🏥 Surgery Recovery UPS and DOWNS! 📈 (1/18/18)

[@skyewiersma9737]

Praying for you! Also fun story... So I watch all your videos with my service dog, Brooklyn, and she absolutely LOVES Harlow! Well, the past few videos that Harlow hasn't been in, she's heard your voice and has come running to watch with me (which I think is adorable in and of itself) but then when she doesn't see Harlow she looks really concerned and just lays and my lap watching for her. And I think she knows you're going through a difficult time (I don't know how ... she's just amazing) because she keeps pawing at the computer, which is what she does for me when she knows something is wrong but doesn't have a specific task for it. Anyway, long story short we're here in Colorado supporting you and praying for you and missing Hippo! I hope this story made you smile!

[@heatherd.9390]

Awwww, it certainly made me smile! Your pup truly IS amazing. :)

[@skyewiersma9737]

Aw thanks! :)

[@samiamisme]

That's really adorable. She must love it when Harlow and Orion are together!

[@skyewiersma9737]

Haha she does get hyped up and jumps around but I think she just wants to play too :)

[@MeganSmithers]

I love your mom, she seems so sweet 😭

[@annemariebeaven2359]

I'm an RN and I work on a floor that deals with any kind of surgery that kids need to be hospitalized afterwards. For the muscle spasms you are having, I would highly recommend trying Valium. It is by far the best for many different types of post op pain. We have used it compared to Ativan and for whatever reason, Valium always helps the most. It can be given orally or IV. And it will make you feel less loopy than the Ativan did. I would definitely suggest bringing that up with your Dr and see if you can try it.

[@KellyMclellan]

As someome who had an outpatient gallbladder removal, the arm trick you showed works 100%. It's how I got in my bed when I got home for that whole first week. Getting OUT I just pulled on the headboard (we have a poster bed thing). Feel better soon!!

[@NorseButterfly]

Having had abdominal surgery myself (anterior lumbar fusion), I learned how important it is to keep small doses of pain meds in your system to make recovery faster. It's not your mind that was operated on and that received the trauma, it was your body. It takes a bit of time before your body catches up with your mind. Don't rush it.. the last thing you want is to relapse.

[@kristinaiello8403]

After abdominal surgery, putting a pillow against your abdomen for support when getting up or sitting up helps as well. Also when you go home after abdominal surgery and have the seatbelt, sometimes putting something like a pillow or something between your abdomen and seatbelt helps with any pain on your way home from hospital. I am having major abdominal surgery in late feb with another thing in early feb before surgery... I have a small intestine blockage. Glad your surgery went well, good luck!

[@meganlovesdisneyandcrafts4780]

I agree, Wasn't sure if I should say because of her stomas.

[@heatherd.9390]

Great tips - so true. This also helps when rolling over, etc. Best wishes for your procedure and surgery, Kristin.

[@kristinaiello8403]

Heather D. Ty. Yeah, this will be my 3rd abdominal surgery so I have learned several tricks when it comes to what works, lol. The pillow is helpful in so many ways, it helps to support the abdominal muscles when getting in and out of bed... I also learned how important it was when traveling to put something soft between my abdomen and the seatbelt, it's not very comfortable if you have something like that just pressing.

[@heatherd.9390]

I remember it well. I've had mostly spine surgeries in the last 8 years, but have had my share of abdominal ones as well. Another tip for getting into bed is to raise the back of the bed up as high as it can go to meet your back in a sitting position, then lowering the bed, letting the bed do all the work for you. Even doing this, however, the pillow still helps! All the best to you - take care.

[@meganlovesdisneyandcrafts4780]

Best of Luck Kristin! Heather I'm the same but a bulk of mine were in my brain and two spine surgeries. I had one abdominal Surgery and I was 12... don't remember much but I do remember the pillow and rolling to get up.

[@meganlovesdisneyandcrafts4780]

lol, you and your mom are a riot! So sorry you're having a rough time...Glad you are getting great care though. I know you want off the pain meds, but they are there so you don't have to be in so much pain. So glad you are getting the "Janiece "boost" to help recovery.

[@heatherd.9390]

Agreed! :)

[@anikabaddeleyrollingbackwa7341]

Your mom is so lovely. My mum was the same when she was alive and I was sick. My dad has to do the mum bit now when I am in the hospital. Always hug your mum when you can!

