10 day post-op check up

Saw my Dr. for post-op check up. He believes I have an adbominal infection, so he put me on antibiotics. I have a large surface area that is hard as a rock according to the Dr. Hoping this infection clears up soon. Still struggling with a lack of BM, but otherwise doing fairly well. Getting a little cabin fever because I am alone and can't drive yet. I'm working my way off of the pain pills. Wish I wasn't alone, but thankful I have this website.

I was alone beginning one week post-op and not able to drive so I completely understand your cabin fever! Are you susceptible to yeast infections? Yeast is VERY common post-op because of all the antibiotics you receive in your IV prior to and after surgery. Now that he has you on more antibiotics, watch out for yeast infection symptoms.

I am pretty much a loner, so the cabin fever didn't bother me too badly. I have neighbors just down the road, and my car is small enough and easy enough to drive that if I had had an emergency, I could have gotten help. During my week in seclusion, I watched a lot of TV. Leave it to me to have major surgery, come home, and get addicted to watching Becker, a show about a doctor so HATEFUL that he makes Dr. House look like a Smurf! HA! When I go back to work Monday I am going to start taping Becker. I'm hooked! I also read hundreds and hundreds of Hystersister posts and got so freaked out about scar tissue pain that I quit doing anyting! If you don't care for TV, you can read, do crossword or jigsaw puzzles, and nap a lot (I did a lot of that too). My mom called me everyday during that week, but I suspect she was mostly just checking up on me to make sure I would not sneak out and go pet the dogs at the animal shelter (I volunteer there and she KNEW I was really missing my critters).

Keep walking, drink lots of water and take bowel softeners if you have them. That will help with the BM problems. When I went outside during my week of seclusion, even if I was only walking to the mailbox, I carried my cordless phone with me just in case I got into trouble and needed help. I carried it to every room, just in case.

Remember if you get lonely, we are always here. Since the insomnia is so bad post-op, those of us who have not reached 6 weeks yet and our Australian sisters are still here at 4 a.m.!

Take care,
Rene

ATCK-when you mention that you have a large surface area that is hard as a rock, where abouts is it? an babe you're not alone-you got ALL OF US!!!!

the Dr. said my incision is doing extremely well. I've had absolutely no discharge from day one. My hard rocks are below the incision about an inch or so almost all the way across the lower abdomen. I have a friend coming an hour away to visit with me tomorrow. I am so excited to have company. And I do know I have all of you hystersisters. I've been living alone for so many years and doing well with it until now.

oh by the way, I've never had a yeast infection. August 17th I am scheduled for a colonoscopy and biopsy for my colitis and to rule out Crohn's disease. I am going to strongly request they knock me out all the way because I will be just 3 weeks post-op from the TAH/BSO.

well honey you will be ok with all of us here to help you thru-even though you have been alone for a while prior to this, during this time it's a good time to get to know a little more about yourself---our bodies are different now and it needs our attention more than ever...i've learned to appreciate myself more and i've incorporated so many new friends thru this site-life is good-and just gets better each day! take care-keep me informed of how you are doing!

Good Luck!!! I have an infection as well... but my incision is open and has to be packed!!!!

Keep an eye on things!! Have you been running a fever at all?

My incision HAS drained since day 1 - and has not been fun!!!

10 check up is Wed. You are not alone. Tired of laying on the couch but feel like cement in my stomach when I stay on my feet to long. Glad I found this site today, like knowing I am not alone.