The gas has built up in my abdomen and is causing much discomfort and pain – until it breaks up I’m pretty miserable. Bowels don’t always “wake up” right away and I have a very painful belly. I’ve been walking a lot to help break it up but no good news yet. I won’t shock you with a picture – it’s just downright gross.
Country Threads Chicken Scratch
Farm life
I know exactly how you feel right now! After many hrs of surgery and anesthesia your gut simple slows down and it takes days to start that machine up. Try drinking warm/hot liquids, no ice! Walking is very important and starting your diet up slowly again. Old nurse here speaking-we’d start with clear liquids (juices, jello etc.) Then a soft meal or two (mashed potatoes, soup, pudding etc.) Have they given you any gentle stool softeners? The food has to move through your gut gently and of course the postop gas is a Bitch!! I would tell my patients to “let her rip” and fart all you can…it is the Sound of Music to a nurse!!! I’m sure they are listening to your bowel sounds as well. In the olden days when I had 3 abdo surg. I had to pass gas and a sm. bm before they would discharge me. Should be happening soon, if it hasn’t already! (Did you ever think everyone is discussing your pooper right now!!!!!!) It’s because we love and care for you. Move as much as you can, within being safe, sit up in chair, lie on your left side. If you’re taking narcotics you should be taking some stool softeners, prune juice etc. I think you’ll be home for Thanksgiving but you won’t be preparing the meal! Day by day by day… Arlene in Colorado
Good Morning, Mary
I couldn’t find a comment box, so I am sending this thru the previous post. I am glad to hear the gas situation is somewhat better. Packing some of your own belongings was a good idea and has to be comforting, as you make your way thru the early healing days. I know your furbabies are eagerly waiting for your return.
It is cold and windy here, probably similar to your weather at home. Our currently undefeated high school football team will play in their fourth post season game tomorrow (Saturday). Our consolidated school district consists of students from three counties and will be hosting a Chicago team; it will be a new experience for all.
You are constantly on my mind. Take Care, 🥰
Jeanie – it was my fault!!! I didn’t check the comments box!
SO many nice helpful comments I can’t add to. Except is there a mobile hair salon service in hospital? Ask if no one has mentioned it, sometimes there is one. Continued good wishes, prayers, hopes for good humor to help you and Rick and all your home helpers. Remember, sometimes a good fart is all you need, from this retired RN.
Janet – and that’s what’s going to help. I ate breakfast and hope that will help, too
Good to hear that you are walking! I hope you are feeling better today. Praying for you every day.
🙏🏼surgery over, hospital not where anyone wants to be, hope soon, you will be able to return to your country home..
❤️🩹
Mary good morning. Thank you for the updates & hope your walks get rid of the gas. I’ve only had major surgery once and that was 27 years ago. Prayers that they will let you know when you can be discharged. Has your doctor shared any results with you?
Temps keep dropping here & Wednesday here in twin cities (Mn) roads were slick & over 500 calls for crashes or assistance & two deaths. I was heading home from church, only 7.5 mi, but it was dicey at stop signs. Just glad not too many cars on my route home. More to come I’m sure 🤣
I hope each day brings you more relief & soon you can be home with Rick & all those animals that love you but somehow you’ll have to keep Hazel & Keeper from jumping on you in their excitement to see you
Thank you for your updates.
Henners – maybe tomorrow if I can eat something and it goes thru. The animals are missing me!
Glad you are up and walking around. You will get stronger quicker. Sounds like you’re getting good care but that should be expected at Mayo. It’s been colder here too but sunny.
Oh Mary! I hope every day gets better! Just know that your home, husband, friends & animals are going to be the best medicine ever! ❤️ I had the same gas & lower tract problems after a hysterectomy many years ago. Just keep walking & it’ll get better!
Mary I wasn’t able to respond to your last post so I’ll leave my thoughts and hope you see it.
I think you are doing remarkable considering you had major abdominal surgery. I think I’m horrified they had to cut you from sternum to pubic bone. I thought maybe it might be a lapascopic procedure. It must have been hard to get to.
So the gas issue. Hmm. It just seems there must be something that would help. I’m laughing because someone said surgery gas is different from bodily produced gas. I always thought gas was gas. I’ve never had abdominal surgery, just colonoscopies and they do add gas when doing that. I produce a lot of my own which I have difficulty expelling. I use tablets with simethicone and also activated charcoal which really helps. Maybe you could ask.
