symptoms after surgery

[LeeDee465]

I am recovering from surgery for three hernias involving the bowel.  This was 2 -1/2 weeks ago, and I thought I was feeling better, but now I am fatigued, and sometimes have nausea.  I don't know why I am feeling worse than I was, thought it would be better by now.  Any suggestions?

[LeeDee465]

My nausea is pretty much gone; I think that, and the fatigue, might have been due in part to my lack of appetite, and my decision to take advantage of it to continue the weight loss.  I may have been "shooting myself in the foot" by not being good to myself.  

My next appointment with my surgeon is August 5.  I am hoping, by that time, things will be on the upswing.  Thank you for your interest.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

I did not post an answer to your comment till now. I am not sure how you may have got the notification.

I do not think that the psychological symptoms would have a great impact based on the site of the surgery. I however do think that part of your feeling bad may be due to the surgery which you have pointed out already.

I think you should probably have a reconsult with your psychiatrist if not already done. Did you revisit your surgeon for the nausea?

keep me posted on further developments

[LeeDee465]

I received a notification that you sent me an answer to my last comment, but I do not see it.  Would you check that you did send it?

[LeeDee465]

I am pretty sure there were no portions of the bowel removed; I think the "big deal" came from the fact that it was supposed to be repair of one small hernia, and turned out to be two more very large ones; a 1-1/2 hour surgery turned into three hours, and what should have been outpatient stretched into five days, with an eight-inch incision and a drain tube to be worn home.  And, I am two years older than my last bowel obstruction surgery.

Many years ago I was treated for borderline personality disorder with clinical depression, which I had probably had most of my life.  I had ten years therapy, and as I had been cautioned, will probably have the disorder forever.  I can usually cope with it, until something of the magnitude of major surgery comes along.  What is interesting is, I didn't have the depression along with my heart surgery, as I have experienced with abdominal surgery.  I don't know if there is something to with the site of surgery?

[BhumikaMD]

Dear LeeDee,

I am glad that you were able to reply promptly to my questions in the post.

The surgery you had for hernia was probably a big deal and they would have removed portions of the bowel which may not have been healthy. This may of course cause some distress on your intestines assimilation potential since the bowel would not be able to achieve similar efficiencies as before.

Further, you can share with us your history regarding depression. This may also be important for your health. You must also visit your doctor if you may have had any thoughts of harming yourself.

I gather that you may have had considerable surgical and other medical experiences and therefore are feeling 'tired' now. However, there is hope at the end of the tunnel and the medical community would have many ways to help you. The only condition is that you should not lose hope and keep the faith.

let me know if you may need any other help.

Best regards

[LeeDee465]

Re: my hernia surgery.  I went in for minor surgery on one hernia; ended up a three-hour procedure involving two more very large hernias; the surgeon told me that there was a section of bowel lying outside the ab wall; apparently this had been going on for some time.  Pre-existing conditions: a replaced mechanical aortic heart valve, have had three other bowel obstruction surgeries, among numerous other minor things.  Have been treated for depression in the past.........I am a 72-year old female.  Just getting really tired of being tired.....

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

I am glad that you have asked this question here.

Bowel surgery is a tremendous strain on the body. The bowel has a rich supply of blood as well as is the source for nutrition for the body. You have had surgery for three hernias in the bowel. What type and degree were these? How old are you? What is your sex? What other medical conditions do you have?

The extent and intensity of injury this surgery had on your body will play a crucial role in your recovery.

Therefore, all this information is required before a decision can be made whether your recovery is smooth or not.you may give us the answers and we will try to help you. 2.5 weeks is considerable time for recovery for a small bowel surgery. However, a major surgery may require more time. Do also let me know if you think that there may be some psychological problems that you may be facing.

Best regards