Post op struggles

[Angie]

I had a total hysterectomy plus lymph node removal on Dec 3rd. I had to stay two nights in the hospital. I didn't come out of the anesthesia well.

Now I'm home, the pain is constant and the nausea unrelenting. I have trouble drinking enough fluids. Food is a few crackers and Boost meal replacement drinks.

I see my surgeon in the morning for a post op follow up and to get pathology.

Anyone have any tips on post surgical coping, like with the nausea and having trouble with fluids?

 

[AmberMarie]

I had a total hysterectomy plus lymph node removal on Dec 3rd. I had to stay two nights in the hospital. I didn't come out of the anesthesia well.

Now I'm home, the pain is constant and the nausea unrelenting. I have trouble drinking enough fluids. Food is a few crackers and Boost meal replacement drinks.

I see my surgeon in the morning for a post op follow up and to get pathology.

Anyone have any tips on post surgical coping, like with the nausea and having trouble with fluids?

Zofran has always been the best for me. i do not do anesthesia well. There is a patch that can go behind your ear that lasts a few days. You can get it before any further surgical procedures, and also at your post op. For fluids i suggest broth. And also something to flavor water... like Mio or any of the powder or liquid flavorants. Make sure it doesn't have anything in it you can't have. Thats why i said Mio... it has been recommended to me by every doc i have seen... and it works very well. There is something by boost called breeze. It is more of a juice and is often tolerated easier as well.

i wish things were easier for you right now, and am sending hopes and prayers as well as good thoughts... especially in the coming days and weeks. Please keep us updated on how you are doing as you are able. Gentle hugs!

Lastly... trade off heat and cold for the pain if it's allowed. Sometimes the docs suggest abstaining from one or the other depending on the type of surgical procedure. So make sure you ask. If both are alright... trade off average of every 30 mins. One reduces swelling and the other promotes healing through blood flow. Swapping back and forth often keeps the pain at bay.

i hope something provides some relief for you.

 

[Angie]

@AmberMarie thank you so much for your thoughtful response. I appreciate your reaching out, as I know you are struggling as well.

I feel a bit better this morning. That's good because I have a three hour round trip to the surgeon this morning!

 

[Kiwi2016]

@Angie sending healing vibes and thoughts to you. Never having had surgery not sure if these are recommended but perhaps Miso soup broth, flat ginger ale, ice chips, might help(?) Wishing you a safe journey to surgeon and that he/she can suggest things to help with post-op recovery.

 

[AmberMarie]

That's good because I have a three hour round trip to the surgeon this morning!

i am glad to hear you are feeling better... even if just a bit. Round trips like that are daunting in and of themselves... let alone when you hurt and having other issues. i hope today goes well for you and you have some answers to what is next.

 

[may71]

Warm water with some ginger juice is good for nausea in general. You could also try putting some powdered ginger and cloves in warm water too.

If you have fever or feelings of heat in the body, ginger might not be good as it tends to make you feel warm.

I might be able to describe an acupressure self-massage for nausea if you'd like.

I hope something helps.

 

[Trying4Life]

Zofran has always been the best for me.

Phenergan is also good. Both are available in pill form. I haven't had issues with post-surgical, but my ketamine clinic prescribes both of them to use before injections (which used to make me yawk until they started the anti-nausea meds).

 

[seabird]

hi @Angie

I'm glad you are home

Nausea is horrible. Try to avoid all sugary beverages for a while, if possible. I'm not one of the medical experts like some here. Just know a few tricks after raising 2 kiddos lol. What works for me is ginger. It doesn't have to be any special sort, even powdered ginger from the food shop works. Spoon a bit, maybe 1/8th teaspoon into a mug of warm water and stir, then sip it little by little. That's it. Sometimes after throwing up it helps if I chew an over the counter antacid, like the little peopperimint tasiting ones which start with 'T.' I don't want to advertise a certain brand.

Get well soon. We are so glad you got through this and are starting to mend.

 

[Ash600]

Hi @Angie

As post op nausea and vomiting can be quite common particularly after procedures such as yours, I was wondering if your medics actually offered you any anti-emetics to help cope with your nausea? Got me thinking as well as to whether you were issued with any opiod based painkillers to help provide analgesic relief? Because those types are notorious for triggering nausea/vomiting. So maybe this could be a cumulative effect.
Reminds me when I was in hospital about 10 yrs ago where they were hitting me with Ondanestron to combat the N&V caused by the morphine they were pumping into me - mainly I suspect as an attempt to shut me up as I was talking too much at the time....

But anyways, mention it to your medical team if you're still suffering with this, see if they can prescribe something suitable for you.

Keeping yourself hydrated is meant to help with this as well. Starting off with frequent regular sips then building up from there can help to meet your target fluid intake. I assume they've given you the lowdown on the level of physical activity (gentle walking/moving around) - amongst other things, helps to saturate the blood with oxygen back to normal levels amongst. By the way, breathing through the nose and exhaling through the mouth is effective as well. Just a few times should be sufficient mind you.

Hope your recovery goes well.

 

[KM76710]

Wishes for the best for quick and positive improvements to come into your life. Being home will hopefully improve how you are handling things and can cope.

 

[Angie]

Thank you everyone!

I was prescribed Tramadol for the pain and I did discover that if I don't eat with it, I get more nausea. I have Zofran for the nausea.

I had my follow up yesterday with the surgeon/oncologist.

All the pathology was good. No cancer was found. Apparently the biopsy and d and c got it earlier. So that is great. I'll be on what they call "surveillance" at 6 weeks and 4 months, then probably annually.

Also good was that some of this surveillance can be done by my local gynecologist.

 

[Kiwi2016]

Wonderful news! Hoping the meds help and that you can give yourself some well deserved TLC...

 

[AmberMarie]

That is wonderful news! i agree with @Kiwi2016 . It sounds like all or most of the problems are being taken care of. i am grateful you have a team that listens to you and cares about your comfort and well being. It can truly make a difference in your recovery. Sending Gentle hugs in your recovery.

 

[seabird]

🌻🌿🩷🌅🌸🌷🎄

Extremely happy to hear:

All the pathology was good. No cancer was found. Apparently the biopsy and d and c got it earlier. So that is great. I'll be on what they call "surveillance" at 6 weeks and 4 months, then probably

(h)

 

[TragicReality]

I read this last page before I posted mine. I did see what you've been through and I'm glad you're ok as can be and that the cancer is gone. I hope things continue to improve for you physically and emotionally.