You are putting on the miles with all that walking you are doing. I’m amazed you feel that good. Yay for you.
I tried doing pre Thanksgiving shopping today. There are only 3 of us for dinner so thought we’d do just turkey legs and maybe a breast. They didn’t have any. Stopped at 2 stores. Bugger. Turkey cleanup is such a chore. We shall see. It might be the full Monty.
A major freeze tonight here in Md with possible snow flurries on Friday. Brrr. It’s been so mild here I will be shivering with the colder weather.
I’m wondering if the doctor came in to talk to you yet?
You sound so good. Thanks for updating us. Continued prayers
Pat in Md😊
Just as a reminder again, I don’t have a Blog of my own. I ‘m only on Mary’s. Another way to get things moving internally as stated earlier, is lying towards the left side and eventually sleeping on the left side as healing allows and progresses. Unfortunately, pain medication will cause constipation so be on a constant alert if things are heading in that direction. If they give you an enema, make sure it is nice and warm because this softens the stool blockage and helps to get it moving. Also, Mary remember to do slow deep breathing to avoid any build up in your lungs. You don’t want to start coughing because the pain it can cause will temp you to suppress the coughing and this leads to pneumonia and you know what I just went through with Laurie who is doing much better but still has a slight cough.
Mary,
Glad you are seeing a slight improvement. As others have said you must give it time. Healing does take time. Walking is very good for you and it will help the healing process.
We have finally had some rain here in MA, we have been in a terrible drought condition. We defiantly still need more. Temperatures are becoming more normal in the 40’s & 50″s.
I will keep this short, I hope you get to go home soon, there is nothing like your own bed. As longas you don’t over do!!
Be well
Sheila in MA
hi mary, keep on walking. it does work, but it seems to be slow, in my opinion.
here’s a goodie for you. it is thursday nite at 9:50 pm and is currently 54 degrees. it was 81 yesterday. is supposed to be 41 in the a.m. yikes. what happened to summer. i am not ready for this. i don’t want to turn on the heat but i am already cold. is only supposed to be in the mid 50s tomorrow afternoon when i have to go out. i want to hibernate. i know it is always cold in the hospital also. i am a wuss. i can’t stand being cold. i just had mr. ed turn on the heat. i’m going to wrap up in a couple quilts. this is ridiculous. i’m sure you are laughing and that is good and okay. as long as it doesn’t hurt you. hugs, patti in florida – remember i only have summer clothes – not winter clothes
Keep moving and it will get better. Pain meds did not seem to cover the gas pains. Soon you’ll be home and this will be in the distant pass!!!
I think the discomfort from the gas is worse than the surgery. I realize it’s necessary but getting rid of it is a bear. Walking is the only thing that makes it move. I must have looked like a Thanksgiving balloon after my surgery. They would ask if I needed a pain pill and I asked if it could help with the gas and they said no so I passed. So walk the halls and pass the gas. It seemed like it was a common sight and sound thing in the hospital. I kept saying excuse me but after a while just let it rip. BUT they say when you’re old you can’t trust your farts. Oh go for it. Just don’t think you are healing faster than they tell you. LISTEN TO THEM.
Prayers for a belly full of tasty food and not GAS.
Yes, that abdominal gas pain is awful….I was crampy for about three weeks when they took out my appendix….They said that they didn’t really move anything around, but it doesn’t like getting touched at all…
I finally got all my herbs and the rest of my plants in….The cannas got dug and then the snow came.. I hate throwing my annual pots until the last minute.
..It was icy here yesterday and there were many accidents in Minnesota…
God Bless….The horrible part of waiting and waiting for the surgery is over…It would be wonderful if you could get home a day or two early….
Mary,
That gas will get worked out with all the walking we’ve told you to do! You’ll be putting in several miles!! 😉 😉 seriously, this is not regular gas, so really gas pills don’t help. This is surgical gas put in intentionally for the surgeon to see inside better. Much of it is removed as surgery ends but not all…as you are finding out. Walk, a lot, and it will be better soon. I am so thankful for Sam.
Today I bit the bullet and dug out the remaining dahlias. Once they got snowed on! I fully intend to have even more dahlias next year! It’s amazing how big the tubers grew and I should be able to split them.
My mom was released from the nursing home today…according to her! And she got mad at one of my sisters today because she had asked for a quilt from her bed at home and my sister brought her the wrong one. After a frustrating discussion, it was decided she would bring the correct quilt next time. But….my mom said she would be cold at night til then. My sister said she would check and turn up the heat and it turned out my mom had put the air conditioner on when she thought she was turning up the heat! Oh, my. Which lead to another discussion about my mom refusing to wear her glasses anymore. Why you ask? Because they make her look old!! She is 88 for Gods sake..SHE IS OLD!! If we sisters don’t laugh, we would cry. One more funny story about my mom and aging. When she first got to the nursing home, they had her fill out a paper about her life. That way staff could get to know her. She only listed 7 of us 8 kids, leaving off my youngest sister, Ann. So, my oldest sister and I frequently frequently get calls from mom but not Ann. Last week Ann was straightening mom’s table up and came across moms phone numbers listed with names and numbers. Turned out, mom had crossed Ann off of that list, too. Ann thanked whoever did that!! I hope you chuckled, Mary and can now rest with a smile on your face. 🌻
Well I just had to respond because you certainly made me chuckle. I’m wondering if this is my fate if I live as long as your mom.
In the words of Jimmy Buffet. “ if we couldn’t laugh we’d all go insane “
😊 I hope you live to find out and can possibly entertain your kids.
Think of you often and i bet Keeper is wondering about you too
I lied. I’ve had 5 major abdominal surgeries. ( yes, I am very old ). The gas pains, in my opinion, are worse than the surgery pain. KEEP WALKING. Movement gets ‘things’ going. You are getting good advice from your readers and you readier nurses.
This too shall pass. Sending positive thoughts and prayers for a quick recovery.
Mary you are in my thoughts and have been since early July when all this pain and unknown began. I am glad you are past the surgery and are recovering. I can imagine your pain as you were in surgery along time. You are brave and tough all in a good way and I am hoping the pain will settle down soon. You have received so many nice comments. It is true quilters are piecemakers. Be well, stay strong and keep telling your story.
Remember Mary, this too shall pass! Keeping you in my prayers.
As a retired RN and Nurse Practitioner, walking and time are the best. May it quickly become more comfortable. Keeping you in my prayers.
Ouch, Mary. My husband had that when he had his appendix out and it does HURT! A student nurse diagnosed him by telling us they pump Carbon Dioxide into the cavity while they do the surgery . The head nurse couldn’t be bothered to come check on him. He was in our local hospital—never again! It will be Columbus or The Cleveland Clinic! Hang in there!
So sorry you have had an uncomfortable day, Mary. I hope your many walks up and down the hall helped later today. Is there not anything they could give you to help?
I hope Becky is not too sick from Covid. Isn’t it great Sam could pinch hit for Becky. She is wonderful, but we already knew that! 😊
As for here, our high was 41 today; snow was possible overnight, but we awoke to really nothing. I was hopeful I would have to postpone my dental appointment due to snowy roads—didn’t happen.
My hubby took me to my appointment, which I think was a good thing. I had work done on two teeth and felt kind of unstable walking to the car.
I worked on a scrappy fall 4-patch this afternoon. It is too late to cozy up my kitchen rocker this year, but we will enjoy it next fall.
Sending Hugs & Positive Vibes 🥰
So sorry you have had an uncomfortable day, Mary. I hope your many walks up and down the hall helped later today. Is there not anything they could give you to help?
I hope Becky is not too sick from Covid. Isn’t it great Sam could pinch hit for Becky. She is wonderful, but we already knew that! 😊
As for here, our high was 41 today; snow was possible overnight, but we awoke to really nothing. I was hopeful I would have to postpone my dental appointment due to snowy roads—didn’t happen.
My hubby took me to my appointment, which I think was a good thing. I had work done on two teeth and felt kind of unstable walking to the car.
I worked on a scrappy fall 4-patch this afternoon. It is too late to cozy up my kitchen rocker this year, but we will enjoy it next fall.
Sending Hugs & Positive Vibes 🥰
Hi Mary, Sending Get Well Wishes. Hope you are up to returning home soon and very soon…it will be interesting the greetings waiting at home for You…
I was glad to hear you had the surgery but I’m sorry you’re in pain. You’ve received some good advice and I’ll add to stay hydrated. Hope you’ll feel well enough to go home soon.
