Ever Had a Hard Time Recovering from Surgery? If So . . . help . . .

[bertha katzenengel]

Did you do anything specific to pull out of it? Besides waiting? Mrs. V. is having a very hard time recovering, and it's not just the pain.

Help?

[Joe Fields]

1. what type of surgery?

I had lung surgery in 1980 and it took a year to fully recover from it. I don't believe that type of surgery is as invasive now, but back then it was excruciating to recover from. And yes, it did affect my mental outlook after awhile. Best wishes for him. Surgery, and recovery from it are never really easy.

[bertha katzenengel]

4. abdominal - and done outpatient

She had abdominal surgery 3 years ago - gall bladder - that too was outpatient but her recovery was nowhere near this tough. This was a hernia repair and seeing how much pain she was in for the first several days, i honestly cannot belive this was outpatient. GRR

thanks, Joe

[Joe Fields]

15. I really am shocked at what is deemed 'outpatient' these days.

I have had four abdominal surgeries, (the last one was 1976) and each time, I was in the hospital for at least two weeks. My how things have changed.

[DemoTex]

19. Dr. D's #2 had a radical mastectomy last Thursday.

She was home on Friday. With pain pump, etc. Get the hell out of our Staphylococcus A. infected hospitals ASAP! The nosocomial/MRSA infection is one of the worst thing that can possibly happen to you in the hospital.

[EstimatedProphet]

2. I had complications resulting from gall bladder surgery

It was most of a year really before I was better. The only thing to do was wait, rest, and relax, unfortunately.

[bertha katzenengel]

5. I wish she could rest.

She works strictly at home, but her job is extremely stressful, very intense right now. But she hasn't any leave, plus her senses of duty and responsibility are very strong (naturally). I don't believe she'll take anymore time off.

thanks, EP

[EstimatedProphet]

7. That's a shame, because that's the best thing for recovery

We americans drive ourselves back to work before we're healed, and then stretch out the healing process doing it.

Good luck.

[xmas74]

8. We don't get a choice.

I had a c-section with my daughter and my boss called me the next day, wanting to know how soon I could go back to work. He actually made the comment about how women used to "pop 'em out" in the fields and go right back to work.

My best friend went back to work 8 days after her c-section because she felt she didn't have a choice. She knew she couldn't be fired for it but she also knew they'd find another reason.

[EstimatedProphet]

9. That's ridiculous, and an indictment of our whole system

[xmas74]

11. It is

but what can you do?

Unless we all work together there's not too much we can do about it.

[flamingyouth]

3. Is she feeling tired and run-down?

Sometimes that can hang on for a while after surgery and can be frustrating. Surgery is a big deal.

I hope she feels better soon. But I can totally understand. Here's a hug for each of you. :hug::hug:

[bertha katzenengel]

6. yeah - to the extreme

Thank you, FY - good to see you

[MissMillie]

10. is she getting enough protein?

is she staying hydrated?

have you talked to the doctor?

[bertha katzenengel]

16. i don't know -

i try to have some at every dinner (even if i drive through) but during the day - i don't know

yes, i'm pretty sure she is

not since she got her stitches out. i have my own appt on thursday. my doc is very cool. i may ask her about this.

ty, Millie :hug:

[yellowdogintexas]

18. this kind of surgery is a harder recovery than the mini lap

gallbladder procedure. Much more invasive, very exhausting. Lots of naps are required, and much snuggling of kitties is vital. My kitties were very important in my recovery from two separate abdominal procedures.

My husband had a double hernia repair in January and he was wiped totally for 6 weeks, and it took another month for him to get back to something close to normal.

[LeftyFingerPop]

12. I would call the Doc and express your concerns...

he/she may be able to indicate how long this will last, how to help it along, etc.

Best wishes.

[LaurenG]

13. Hernia repair is no fun

I had that at age 4 and I still remember it. It took a while before I was able to stand up straight.

Also, vitamin c seems to help with healing. Ophthalmologist advise those having lasik surgery not to take vitamins for a few days before and after the treatment because they heal too fast and it affects the outcome, so that may help her, since they probably want her to heal fast.

:hug: I hope she starts to feel better soon. Usually after the third day things calm down for most people. Good vibes to Mrs. V.

[EFerrari]

14. Yes. I got a staph infection, felt sick as hell and my doc kept telling me

it was all in in my head. Needless to say, that was unhelpful. I finally dragged myself to another doctor. Turned out the first guy had botched the surgery AND missed the infection. :mad:

[Beausoir]

17. Right now as a matter of fact. Total hysterectomy with ab muscle repairs 5 weeks ago.

6 nights in the hospital and weeks and weeks of pain.

This is my advice to Mrs. V:

Be persistent with the Doctor. No one should have to suffer. Ask for more meds! Don't be shy about it. That is what painkillers are for.

A high protein diet may help. Has the iron level been checked? Could anemia be a culprit?

The fatigue is crushing. Sometimes I get so tired that I get the dry heaves. Lots and lots of rest is mandatory. NO GUILT for taking a nap! The body does the best healing when resting.

Drink lots and lots of water and take short walks several times a day. Buy some meditation books to try and calm down.

Be patient. It WILL get better but it is such hard work. Such hard work.

Good luck.

[Omphaloskepsis]

20. Get her to the doctor ASAP..

Most people are going to google answers. That works when you need to fix your computer, not when you need medical advice.

[bertha katzenengel]

21. i appreciate that, and she did talk to her doctor today -- but i'm not

looking for medical advice. i'm looking for personal experiences, and it seems as though that's what i got.

thanks! :hi:

[Flaxbee]

22. I think just talking to your dr. about it, too, might not be a bad

idea. I think you said earlier in the thread you were going to see your doctor soon -- never hurts to get a more informed opinion, even if Mrs. V. isn't in your dr's direct care.

I really hope she feels better soon! :hug: