She had a pretty good understanding of my week in the hospital, and asked what my stomach was looking like. I said it looked like Frankenstein's stomach, with red slashes and covered in green, blue and brown bruises.
I said it was also tender to the touch and EXTREMELY swollen. I've eaten so much less since this whole thing began yet my stomach feels and looks like I was 9 months pregnant.
I'm not making this up--I came very close to sharing a photo of my monster belly here but was too embarrassed.
She told me the average patient gains between 10-15 pounds following surgery and a stay in the hospital (from being sedentary and receiving IV bags of various nutrients 24 hours a day). As for all the swelling and soreness, I have a lot of enflamed organs right now.
I told Colleen that I was just concerned why I'm not feeling lots better. A few people have sent me articles or videos on what to expect following gall bladder surgery, people often go home the same day or the next morning, not a week later. She said "Yours was emergency surgery, not elective. Plus you underwent two surgeries two days in a row. And then you got those infections and the pneumonia, so your outcome was different."
I asked her how soon I can begin doing some light exercising again (I always liked to do arm & leg stuff while watching tv) and she said "Nope, none of that. You can start taking some light walks in 2-3 weeks." Oh well, I'm still being forced to sleep upright because of breathing problems.
Colleen said I also run the risk of getting a hernia right now, and to avoid picking up anything heavier than a gallon of milk for another 3 weeks. Easier said than done.
The surgeon wants to do a follow-up with me on June 25. I hope I'm well enough to go, my dear friend Kim has graciously agreed to go with me.
As long as I'm doing a health update here, I'm still wrestling with these long covid symptoms. The left eye and temple inflammation have been subdued for over a week now, but still lots of soreness and weirdness inside my mouth, tongue & gums. Things like chocolate, salt, tomato sauce are like eating red pepper. It sucks, but could be worse.
And finally, something I never thought I'd do--I bought groceries online today from Walmart.com. There was an extra $15.00 added to my bill for delivery & driver's tip, but all the items I requested showed up at my doorstep. (And no broken eggs.) A nice convenience but I like my walks to Kuhns.
Sounds like a good phone call
ReplyDeleteAnd a good contact person - she made really good points about emergency surgery - and how your body is going to be sore whilst you recover
Like you I prefer getting my own groceries ( Waitrose and Marks and Spencer’s are my favourites ) but please give yourself the space to recover and let the groceries come to you for a bit
So pleased you have a fiend to support you at your appointment
Siobhan
Thank you Siobhan, I hope people aren't getting too tired of my medical dramas.
DeleteOh Doug…you’ve certainly been put through the wringer! So sorry to hear about these recent events. It seems so unfair that so much of your retirement has been plagued with medical maladies. You’re in my thoughts, my friend. ❤️
ReplyDeleteSince I voluntarily stopped driving due to my vestibular issues, I’ve had Walmart deliver my groceries. I use their Walmart+ membership so the deliveries over $35 are free (other than the tip). I sign up during the Black Friday sales and can usually get the membership for 50% off. They usually offer free trials for a month, so you might want to at least sign up for that while you’re on the mend.
I know how awful it can be to deal with constant medical issues. It’s a daily struggle. You are fortunate that you are retired though, as it can make work life especially difficult. Work pretty much takes all of my energy so I don’t get to do much other than work. I’ve had to miss more work in the last few years than the rest of my working years combined. Like you with your long covid, my life has completely changed. I hope you heal soon and are free of any further complications. We need some of that 24th century medicine and a doctor named Crusher!
Hugs to you! ❤️
Thanks very much Jase, and I appreciate the info on the Walmart shopping for the future. I sure am sorry to read of your own health issues, we are not that old and willl get thru this. I have to tell you (as a fellow Trekkie) I have often wished/wondered for a 24th century doctor but as much as I like Crusher, I want the holographic doctor from Voyager! Hugs back to you my friend ❤️
DeleteDoug, just be careful that you don’t get fooled by the EMH from the Equinox with his deactivated ethical subroutines posing as the trusted doc from Voyager!
DeleteHahaha--thanks Commander, acknowledged!
DeleteSounds to me like you're doing pretty amazing considering all that you've been through plus going it alone! Rest assured you are doing great for the serious surgery you had. My hubby had a stone stuck in his duct and had to have his gall bladder removed years ago and went through similar surgery to yours. He was 40 at the time and spent a week in the hospital plus 6 weeks off work with a humongous tube draining from his stomach which was later painfully pulled out in the doctor's office. It is decidedly not a fun procedure but your positive attitude will certainly help you! Try not to despair, everything you're going through is unfortunately normal but soon you'll be back to your old self and feeling better than ever. Just keep hanging in and know that your readers have your back! 🌞
ReplyDeleteBobi thanks so much and you know what? I need to keep coming back and reading this. Because (aside from that awful tube) your husband and I share the same story. Good Lord, I'm grateful I didn't have a tube coming out of me. But really, this was appreciated. Things are just taking longer than I expected.
DeleteDoug it seems you should not be straining or lifting. Especially lifting your whole body up and down stairs. Could you ask a neighbor to bring up your mail for you? Stairs ARE the worst after surgery. I had abdominal surgery some hears ago. Stairs were a no! no! for some time. Be careful. Don't want to tear any internal stitches or traumatized muscles. Had a recliner so I didn't have to strain getting up and down to be, And more eyes on you. Requesting a visiting nurse/aide would be a good idea. Surprised she didn't urge you that way. Even tough guys need help. Listen to the blogosphere. We all want you safe and well. Your job is to be careful. Our job is to advise and support, with a dose of nagging if needed. Hang in there! Kris in Ohio
ReplyDeleteKris, you make me smile--you're a good person. thank you! As a matter of fact, my building does have an elevator that I normally use the stairs over, but not since coming home from the hospital. In fact when my food was delivered yesterday I took 5 trips up and down that elevator bringing only a couple items at a time. I appreciate you looking out for me K, thanks again.
DeleteI'm always happy for an update; otherwise, I would have to bug you on email! :) Your body has been through major trauma, so the fact that you can even manage at home is miraculous. I hope you see improvements soon because that will feel positive. Delivery is the way to go and it sounds like it was successful! I like that the medical caller was informative and supportive. I knew it was unlikely, but I was hoping that the surgery would have kicked the long covid out somehow. You don't deserve all this, my friend!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Margaret, you've been a good friend for a long time. That woman on the phone was a lot more informative than the doctors, and the long covid does suck but I'm convinced it's on its way out. I think my summer is shot, but hopeful and excited about September. 🙂👍
DeleteI'm very relieved that someone from the hospital followed up! Explaining the difference between scheduled gallbladder surgery and emergency, followed by pneumonia seems very clarifying.
ReplyDeleteHope it's a trend! And I think the fact that you are considering exercise is a very positive development, but I'm not surprised that you aren't allowed to do the kind of thing you are envisioning. Now, can we hope you are following all this good advice? And is it possible for you to get a consultation, maybe on line, with a nutritionist about things to eat as your recuperation goes on?
Food delivery is such a good idea during this transitional time - it seems expensive but there is someone supporting themselves with this job, of course. And I hope they brought it up to your kitchen?
You see I can't stop with the nagging.
Ceci
Thank you Ceci--I did have a lot of questions about my food, but they told me I'd figure out on my own which things did or didn't give me trouble. As for the delivery, I was just talking to a friend and said it never occurred to me to let the delivery guy bring it upstairs to my apartment. I so much wish I had done that, and next time I will.
DeleteOh, I thought that picture at the top was a photo of you. ;)
ReplyDeleteAll that you described the other day and long covid as well. Some of the mischievous gods really have it in for you.
A gallon of milk? That’s just short of 4 litres. I buy 1 litre at a time and seldom finish that. I guess you drink more milk than I do or make things that include milk – the only things I make are cheese and chive muffins and Potatoes Romanoff (and it’s just a little in that).
