Posted 2/19/2015 6:49 PM (GMT -8)
Hi ldrunner,
I think it depends. Bill just heaves, but I actually vomited 3 times since my surgery 6 years ago (the first one was at the one year mark). I'll try to describe what it felt like:
I retched/heaved as Bill described, and I could feel the pressure of the wrap holding the stomach contents in...but at a certain point, I felt it give way, and I vomited normally.
I have always kept anti-nausea drugs handy, but these three episodes came on with no warning. I only ever vomited the one time, because I immediately used Compazine suppositories to prevent any future events. In my experience, Zofran, or other oral meds don't work once I've vomited...I just can't keep them down. They're fine for mild nausea, but when I'm in a full-blown vomiting mode, there's nothing as effective as the Compazine.
My surgeon told me I wouldn't be able to vomit, but I know that some people can, and I'm one of them.
I believe my wrap area was irritated and a little sore for a few days, but there was no long-term damage that I could see/feel. I think it was important that I didn't allow repeated episodes of retching and vomiting. That's when things have a better chance of causing injury.
Get those anti nausea drugs and carry them with you if you can. At least keep them at home and handy. I watch the expiration dates and get new scripts when necessary.
No worries...you'll be just fine.
Still, keep washing those hands! I have grandkids, who are petri-dishes, so I'm always getting exposed.
Best wishes,
Denise