[@Ninerniner06]

I don’t have any chronic diseases, yet I watch you every day as soon as your videos come out! Oh my goodness hang in there, you are in my prayers!

[@angelinasims5492]

My 4 month old son is diagnosed with a brain injury that causes him to have seizures. I am thinking of getting him a service dog which I would have never considered had I not watched your vlogs. Thanks for being an inspiration!!

[@morgan_williams]

Hey Jaquie:) I just found you in the last month or so, and I love your videos! You are such a trooper, and so well spoken! I look forward to following along with your adventures, and I so hope you feel better after this surgery! ❤️❤️

[@victoriadavis6327]

Jacqui--Earlier I stated that I had a huge surgery incision that was a little over 12 inches long for my gastroparesis I can tell you for sure that you still need the pain pump you're not a Superhero!! You are human!!! I don't understand why you're in such a hurry to get home I know that it is more comfy I understand that but, why risk going home before you're really ready,, trying to prove something to everybody?? SUPER STRONGAnd, then turn around and have to come back that's worse. Relax let your body pace itself, those pain medications I don't care what the surgeon says ,, with gastroparesis,,it and everything else we have,,our body absorbs it differently. I had to go up. I had to do that so I can get the pain relief. Therefore getting the pain relief under control I moved more fluently and more often that will get you out of the hospital sooner. Push n move and then all the sudden I was pushing it less in less and less. Until I was off of it at my own doing and there was no discussing about the pushing. I get frustrated watching you trying to act as though you've got everything in control. And as one of my doctors told me no you don't , you're gastroparesis is in control ,,,,what you have in your control is, how you deal with it and how you exist with it. My surgeon wasn't ready to put Mc button or bag or anything yet but he did a new surgery it was major!! It landed me in ICU. I had two tubes in one side nostril. And,one tube in other side. nose I was there 38 days. Not because I wanted to be but, because gastroparesis the complications we heal slower that means any surgeries or procedures will take us longer I pray and I pray for you to get well at your bodies pace, not what you feel like you need to show us how strong you are you're human it's OK to cry you said you didn't like the way other med made you feel major emotional bet there was a lot of tears with that. Jacqueline it's OK, it is OK, you're OK we are warriors and we will make it. Listen to you body prayers for u n family love Victoria

[@heatherd.9390]

I agree with you 100%. Jaquie, you have nothing to prove to us or anyone else. The pain must be controlled so that you can both move around AND rest. If you cannot do either in relative comfort, then your pain is not controlled. If you are shaking from the pain, then you do not have it controlled. Use the pump! There is no shame in needing it 3 days post-op. As Victoria mentioned, everyone is different and everyone's body and the surgery they had is different. This is the voice of experience speaking here... you will not get home any faster by pushing yourself and not managing your pain. It is an essential part of recovery. Please listen to your body and remember that the pain medications is, as you say, another valuable tool in your tool belt. You are strong and tough and you can do this, but you have to get to the point where you can admit that the medication is needed. There is no shame in that whatsoever. Whatever works so that you can both rest and move around. xo Heather

[@misskarla1377]

I see that you are working to decrease the amount of pain medication you are taking, and it shows great progress that they have been able to eliminate the 'blanket' coverage and graduate you to PCA (Patient Controlled Analgesia) only. Please use it. Studies have shown that the better your pain is managed, the faster you will heal, because your body won't be expending energy reacting to the pain. Using it will help your body heal faster and more efficiently. Think of it as a temporary tool. I'm happy to see the progress you have made since your surgery and pray that you will be able to go home soon.

[@heatherd.9390]

Yes!!! You will get home faster if your pain is controlled while you are there. You need to be able to both move around (to the bathroom, etc.) and rest in relative comfort. If you cannot do either and you get to the point where you are shaking from the pain, you are not using it enough and your pain is not controlled. If you let your pain get to that point, it WILL take more medication to get it back under control as opposed to just maintaining relative comfort. I've very glad to see yet another person on here appealing to you to use the PCA as it is designed. It is not a sign of weakness to use it. The exact opposite is true. You WILL heal better and faster if you keep it under control.

