I’m very happy to say I was discharged from hospital on Sunday evening following a straightforward operation RATS but developed a chest infection and atrial fibrillation. I’m coughing well and have my medication sorted. I was very tired yesterday because although I took it easy I probably did more moving about than the previous 6 days.
During my hospital stay I was rather constipated so, remembering the comments here about morphine I decided it was time to ask for laxatives. A day later the problem was resolved but much to my dismay my bowels were partying not stop. So no more laxatives. I was just so surprised that I seemed to suffer more from diarrhoea than constipation. Mind you, I’m not a great meat eater so tend to go for the vegetable options. The home made soups, pasta bakes and moussaka and yoghurts were the most satisfying to eat. I did force myself to eat the meals as I wanted to keep my digestive system active.
Another thing I wasn’t expecting was that I had/have a strange metallic taste in my mouth which was permanently dry so I was drinking copious amounts of water. My sense of taste seems to be returning now although I’m still drinking more water than I’m used to in the before life.
The absolutely worst thing about my hospital stay was being attached to the heart monitor for arrhythmia. I couldn’t sleep and became very grumpy. It just beeped all the time and was not my friend. It was so stressful and I’m sure that didn’t help. Fortunately the discharge letter says I’m returning to sinus rhythm.
The staff were generally wonderful and I couldn’t have asked for better care. I salute everyone one who works within the NHS. These are just my thoughts on the post operative care and I thought I’d share. Some of the experiences might be helpful to others.