So happy that you’re up and walking and everything went well. I understand about the gas pain and regular walking helps tremendously. You’ll be back on the wilderness trail with Hazel before you know it. Sending happy thoughts and prayers for a quick recovery. Also, I wanted to tell you that my grandson and I absolutely love all the animal pictures you post. We think Hazel is so cute, no matter which end she’s showing us!
You are on my prayer list every night. Keep looking forward; I hope you feel better soon. We had a wind advisory her today with blowing snow. First snow of the season. Take care.
So sorry for your discomfort Mary, keep walking, hope you can get home soon!! Raining here today, pretty dreary
One step at a time they say. You’re doing what needs to be done. If you were outside you would be running because of the wind! Continued prayers for comfort in recovery.
So very sorry. Know that pain!!
So sad to hear that you’re in pain. Prayers raised for comfort and speedy healing. Walking is good; progress! Sending hugs your way; best wishes for a smooth recovery .
Hi Mary,
Follow all that good advice and you will feel better soon. Any surgery has its humps. I had my gall bladder removed and wasn’t given any instructions on how to eat. Funny. I’ve been having stomach issues lately and notice I cannot overeat or i pay big time. I see it’s recommended after gall bladder removal to eat smaller meals. It’s time to pay the piper so to speak. Glad to hear you are up and walking. Best advice for abdominal pain.
Woke up to snow on the grass but not on the roads. Quite chilly to walk the dog, but I know it’s good for both of us. Bracing for a winter storm coming after 6pm. Don’t have to go anywhere.
Thank you for the update. Take care from Ohio
Mary, you know we are all praying for you. May God surround you with His love and give you comfort and strength to keep moving. My husband had colon cancer and resection surgery two years ago, the nurses told him that walking is the best thing you can do to “wake up” your bowels. Keep positive thoughts! Hugs!
PS It’s raining here in PA – snow is predicted overnight. It won’t add much to the water table but it will help with the wildfires.
That is very painful…. I know from experience. Hope it turns around soon. No magic answer for you other than walking it off.
Mary,
Just know that you are in every prayer group I know!! And all of your faithful followers are praying too! That gas pIn is awful but it should ease up soon with the walking. Thanks for letting us know you are on the road to recovery!
Doris in Alabama
Mary, sending hugs and prayers for gas…….. 😂
Mary – I swear ye old bowels go to sleep during surgery and take forever to wake up. It’s only day 2 so just give it time. Hang in there and keep walking.
Mary, I could tell you to keep walking too, but I’m sure you’re exhausted.😩!
I’m happy you are on the mend. Keep going forward.
I didn’t have a feral cat, but I did have a turtle come home after 2 years on the lose! How he/she survived the cold winters here, I do not know, but it did. There was a chip on its shell, that’s how we knew it was our Leonardo.
The wind finally slowed down. Lots of sunshine. Loretta loves to be out when the sunshines. She will find something nasty to roll in. Why do they enjoy smelling like that?
PS, Mary…if you do all that walkin, make sure the beautiful hospital gown is tied closed in the back!
Jo – you won’t believe this but I brought my doggie nightshirt and my own robe and slippers!! Also my own handled insulated cup. Haha!!
That is very wise!
Yikes! Gas pain is awful… keep walking and praying it passes soon…
Wishing you the best! Prayers and hugs coming your way!
I hope you find relief soon,that pressure can be miserable. I had emergency appendectomy surgery a year ago-and I remember that pain,and I looked 5 months pregnant!! (At 67 yrs). Walking will help a lot,deep breathing,relaxing-hard to do in the hospital ,but stress can keep things from moving along. I wish you a quick recovery and back home soon. You are one tough woman,you are admired by many.
not sure whether it was a doctor or tech originated recommended but adding acidophilus and warm plain war enemas to relieve the gas buildup and replenish the good bacteria was implemented to get things moving in more than one hospital stay. Hope it helps
Hi Mary, it took me a week to pass wind after gall bladder surgery(40 years ago)! Lots of good advice given. ,hope it works! I am sewing together all my Christmas scraps to make stockings for the children’s hospital, Ren will be the final number! Ten! Take care Mary, best wishes from Sandy
Hi Mary,
Praying that your discomfort and pain subsides quickly. Keep walking!!! I know you’re greatly looking forward to going home and letting your beloved pets help your recovery!! 🙏🙏🙏 Jan P
Continuing sending prayers and good thoughts. Post surgery is often worse than the surgery!!!