[@andie361]

After my abdominal surgery, the hospital gave me this corset type of thing. I think the idea was it kept those core muscles stable and from moving as much. It was a lifesaver! I don’t think I would have been able to move for like a week after if I didn’t have it/

[@heatherd.9390]

Yes! These are called abdominal binders. They recommend them after c-sections so I know they are ok to use post-op. You should ask your doctor about them because the only thing is I'm not sure if they could perhaps pinch off your tubing, so as I said ask your doctor about them for sure. They do work wonders post c-section... my girlfriend used one after her third c-section and she wished she''d had them for all of her c-sections... they helped her tremendously! Great idea andie361 Thompson.These are definitely worth asking about. :)

[@andie361]

I Bet you’re right about the tubes, ugh.. didn’t think about that :-( I had mine after a hernia repair, and yes, if you have the the option of using one, they are amazing!

[@meenik6489]

I'm so glad your doctors are so amazing. You're doing great, they're doing great, your mom and jud are being great!! Together you will overcome this pain and heal your wounds!! Love you all!! You're amazing and keep smiling after crying!💖❤💖❤💖

[@anubhapatnaik]

Your mom has such a beautiful laugh. It’s so full, warm and hearty ❤️ Sorry you had a hard day today Jacquie. Sending you lots of love hugs and prayers for a super quick recovery and hope you feel better super duper soon ❤️

[@Honkey-Donkey]

Thank you for sharing your experience with us. While I don't have a feeding tube, I did have emergency surgery (crohn's obstruction/resection & sepsis) that left me with a very large open wound w/wound vac. I totally understand the difficulty of the pain, urinary problems and recovery from abdominal surgery. It sucks, and I feel for you. Dilaudid is a God send. I went through recovery at home with no help and watching your videos makes me feel not so alone in my own journey (not that I want this for you). Prayers for you hun.

[@len17948]

Praying for you Jaq. So happy you are getting better. You inspire me to overcome my depression and anxiety.

[@claireelizabethblake8911]

Good to hear from you... I’m still here for you. Keep hanging in there.

[@nosenabookUSA]

I'm so impressed with how well you are moving!

[@kgrean8587]

Jaquie,you are doing really well. Don't get discouraged. It is going to get better. Lots of love and prayers coming your way.

[@melodychills5126]

Good luck with everything!! Your positivity through this is absolutely amazing. Keep moving forward! great work on everything Jaquie 👍🏻👍🏻

[@cristaelza7805]

You’re doing great Jaq! You are so strong. I admire you for your willpower and positive attitude. Praying for you as always. 💗

[@lexiklein23]

You’re beyond strong Jaq! Keep moving forward! Sending prayers your way!

[@archieituralde9102]

Get well soon Jacqui. We keep on praying for ur recovery. Godbless you. We love you....

[@dixsOnTheMove]

Thanks for the update ! You can do this, stay strong !! 😊 On a side note, I jumped ahead an watched The Raw Life Vblog . Glad to see you smiling and laughing so much in that one !

[@rebekahc6571]

I had a total hysterectomy via a navel to public bone incision a few years ago (I was 22 at the time) and moving about while I healed was horrific. Have you tried holding a cushion gently against your tummy while you move around? I know it probably very tender, but holding something there helps support your muscles and organs and prevent the pressure from being upright. It's good to see you getting much better! Remember recovery is at your own pace, and doesn't have a set end date. Take your time, one foot in front of another and breathe. We're all rooting for you x

[@ebonymarie7016]

Wishing you a speedy recovery! Hang in there!

[@hayleywaghorn1631]

Hi Jaquie! I totally agree with your method of using your arms to lean back, I’ve also had major abdominal surgery and everything was painful, from just sitting up to walking around! My arms got a lot of use while I was healing. I hope you keep recovering and that you’ll soon be out of hospital x

[@RobynG70]

Jaquie you sweet child, each day will get better... Youre mom is amazing,,,

[@teresabowden6165]

Praying for your pain to end so you can go home. You are a very strong woman. Your in so much pain but you still putting up vlogs. High 5 to your mother, Judd, and Harlow.

[@lailalaila4088]

Well done, every milestone counts!

[@autumnjadewilson8057]

I had 19 surgeries and need more myself and all 19 I have reacted differently it dose get so frustrating but take it one day at a time we love you so proud of you.

[@Melmaegwen]

Jaquie I can't visit you or anything of course, but I really would like you to know that I am, in mu thoughts, rooting for a best possible recovery! You are a strong woman, an inspiration!

