Discharged yesterday!

Just checking in to let everyone know that the hernia surgery went well.  I somehow got the idea it was a hiatal hernia, but was told it was an incisional surgery (which developed following liver resection.)  I now have a slightly longer scar, but my intestine is no longer poking out.  I gained 10 lbs. in abdominal fluid literally overnight.  I still have a drain (Hemovac), which I empty approximately every 6 hours.  The surgeon wants to see me the end of this week, and I suppose the drain will be removed then, if possible.  My Lasix was doubled, as was my Aldactone.  I'm very tired and am glad that I got most of my Christmas preparations done prior to surgery last Fri.  I'm also pretty "out of it" due to pain meds. 

Connie

Hello Connie, si glad the surgery went fine and is behind you. Bet you are glad to be home. Hope you have a quick recovery. Take care ........Thoughts and prayers

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Pink Grandma
Forum moderator-Hepatitis

When the going gets tough....the tough get going! Don't always know where I going but I get there anyways.

Thanks to all for the good wishes.     My follow-up appt. isn't until Jan. 3rd, and I'm not too happy about that.  The drain will then have been in for 3 weeks.  I'm taking Keflex, but only for 5 days...so I'm wondering how safe it is to leave the drain in that long.  However, I would have to deal with heavy dressings, as I did after the hepatectomy, if it is removed now.  I've been feeling very feverish, although my temp reading is normal.  My oral thermometer may be broken, though.  I'm also feeling very nauseated since yesterday.  All I've had to eat today is a piece of toast.  I had a very good appetite in the hospital.  I'm also sleeping most of the time.  I'm taking Percocet, but only one about every 8 hours.  The surgeon is aware of my complaints.  If I start feeling worse, I will just get myself to the ER. 

Connie

Connie

I hope things turn around and you start feeling better really soon. I certainly will keep positive thoughts and prayers for you that you won't have to back to the hospital. Thanks for keeping us posted.

Lucy

Connie, I am glad you are feeling a little better today. You will be in my prayers tonight. Rest well.

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Butterflythree

There is always hope!

Connie, hello sweetie. I am relieved that your surgery is over and you are home now. Your complaints are unfortunately pretty common after surgery. May I suggest a few things? First, Percocet makes many people nauseated. If possible, eat a little something (even if it is crackers or toast) about 1/2 hour before the Percocet. Next, your body is trying to recover from the surgery and anesthesia. That's most likely why you are so tired. Sleep or at least rest in bed or on the couch often. When you sleep your body heals itself. Drink lots of fluids especially water. Dehydration is common after some surgical proceedures. If the nausea persists you may want to change pain pills. Maybe to Lortabs. Continue to check your temperature and if a fever does develope than call your Dr right away. That is usually a sign of infection. The drain is a nuisance I know (I've had 2 of them before) but it is necessary to keep the excess fluid out of the surgical site. Warch for redness at the drain site or if it feels hot to the touch. Again, those are signs of infection. It sounds like you have a handle on it though as you are feeling better now. Love and kisses and happy holidays.
Shelly

 Connie, I am so glad that you are feeling better today. A little redness at the drain site is normal because of irritation. Just watch that it doesn't get any bigger or worse. Sounds like you are on the mend tho. :)  As you improve your appetite will return. Eat lots of veggies and fruits. Can you take Vit E? If you can it is helpful because it is a tissue healer.

                                  Love & Hugs, Shelly

Connie, I am so glad to hear that you are feeling better. Sounds like you will be up and at it in no time. Take care.

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Butterflythree

There is always hope!