I’m sorry that you’re miserable but so happy that you feel well enough to post! It’s just so good to hear from you! I hope all of the good advice helps with passing that gas! It’s raining here! Yay! Not enough yet but it’s the first rainy day we’ve had in months. Jan in MA
My son had bariatric surgery in July. He too had to walk to alleviate gas. Lots of walking laps in the hospital. Not fun for sure. He was fed a lot of jello which apparently makes more gas🤦🏼♀️. He made a lot of jello w/ protein powder in it when he got home. He is doing well now and lost a tremendous amount of weight. He walks a lot and goes to a gym 3 times a week.
Been longarming to reduce the pile of tops. It has been slow going. I like to have a pile to bind for the evenings.
Snowflakes in SW Ohio today w/ wind.🙁 ‘Tis the season.
Go Buckeyes🎉🎉. Tough game w/ Indiana on Saturday😬
Started to watch A Man on the Inside on Netflix-nice limited series.
Hi Marcia, my son also had surgery, in September, has lost 20kg(40 pounds) and no more diabetes!
Gas after abdominal surgery is no joke! I had it and was advised to move as much as possible and drink warm liquids. Not fun but I hope your discomfort eases up ASAP. Hugs and prayers!
After my surgery I was in hospital for a week and, apparently said problem has to be resolved before you are sent home. Nothing worked. One day I had a very handsome young male nurse. He asked if I would mind if he sat with me in bathroom. When you are that sick who cares. Anyway problem resolved as soon as I was home.😃 what is it with age and the poop talk? It even gets better with the dogs… Take care and safe home.😘❤️
Hugs! Each day you will feel better and be glad this is behind you.We are visiting in Ohio and woke up to snow. We call it a dusting and they call it snow. LOL! Planning to visit the Amish Country on Saturday
My doctor had me lay on my LEFT side when that happened to me. It really helped!
Lisa, good comment about laying (or is it lying), on your left side. I was told by my doctor last year to try to always lay on my left side , I do have to switch sides tho, but she said it is the best side for circulation and just better for you, better for your heart, bowels, etc, so this is what I do now. I was surprised at the size of your surgical scar but they no doubt had to check everything out. When the incision heals the scar is surprisingly small. My son has had three different heart surgeries over his lifetime and not a large seam line at all, very thin. I could not go outside my room without a nurse either, and by day three of my stay I could walk so much better. Our bodies are incredible healing machines. I had pulmonary emboli so at first when walking I was very weak and needed a lot of help. Take care Mary, your helpers are there for you. Sending love and prayers.
So happy to hear that you were able to have your surgery as planned. All of the advice is very interesting to read about, not (so far) having had any abdominal surgery myself. That part about the sugar in the jello causing gas is something I had not heard of but I am not surprised.
Don’t they always give you Jello in the hospital? I know you are enjoying reading all the comments so many people are sending you. I especially love all the pet stories. That one about the feral cat finally coming around after 3 years warmed my heart, as my son has had the same experience with feral cats.
I am so relieved to hear that you are in the recovery process. We all love you and appreciate you and wish the very best and fast return to your normal life!
Oh, dear Mary, that is sometimes the hardest part of post surgery misery. I like what Kit said about giving you a hug and squeezing it all out! We should all get together and give you a giant group hug! That would fix you up just fine. You’ll be in much better shape in another day. Meanwhile, prayers today for speedy healing.
Hang in there Mary. I’n sure it is painful. I’m impressed that you are up and getting around. I’m sure you are talking with the nurses and that they have good suggestions for you . Sending healing thoughts for relief from pain and a sooth recoveryl
This comment is for Kim in WI. I’ve got some tips for working with steam a seam. I only use an iron on the final step when you want everything permanent. On the first step when they tell you to iron your piece of fabric to the steam a seam I find that pressing down with my finger is enough pressure to make the fabric stick. I’ve also used a rolling pin for that step. That being said do what is best for you. To save your iron use a used piece of the backing paper from the steam a seam between your iron and your fabric piece. The adhesive will stick to the paper. If you are planning to sew the steam a seam with your machine use a non stick needle. Schmetz makes a good one called Super non stick needle. It really cuts down the build up of adhesive on the needle.