[@MzClementine]

Sending prayers hun. One day at a time!

[@BlueMolly2024]

Love your mom. She's great. Keep your chin up. You have it, girl. ❤️❤️

[@richyvincent8500]

Im so glad you are making progress from your surgery. Keep moving forward and never stop pushing for a good quality of life. :)

[@samiamisme]

Love your mom...I can let you win...no I need to do it myself...I can see you as a little girl, I bet there were a lot of stubborn battles because you wanted to do stuff on your own. Too cute. It's why you're so strong now and such a lovely role model and inspiration for us all. 💟💖💕

[@open_mindeddog_training]

Praying for you and I hope that your pain gets better soon!

[@mollygrant6179]

get well soon!! Love u guys!!

[@trishab2147]

Abdominal surgery is so hard. It's painful to move anywhere. You explain it so well.

[@too_tired_for_this]

Oh my gosh, your mom is so sweet!

[@oasis563]

Hoping you start feel better soon! Wishing you a speedy recovery❤️

[@IAmErica-qv7wj]

I know this may sound weird, but for me, dilaudid, causes my stomach to spasm. I was admitted into the hospital back in July, every single time they gave me a shot of dilaudid, about a half hour later, I’d get HORRIBLE spasms in my stomach. Idk what it is about that stuff, but it tends to make my pain so much worse!

[@HorrorQueen96]

Prayers to you jaquie I know how rough it is ❤️ you are so positive even with the struggles you face keep going!

[@heatherd.9390]

Jaquie, you have to use the pain pump... you need to stay on top of the pain instead of being so stoic. You won't get home any faster if you aren't able to rest and heal. To do that you have got to stay on top of the pain. I'm not saying this to sound nasty, it is the voice of experience here. I know it sucks to be in the hospital and you want nothing more than to be at home, but you won't get there any faster if you are in agony, honey. Also, another tip for lying back in bed is to adjust your bed once you sit down to meet you and then use the bed to lie back down. Bring it all the way up to your seated position and then adjust it to go down. Let the bed do the work, instead of your tummy muscles. You are quite right, there are lots of ups and downs, but look how far you've come since your first day! You've got this girl. Try to just stay relaxed, as comfortable as possible, and rest. Love ya and thinking/praying for you. xoxox Heather🇨🇦

[@FiMilton]

You are such a warrior!!! 💖 you got this!!

[@LadyTracyAnne]

I hope you start feeling better in a few days Jaquie xx

[@honor9968]

I love that you can still have a good laugh

[@bingewatchingintesifies809]

Hey can you make a video of how you lived your childhood while chronically ill.When you were diagnosed and stuff like that.

[@keziapriestley8783]

Get better soon Jaquie I am praying for you

[@airhead771]

After spending just over a year not being able to digest things properly and with drs suspecting everything from stomach ulcers to celiac and gastroparesis, I'm now recovering from having my gallbladder removed which we think was the cause. Nothing near as painful and complicated as I imagine this experience to be but it is nice to have some virtual company while I'm out of commission

[@nicolebezanson8734]

Sending prayers to Jaquie hugs😊❤️🙏🙏

[@honor9968]

You are amazing hope your recovery is quick

[@katherinewilliams4831]

Praying for you to feel better soon. So sorry you are in such pain. Try to rest as long as you can.

[@crazylady2902]

Great job walking around. u r doing great. I've had a couple of abdominal surgeries so can relate to how hard or is for doing the little things. you're doing great and thank you for sharing your journey with us.

[@starriebear]

You got this, Jaq!

[@katehaddock1513]

Jaquie- I had surgery a couple of summers ago that affected my abdomen. I found that sitting up was painful for me too. I would bend my leg/legs up and wrap my arms around them to help pull me up. It still hurt a bit but it helped since I wasn’t putting too much strain on my abdominal muscles. Maybe that will help you??

