Day 7 – update

Well, I’ve had an interesting day; I woke up without any cramps but a very stiff back from actually having slept and a sore throat from the NG tube. They took me for an xray of my tummy and, whilst waiting for it, I gagged a little from the tube, causing me to cough and strain my stomach muscles. Because of said strain, when it came to laying down for the xray, I was quite uncomfortable. The technicians were kind and offered an extra pillow and helped me get back up again though.

Once I was back on the ward, I started gagging on the tube again and started to bring up watery bile. This happened a second time and I asked them to remove the tube, which they did. It helped immediately and I was feeling quite OK for a few hours. This afternoon, however, I had a massive stomach cramp that was causing me to heave and they had to give me IV paracetamol and anti-sickness. I then promptly threw up again but then the pain died down. They gave me oralmorph and I was able to sleep for an hour or so.

Since having woken up, my pain has been minimal and I’ve even been able to drink some water (which I was throwing up before). They’ve taken me off IV fluids for now as the blob is working a bit more now and I’m able to drink. I’m really hoping this is it and I’ll get better from here. Fingers and toes crossed!

Day 7

The NG tube seems to have done the trick as my cramps are almost completely gone. I did have to ask them to remove it today though because it was making me gag. The new cannula is doing well, I’m on IV fluids at the moment because I wasn’t drinking yesterday. I’m on free fluids now but they recommended to see how I go and to play it by ear, so to speak. I’m quite tired still so I’m going to try and catnap this afternoon.

Day 6 – another update

I’ve been throwing up today and been in constant pain with my stomach cramps which only oralmorph seems to help take the edge off of.

The surgical doctor thinks I’m a bit distended and has ordered a tummy xray. He also wants to get an NG tube inserted. I’ve never had an NG tube and, other than what I’ve seen of others having then fitted, I don’t know what to expect. To be honest, I don’t really care so long as it helps.

Day 6 – update

My stomach cramps have been pretty bad today. Paracetamol does absolutely nothing and codeine only takes the edge off for a short while. They’ve given me another oral painkiller in liquid form which sounds similar to morphine but isn’t (I don’t remember the name). This might have worked but, unfortunately, I’ve just thrown up so it obviously won’t now. They did an ECG earlier and may have to do another one.

I’m just waiting on the doctors now.

Day 6

I’m feeling pretty rubbish right now; my stomach has been cramping all night so I’ve barely slept. The doctor thinks it’s my bowel reacting to solid food after not having any for a few days so they’re giving me codeine and paracetamol to try and keep the pain down.

I have no appetite either so I’ve asked to have jelly for both lunch and dinner today because I don’t think I could stomach anything else.

thechronicchillpill:

Hypervigilance can cause fatigue guys. PTSD can cause fatigue, anxiety and depression can cause fatigue, Bipolar can cause fatigue, any and all mental illnesses can.

Please understand if youre mentally ill and physically or emotionally fatigued, that is not you being lazy! It is your body and brain being tired of fighting your illness! You are tired because youve been fighting.

This struggle you are going through is real, please do not let yourself or anyone invalidate you further by saying youre lazy.

Day 5 (minor TMI warning)

So, I didn’t have a good night last night because I’ve had some trapped wind which has been putting pressure on my stomach, keeping me awake. I’m on oral paracetamol which is keeping my pain at a minimum and I know that the more I move, the easier it’ll pass.

Loop-ileostomy (dubbed Blob 2.0) is working at the moment and they’ve started me on solid food now so the output should become a bit thicker. Hopefully, it’ll help with the slight light-headedness I’ve been having after each excursion to the bathroom. The doctor said I’m a very little bit malnourished so eating solids should give me back some strength. Provided that all works, I should be going home by Wednesday, fingers crossed.

Day 4

I’ve seen my doctor today and I am now drain, cathatar and PCA free! I still have a cannula but they said they’ll remove that as well later.

I am a lot more mobile now that I’m not attached to a load of machines so I feel a lot better than I did yesterday. It still takes a lot of energy to get to the bathroom – which is just across the corridor from my bay – but I am recovering faster from each excursion.

I’m still on a liquid diet, probably until tomorrow, but I’m at least allowed clouded liquids instead of just clear.

Maybe I’ll get to go home soon.

Day 3

My pain was a bit worse last night so my sleep was quite broken, but it seems to be under control at the moment. I’m still on a liquid diet but I am managing more than yesterday – and I haven’t thrown up today, which is always good.

I haven’t needed as many catnaps today either but I am still very tired. I’m going to try and walk again later as the more I move, the faster I’ll heal and I can go home quicker.

To be honest, I just want the cathatar out. It’s not the most comfortable thing to have in.

Day 2

I had a bit more sleep last night so I haven’t been nodding off quite as much today. That’s not to say I’m not still super tired, but it’s better than yesterday.

My blood pressure is still low which is due to my not drinking enough, but I’ve upped my water-intake today and even managed an apple juice as well as a few mouthfuls of jelly.

I went for a little walk with my nurse just now and to say I am worn out would be an understatement. I wasn’t sick this time though so I’m taking that as a very good sign.

I don’t have much of an appetite but I might try some soup later if I’m feeling up for it.

Wishing everyone a good and safe Friday evening.