I use steam a seam a lot and I appreciate your comment. I’ll have to look for that needle — I just usually clean off my needle with a cotton ball with a bit of rubbing alcohol on it after.
Mary, the gas pain in no joke…happy to hear you are up walking…one step closer to getting home! I agree with the walking sticks, they have been a God send for me with this stinking boot on for the last 4 months.
Praying that you feel better quickly!
Don’t over do it!!!!
You’ve got this, Mary. As others have said, walking is your friend right now. I know it’s hard and uncomfortable, but your body will get the message. First two days after surgery are tough. Prayers continue from many for your recovery. It will happen, although not as fast as you want. 🙁 But, it will happen, and you are on your way to more strength every day. I’m so glad the surgery is done.
Jan
i wish i could give you a giant hug and just squeeze it all out!! ouch!
Oh gosh Mary but that gas is so uncomfortable. Walk as much as you can and drink also. I’m surprised your nurses haven’t told you as much. Recovery from surgery is tough but you can do it! Each day brings you closer to baseline. Prayers for your recovery.
Question. I sent a quilt to Barbara and she sent mee we a wonderful thank you card. She advised that I could follow along on her blog regarding my quilt but how do I find her blog?
Thanks Jean. I never knew Barbara had a blog.
I don’t have a Blog. I use only Mary’s.
Good morning, Mary! Progress for you to be up and walking about! It is tough to walk at first no doubt, but this is good for you. And, it sounds like you are getting stronger, walking does this. Soon you can stay at the hotel for a few days just to make sure all is going well for you. So glad there were no postponements for your surgery,not was a long wait. Take care. Don’t over do!
Don’t eat or drink anything with sugar- stick with tea, broth or water. The sugar in jello ferments and causes the gas. Push the walking as much as comfortable- it works the gas out! I’m a retired RN of 44 yrs and this is what I taught my patients all the time. Keep up the good work!
Keep the water going – that will help your bowels move much sooner. Maybe use a heat pad across your belly, too, set on low. They should have sent you home with a laxative, too, because pain meds will bind you up after surgery. Personally, I’d do all 3 so that everything gets moving so you don’t have the discomfort! Take care, Mary!
Mary can’t they leave the gas issues for the cars? Don’t laugh as it will hurt. We had a white ground this morning but it is melting as the ground was still warm. I hope you have your walker, cane and walking sticks for when you get home. The walking stick might work well for you trips to the barn.
We are going down to Kim’s , Texas in December, grandson has soccer tournaments in Frisco for three days. Then the following weekend he tests for his next belt in Taekwondo. He is nine and is now helps with teaching the younger kids and is involved with learning to go out and do programs at schools. It’s an honor as you have to be asked to join this program. I have been totally impressed with this program as it is very structured.
Mary stay comfortable and keep moving as gas will too pass!
Love ya girl
So glad you’re walking. Just think every step you take brings you closer to a full recovery. I hugged Caitlin from you and she hugged you back.
We actually have snow on the ground this morning and it’s cold!! I received a Fons and Porter baby quilt book from Amazon yesterday. Hopefully I can find some fun patterns .
Hi Mary
Praying for you every day🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Hang in there❤️ Praying you make a super speedy recovery
No more pain, excellent care and home soon!🙏🏻✝️
Love Bea knight
Sorry to hear that you are having terrible gas pains. Yes this is pretty normal after abdominal surgery.
Keep on walking that should help. Keeping you in my prayers.
We are having light snow showers today but not much sticking as ground is too warm.
I need to start working on pillow shams to match my quilt!! Hopefully today!!
So sorry, Mary.
Air does get into the abdominal cavity after surgery which makes you feel so huge. Top that off with sleepy bowels and you have misery. Keep walking and praying. It will improve with time.
Prayers for a safe, speedy recovery.
Glad to hear you are walking! That gas is miserable! Hang in there, it will get better! ❤️🩹
The wind has stopped and now the sun game out! Still cold tho.
Thoughts and prayers for pain relief.
So sorry for all of your discomfort. Keep up the walking. It really will help “wake up” the bowel.