Thanks Maestro, but I think she was just referring to how much weight I could lift without herniation! I drink or use very little milk! 😊
DeleteI am impressed that you are still upright at all and managing your meals on your own. I suspect I"d be curled up, apparently upright in an recliner, moaning and crying.
ReplyDeleteIn all seriousness I'm glad to hear you'll have some help from friends. Having to pay for the delivery sucks. I wonder if there is an amount you need to spend before you get free delivery?
Take care and I hope you improve quickly.
Haha thanks Maebeme, and trust me I've spent plenty of time this past week whining and coughing. As for the delivery fees, if I spent over $35 USD an order it'd be zero. But I also have to shell out 100 bucks for a membership and this is temporary only. 🙂
DeleteHang in there Dug. Following closely and sending hugs and many good thoughts your way as you recover.
ReplyDeleteYou're very kind, thank you Camille.
DeleteDug, I'm so glad you have a 'case worker' keeping tabs on you. Are you able to call Colleen if you have questions? Your experience is definitely more serious than a normal gall stone removal... and it will take time to recover. And good that you are having your groceries delivered. I imagine you do like getting out and shopping for yourself, but right now you have to rest and heal. Sleep, binge watch TV, shop on Amazon, and write blogs.... we're here to help you get by. Take care, my friend.
ReplyDeleteThanks very much Rian... I do have Colleen's number if needed. I just wish things could go a little faster. I am still sleeping sitting up, and also dealing with long covid flaresups daily. I'm just cranky. But still thankful.
DeleteHi Doug, thanks for doing an update. I am so sorry you aren’t feeling as well as you hoped. I didn’t know about the hospital stay weight gain. Hope you are feeling well enough to get to your doctors appointment on the 25th.Take care Doug.❤️❤️
ReplyDeleteThanks very much Robin, very glad to hear from you. To be honest, the gall bladder is healing good. It's the breathing and long covid in my face that's kicking my butt. I'm ready to start a new chapter. Take care R. ❤️🧡
DeleteHi Doug,
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you didn't post a picture of your belly. I don't even like looking at my own surgical scars. A written description is good enough. BTW, Did you do the Frankenstein's monster illustration? If you did, you must have inherited your dad's artistic skills. Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Steve from Toronto
Thank you Steve, and I'm sorry for your own surgical scars. As for the drawing, I filtered it from the internet but perhaps it's time I began supplying more of my own drawings when needed. Anyway, thanks again for the kind wishes my friend from Toronto.
DeleteDoug, I am so sorry. I don't know how I missed your earlier post! So scary. Really scary. I am so sorry.
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine the pain you were in . I am so glad you called the ambulance and that the hospital and doctors took this seriously. This was a MAJOR medical event. I am sure the surgery was grueling enough and then to contract pneumonia on top of it. I am surprised they sent you home. And I am sure you are miserable recovering (I am always miserable recovering).
I wish we could all help you out - drop off meals, do your shopping. Good for you on ordering a grocery delivery. So worth the money.
I wish we could help you decorate or update the apartment, too. I wish I could help but I have no decorating skills. My house looks like a cross between a used furniture store and a flea market. I do think you may need to add a recliner just in case. I believe that if you prepare (and buy a recliner) you won't end up needing it.
I just feel so awful for you. Thinking about you and sending well wishes.
Thank you Miss Merry, you're very kind. And I've seen enough pics of your home to know it's fun, comfortable & inviting. A lot of love there. :^)
DeleteChecking in. Wishing you Happy Solstice, Doug! First day of summer. A new season of promise and sunny days. Hope you're not overdoing. Pace yourself. Time is the best healer and the hardest Rx to apply. Time spent now will prevent setbacks and relapses. So apply TimeRx generously. Take care, my friend. Keep us in the loop. ((Hugs)) Kris in Ohio
ReplyDeleteYou're very sweet, thank you Kris.
Delete