try and drink drink drink...Sip little bits all day long. The nasusea can be from bein dehydrated. Try eating things bland like cottage cheese and some chicken broth if you can't seem to get alot of solids in. Most important is to take your vitamins.

If you are working and being super Mom at home then stop now. Ask someone to help you..Your friends, Mom, the kids. Tell them how exhausted you are and that you need their help for a few months. Put dinner in the crockpot in the morning before you leave. So when you get home tired it is made. Ask the kids to tidy up if they are old enough. Explain that you need them for now. That Mom needs them.

Let the house go to shit if you have to. It can get cleaned when you are feeling stronger. Anything you can let go of for a few months. Let it go.

GET TO THE DOCTOR..YOU COULD BE HAVING AN ALLERGIC REACTION TO ANYTHING - CHANGED SOAPS, SHAMPOO, LAUNDRY SOAP!!!!

Or you could have an infection and the rash is the byproduct. If the rash is around the staple lines you could be allergic to the glue.

I know finances are bad. I have been there and am still there. There is no answer to your worries there from me. Just treat yourself well. Have a bubblebath..go for a short walk with the kids.. read a good book...watch a nice comedy..Anything to bring you up and not down...

Praying for you...Drink drink drink

[DocSanae]

1) Sounds like you are getting the foamies--phlegm coming up. This can happen if you eat too quickly, even soft stuff like oatmeal.
2) also can be the symptom of a stricture. Or an ulcer.
3) The rashes could be allergies. You may have latex intolerance, so check that out, too.
4) Make sure you are getting in enough fluids, dehydration can cause a lot of issues.
5)Give your surgeon a call now, even if your appointment is a few weeks later, even if he's in another city. A phone call can be made from your room, let him know what's going on.
Hope this helps.

[not quite Barbie]

So I'm very weak, irritable, tired. I have no leave from work so I was back at hospital after 4 days. Most of us found that we needed at least 5 weeks before we got any energy back. You need to be taking it as easy as possible!

I can't eat. I eat maybe 3 mouthfuls of food per day. And then I proceed to feel absolutely nauseous all day. I try to have something for breakfast like yoghurt on some puree oatmeal, and one teaspoon does it. You may be lactose intolerant, or you're eating too fast. Use a baby spoon, put it down between bites. Measure your food, you should only be eating about 1 ounce. Eat 6 times a day. Try protein shakes.

Then I start having lots and lots and lots and lots of phlegm come up. Really gross. That's the foamies, usually from eating too fast.

I try to drink as much as possible, but I feel so sick. This is not an option. You must drink your water!

TMI, but I pooped once 4 days out of hospital, and haven't since. I've been having benefibre, but it's not helping. Someone mentioned that I could be poisoning myself! Is this true? I know it can't be healthy. I was told absolutely no benefiber. Get some Miralax - NOW! Once you get constipated you will end up in the ER having someone scoop it out of you - very painful and embarassing.

Am I doing something wrong? Is it all the lack of vitamins and minerals catching up with me? I wasn't told to take anything. I have been taking my pill every day (losec). Losec is for GERD - gastric reflux. Continue if your doctor said you should. You should also be taking multivitamins. I do Flintstone Complete chewables twice a day. Your body will take what it needs from what's stored in the fat, but there are things that aren't stored so you need vitamins and protein.

My whole body is covered in a rash. I can't stop itching. Where the bandages were on my stomach is all raw. My back and sides, legs, arms, all covered in a rash. I feel like I have chicken pox!! I made an appointment to see my regular doctor, so hopefully they can help. You should be able to take Benadryl for the itching, but yes, see your doc to figure out what's causing it.

I'm feeling very down, and worried that I'm going to get really sick. I can't afford any more time off work, who will pay the bills and look after my children? Post-surgery depression is a real thing, it happens. In addition, you are pushing yourself way too hard. If you have any family-friends that can help, ask them. You should not be doing this alone. As others have said, let the housework go, enlist the kids to do as much as they can. Even little ones can make soup in the microwave.

[gailsiz]

I agree with everything from above 100%. These people know what they are talking about. I have 4 kids and understand your worries. However, you need to take care of you and get you healthy so you in turn can take care of them. Go to one of the Doc.'s at the hospital - any Doc if you have to and tell them what you told us. Let us
know what happens.............

[chantelc]

It will get better...baby steps!! I'm sorry it's so rough for you but keep your chin up. Listen to what everyone says and experiment with things that are allowed...cottage cheese, refried beans, etc. etc. You are still early out so it's all about trying what is allowed. Get lots of rest and drink drink drink....best of luck. Sending positive thoughts your way!

[mangomelon]

You are less than a month out - I was still on purees at this point. Are you drinking any protien shakes? I got so sick of them and did not want any more, but I knew it was the only way to get enough protien in.

[reastland]

I had the rashes around my surgery site and an infection afterwords, and I did not call my surgeon--just my GP--who was no help. My surgeon was not happy when he found out I had issues and did not call--so call!

I get the no more sick days, but a phone call works. Do you have a family member who can help you with this? Sometimes an advocate is great. If you get too sick--you can go to the ER as well. I just know I was so out of it when I get sick, that I do not advocate for myself well.

You are in my prayers.
XXX
Becky