[@AnimeLover139412]

Glad your doing better!❤️❤️

[@copingwithbehcets6947]

Your mom is the best cheerleader :)

[@sueg2658]

Sending prayers your way. Yes, pain meds really causes everything to slow down in your gut. I'm so happy to see you up and walking! Hang in there kiddo. :-)

[@janetharris-benny8438]

I agree with the arm thing! Had a hysyrtomeny and that was the only way of laying down for a while

[@windcancersurvivor5120]

Some will think I’m demented, but as a fellow GP warrior, I have problems passing #2, so was wondering... do you have trouble doing a #2? I find that when I push, I get sooooo nauseous. (Damaged Vagus Nerve from rectal cancer: chemo, radiation, several bowel surgeries, had a temp ileostomy, ugh...)

[@clairepapadatos1116]

Well done Jaquie😊 And we'll done 'super mum' (even though she keeps winning 😁), for being with you😀😊 All love, and best wishes, Claire, Berlin, Germany 😊 😙 😙

[@Molzterable]

Can you link to your blanket somewhere! I love it and would love to order one! And I hope your recovery is going well! Praying

[@EmpressVyper]

MollyRobinette yesss!!

[@saloon241]

If you have a look back a few videos to when she got it she linked it in that one I belive.

[@myshaverduzco2194]

I'm glad you are doing better. :)

[@rosered8538]

So glad you"re doing better, glad all your body parts are all awake now. LOL I just wanted you to know that even if you feel like you're not in control right now, you'll be able to look back knowing that what you went though is now in your control. I hope i made since for you to understand, thinking and then getting it out the same way as always been hard for me. LOL From Your Texas Fan

[@cami9447]

Feel well soon 🙏🏻❤️

[@jorhodes4949]

Omg dilauded sucks. Hope you’re ok. How will they make sure you don’t get constipated? Or don’t you have to worry because of your formula?

[@jaimehooker8453]

This is old but I had j tube surgery and was horrible pain. I got iv Tylenol and it worked wonders better then dilaudid and no side effects from narcotics and gp. Did they ever offer that to you?

[@thunstrom62]

Your mom is so cute.she reminds me of my mom so much lol

[@gothic1774]

Sending prayers and hugs,get well soon!

[@rebekahbridges-tervydis5054]

My hospital experience has been exactly the same. But, I ALWAYS bring ear plugs. Lol, then remind the nurses, I'm wearing them, I'm not dead! Get well!

[@NeverSilenceLove]

Take care! You can do it.

[@lynnrose7562]

My goodness you are going through a lot,. God bless you.

[@rachaeltucker7263]

Get better sweetie I'm praying for you Take your time.Love you 🙏👃👃👃👃👍

[@brandonsamples6156]

After my surgery since I had two tubes in my chest it was really uncomfortable to get up so I would just adjust the bed to where I’m sitting straight up then it would hurt less. And then I would just adjust myself back down.

[@robertacayea7452]

Get well soon

[@ParamoreloverxD]

When I had surgery, my doc found it so weird. I had to put the feet of my hospital bed all the way up and my back all the way up! lol

[@Hannahorse715]

hope your doing better but, how's school going for u this semster I am starting back tomorrow at unh

[@imfreetobeme8]

Praying for you

[@honor9968]

You are very strong

[@wt0416]

One step out a time. How's the hospital food?

[@mollierose7076]

I have the same heating pad!! So silly :)

[@simpforgeorgenotfoundandqu3570]

I thought the title was U.P.S 😂

[@SierenH]

I wish i was as strong as you, at least im still alive

[@rubystarfish1725]

Love

[@alyssawssinging4039]

Hey jaquie

[@rachelwhittington4130]

Prayers.

[@rubystarfish1725]

Live

[@Hey_im_Viv]

[@rubystarfish1725]

First and live you

[@lizzieann3586]

1

[@kimberlymichelle5126]

You're lucky your doctor is changing your matress. It's against policy

[@leahcooper3243]

guineapigcraze xx curious....why is it against policy?

[@kimberlymichelle5126]

Leah Cooper all floors have different mattresses according to what the floor is designed for. Maternity ward has soft cheap mattresses, ICU has expensive mattresses, etc. They aren't supposed to change mattresses because of $$$ issues. All hospitals do it, I work in one

[@leahcooper3243]

guineapigcraze xx oh ok. Thanks for the explanation!

[@kimberlymichelle5126]

Leah Cooper no problem! I'm glad they let her change beds, most hospitals wouldn't. Lol

[@chasetonga]

It is a dumb policy. Part of recovery is feeling comfortable and well-rested. Well, as well- rested as you can be in a hospital. So happy she has a good Dr.