Recovery update

I’ve had an interesting couple of days; blob’s been ok but he was particularly windy yesterday and last night, and today the stomach cramps have increased so that I’m taking codeine as well as paracetamol to try and numb it (it’s not working that well though). I know it’s still early days but I thought the pain would be pretty low at this point.

Food-wise, I’m trying to have breakfast everyday (which isn’t something I usually do) and snack between meals to try and get my stomach and gut used to processing food again. I’ve also lost some weight since my surgery (just under a stone) so, although I don’t need to put any on as I’m just borderline ok for my demographic, but I wouldn’t mind putting a little bit back on so I don’t look underweight.

I am sleeping better, which is always a bonus, so I don’t feel like I need to have a mid-afternoon nap anymore, but I’m still very tired and I get worn out after doing simple tasks like putting some clothes away or putting something into the oven for dinner. I know it’ll take some time to build my strength back up though so I am trying to take it easy.

Day 1 of being home

Well, I’m signed off work for six weeks so I’ll have plenty of the time to recover abd regain my strength.

I was able to sleep a lot better last night and I’m slowly regaining since off my appetite. I currently have a craving for crisps.

You know, it’s a weird feeling being home after so long in hospital. Everything feels both familiar and not at the same time. I’m sure I’ll settle in soon.

andthosearesmalleragents:

fairygodrobot:

random-gallifreyan:

Do you guys know why I’m so adamant about you vaccinating your kids?

I’m immunocomprimised. It means my immune system is weakened. I have very weak lungs and I rely on herd immunity to stay safe.

I’m allergic to the shot people get for whooping cough. How do I know? I had a 3 week, painful reaction. Now, this was a while ago, before shit hit the fan with the whole anti-vax movement.

But do you know what my doctor told me? It was safer for me to get the shot that I’m ALLERGIC TO than rely on herd immunity because if I get the shot, I’ll be in moderate-severe pain for about 3 weeks max. If I get the disease, I will die. My lung capacity is bad enough, but my body is too weak to fight the disease.

So not only are you putting your child’s life at risk by not vaccinating them, you’re putting mine and all the other people who cannot be vaccinated at risk because of a selfish decision that isn’t backed by science.

god THIS. vaccinate your kids and vaccinate yourself too. my dad is also immunocompromised and relies on herd immunity. neither he nor anyone who lives with us can get live-virus vaccines (we can only get ones where the virus is inert/dead) because if he’s exposed to the weakened virus he will contract whatever disease it is, so herd immunity is SUPER important for everyone in our family.

the anti-vax bullshit HURTS people. my dad has been hospitalized before just from a common flu because people he knew didn’t get their flu shots, came in to work with the flu, and got him sick. even with my dad’s healthy lifestyle, the fact that he’s immunocompromised from leukemia means even a really common and easily treatable disease (the flu, bronchitis, whooping cough) could straight up kill him.

fuckin. vaccinate.

Also do you know how many people in the community are immunocompromised?

Every cancer patient

Every pregnant person

Just about every elderly person

All small children

Many people with invisible illnesses, such as autoimmune conditions, AIDs, congenital immune deficiencies, malabsorption issues etc

Heck, even those with jetlag or under severe stress are immunocompromised

In short, YOU KNOW LOTS OF IMMUNOCOMPROMISED PEOPLE. Unless you are a hermit, YOU INTERACT WITH IMMUNOCOMPROMISED PEOPLE ON A DAILY BASIS. GET VACCINATED!!!!

Day 26

I’m going home! I’m just waiting for my PICC line to be removed. I’m so happy to finally be going home, I can’t wait to sleep in my own bed.

My stomach cramps have been pretty minimal today so I was able to eat my lunch no problem. I’m just tired now.

They’re giving me some fortijuce to take home with me but no other medication, which is a first.

Positive vibes!

Day 25

The doctors are pretty happy and, provided I can keep food down again today, my PICC line will be removed and I may be discharge tomorrow.

I’ve managed half my cheese sandwich so far today but my tummy is aching so I’m taking it very slowly. I’m going to try and tackle the other half later this afternoon.

The pain is bearable but it can be a bit much so painkillers are still being offered. I’m trying not to ask for oralmorph because I don’t want to become dependant on that but I will if the pain gets too much. They did say I can have a bottle to take home with me if need be but I’d rather I only needed codeine and paracetamol.

It’s been almost a month since my surgery so I am really looking forward to being back home again. I miss my bed, my computer, and, most importantly, my partner and my rats. I know he comes to see me every evening but I still miss him just being there during the day.

I’m not getting my hopes up too high but I’m staying positive. I hope everyone is having a good and safe weekend.

Day 24

Generally feeling pretty good today. I’m still a bit sore around the middle but that’s to be expected. Food-wise, I’m still eating small amounts of soft food but I’m going to try a sandwich tomorrow and see how my gut reacts to something more solid than soup.

The doctors are hoping to send me home this week but we’ll see. It’s been almost four weeks since my surgery and I think I’m mentally ready to go home but my body isn’t quite there yet.

I need to make myself a meal plan for when I get home to ensure I don’t overeat for the first month or so. If I actually get around to writing it down, I’ll be sure to share it.

Day 23 – update

So, the soup and jelly have stayed down. I’m not going to be too adventurous tomorrow, probably stick with soup and jelly again, but I might try some mash potato for dinner (I know, exciting stuff).

The blob has been fine today, a little watery but he’s getting there. He’s also looking a bit healthier.

I’m not going to get my hopes up but I think this could be the way to go, at least for now. This weekend will hopefully be the turning point.

Day 23

My doctor has seen me this morning and she is happy for me to start on small portions of soft food today. I’m going to try soup and jelly later but I don’t want anything too solid yet just in case. I’ll see how I am tonight and then decide if I want to try solids tomorrow.

Day 22

I’m currently a bit fuzzy from having anti-sickness via my PICC line so I apologise for any weirdness/lack of sense in this post.

Anyway, I feel a bit better today. I slept a bit better last night but I still feel tired today and keep dosing off now and then. The pain is significantly better today and my stoma has started pumping out lose stool through the day. I still feel pain when I move but it’s under control with IV paracetamol and oralmorph.

I’m nil-by-mouth at the moment with just sips of water allowed. I hope this is only a dip and nothing else serious. I might be having an xray later but we’ll see.

Day 21

My stomach cramps kept me awake last night so all I’ve been doing today is dose. I haven’t eaten anything because I’ve been throwing up. I’ve been advised to sip water for now but they’ve also given me IV fluids because I’m dehydrated.

The doctor said he doesn’t know what’s causing the pain but he wants to wait and see what happens over night before ordering an xray. I think they’ll do one anyway but not until the morning.

Right now, the pain is fairly minimal but it’s been coming in waves so it’s difficult to tell if the painkillers are actuality doing anything.