Hi all,
I posted a similar thread a few days ago and it got deleted somehow so I am posting again. My mother had 3D LAP rectal surgery with temp ileostomy on August 17th and was in the hospital for 6-7 days. I am seeking some advice on this thread to other's who have this similar surgery. This was my mom's first surgery and I do not expect her to bounce right back after a long and extensive surgery. Post surgery she did okay in the hospital. She stayed Tues-Mon (6-7 days total) The nurses at the hospital managed her pain meds daily, and her pain was well controlled and she had somewhat an appetite with healthy output. Shortly after discharge, while at my home healing, her appetite decreased a lot and I do believe it's from the medication. She was taking Oxycodone every so often and Tylenol 600 mg every 4-6 hours. I think the Oxy is too strong for her, makes her have no appetite which makes it hard for her to eat and drink fluids. She almost became dehydrated due to not drinking or eating and almost had to take her to the E.R. I had her drink a few glasses of Gatorade and that seem to have helped her with feeling better. The night before she became dehydrated I had her take 1 Ativan so she could get some rest. She ended up sleeping okay but I think it made her more sick. Home health nurse comes twice a week, physical therapist two times per week. She will get a reversal in 5-6 months. I get worried about my mom cause I know she is in pain still. Her abdomen is very swollen, almost looks like a possible hernia, but the nurse mentioned that it will go down soon. First it was her Butt in pain, now it's the ileostomy site.
Here are my questions:
1. How long did it take you to recover from LAP surgery?
2. What med did you take to control pain?
3. Her ileostomy site is pretty swollen still, gassy, she fears of a hernia. It's hard for her to eat, less appetite, is this all normal? She complains that when she swallows food, it sort of hurts going down. Anyhow, any advice would be great! It's been a very stressful, emotional week and I am experiencing caregiver burn out. My aunt is going to stay with my mom and care for her for a week so i can take a much needed vacation with my husband. Although, I feel awful for leaving my mom, I know that she will be in good hands.