Well, it's been a while

I've done a horrible job of keeping this thing updated but just in case anyone is curious this is what I look like now ...

After picture, sort of

I've been meaning to post some after pictures but honestly I have felt to bad to get dressed and wouldn't want any photographic evidence of THAT!  I did feel well enough last night to get together with a few friends so I took a self portrait, not the best but this is about what I look like now.

I have a long way to go still :)

Follow up Appointment

I had my first post surgery follow up appointment today and it went well.  So far I have lost exactly 20 pounds since the day of surgery, add the 11 that I lost right before that for a total of 31 pounds!  YAY!  The nausea has passed and I'm rehydrated and eating solid foods now.  Yesterday I had some scrambled eggs and a piece of bacon for breakfast, a little chicken salad and cottage cheese for lunch and a piece of grilled burger with pork and beans for dinner.  I only ate about 1 1/2 ounces of food at each meal but it does fill me up.  Today after the doctors appointment we had lunch at  my favorite place Moes!  I got an Over Achiever with no shell, I think I can make about 4 or 5 meals out of it.

The doctor said now that I'm rehydrated my recovery should move along better.  I will have another scope in a couple weeks to ensure that the stricture hasn't come back.  He also told me I would need a few more weeks off from work to regain my strength.  I think my date to go back will be March 18th so that will have me out for a full 2 months.  I would have liked to go back at 6 weeks but that isn't a realistic expectation at this point considering the set backs I've had.

Three Weeks Post Op

Not much change since 2 weeks post op.  I still have the drain, I still am throwing up water sometimes and I still feel sick about half the time.  Hopefully the scope on Tuesday will help me out a little.  I woke up this morning feeling very sick but some warm tea helped to settle my stomach.  I just tried to eat some refried beans but I don't want much of them as they seem heavy on my stomach. 

Yesterday I got cleaned up and went for a ride, then visited with my grandparents.  My nephew Caleb came back to Mom's with us and has been providing me with some good entertainment.  We've sung "Itchy Bitchy Spider" and "Over the wood and through the pasture to Mamaws house we go" as well as some song about grapes, nanners and Monkeys that I don't know.  The weather is nice today and I'm going to sit out on the porch for a while to soak up some sunshine.

Feeling a little better

Will and I are spending the night at Mom's tonight.  I know I just left but it seemed like a good idea to come back over here for a couple nights.  The nurse came to my house today and checked me out, everything seems to be fine, I still have the drain.  My doctor scheduled a scope for me on Tuesday to see if I have a stricture which could be the cause of the nausea. I've kept my foods pretty bland the last couple days so I have been able to have my three meals though  not a lot of protien.  I've just decided to eat what sounds good and goes down well so far that has been chicken noodle soup and orange jello.  Hopefully when I see the doctor on Tuesday they will remove my drain then too.  I really think I will feel so much better once that is removed. 

NAUSEA

I came home yesterday.  "Home" home.  It feels good to sleep in my own my own bed again but all day yesterday and now again at 6 am today I have been so nauseated.  I'm taking my Phenergan and I think it helps but all I want is ice chips, taking a drink of water only seems to make me more nauseated.  Of course all I have here is ice trays, not crushed ice.  I need something to hydrate me, could that be the cause of the nausea?  Ugh.  I feel crappy and whiny now :(

Two Weeks Post Op and I'm Still Draining

The nurse came today and checked me out.  I'm still draining too much to have the drain removed but I guess that's good since the fluid does need to come off.  I really would like to have that thing out so I can start to feel normal again.  I don't have much pain anymore, just a little tenderness in the abdomen.  Last night I walked on the treadmill for 10 minutes and wasn't completely worn out. I'm hoping to get out of the house for a little bit tomorrow.  I might have Mom drive me out to the park for a little fresh air if it isn't snowing or raining.  I'm down about 11 pounds since the day of surgery, I had expected more but I think that might have to do with the fluid that is still draining. 

I'm starting to get a little bored here and really missing my animals.  I'd like to go home on Sunday.  Joe seems to think I should probably stay here until the drain is removed, he thinks the pets will wear me out.  I feel like it would be good for me to be there so I can work on getting into a routine.  I could always come back here if it's too much.  Right now my Short Term Disability is approved through April 24th, I have my 1 month follow up visit scheduled for that day.  The nurse will be by once a week until then.  Hopefully she will take out the drain next week.