Basic skills

In laparoscopic gall bladder surgery, they inflate the abdominal cavity with gas, to give room for the laparoscope to move around. After surgery, pockets of this gas remain in the body, causing arthritic-like pain in places like the back and shoulders.

In “classic” gall bladder surgery, they make a large incision in the abdomen, slicing through abdominal muscles to make the hole. This takes a long time to heal, during which time any use of abdominal muscles causes severe pain.

Since my surgery started as laparoscopic and switched to classic, I get the worst of both worlds during recovery.

Small movements are difficult – I feel really accomplished now that I can get up out of bed and go to the bathroom or take a short walk ALL BY MYSELF!

They say the best treatment at this point (besides the IV saline drip and morphiene button) is going for walks.

So every time I get up to go to the bathroom, when I am done there, I go walking up and down the halls, pushing my IV rack, wearing only a thin johnny and a pair of socks.

Ah, this life of glamour I lead!

Today I get to switch from sucking on ice cubes to drinking liquids. Whee!