What Now?

[VATpatient]

I have been out of the hospital for about 3 days after VAT surgery. I am taking a medication and I feel nausea all the time, and even the thought of food makes me want to vomit. Is this normal? I am taking paracitomol, ibuprofin, dicloxacillin and another medication for the cough. I dont feel too much pain and go the bathroom regularly but still have diarrhea. Is this normal?

[CT20232024]

Hi VAT, just want to send support and healing energy your way. I'm still undergoing evaluation so don't have answers to your questions. I have read it's important people take antinausea med somewhat regularly to stay ahead of nausea. You may want to talk with your provider about that. Hoping someone will respond too who can answer your questions.

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer]

First, be careful taking ibuprofen and paracetamol together. They are the same drug and you should not take by more than a total of 3G per day.

The dicloxacillin is probably the cause of the diarrhea It is a known side effect, call the doctor or pharmacist and ask them how to manage it.

Some coughing is caused by the healing process within your body. The scarring where you're healing can trigger that.

There are medications that can help with nausea. Again talk to a doctor or pharmacist. I find ginger helps with nausea. Ginger tea or tucking a tiny price inside the cheek and sucking on it for a few minutes.

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer]

while you get the nausea under control, eat foods that are high in calories.

[JanetteR57]

your body is still healing after the surgery so it's natural to feel some pain as well after the anaesthetic wears off. As others have said, ask a nurse about pain control - I was told by my practice nurse a few weeks after my open surgery to ensure the painkillers were from 2 different 'families' and to take something that was fast acting as well as a type that has to stay in the bloodstream/system all the time. I'd come off the diclofenac the hospital had prescribed as unable to have morphine and was also on paracetamol - scared of becoming dependent but the nurse explained that nobody needs to be a hero and pain can be managed. Day 3 post surgery apparently is when the swelling can be at its worst. often ibuprofen is discouraged as it may cause bleeding post surgery which is why it's important to contact your surgical team/nurse. This booklet may help with you with recovery milestones to manage your expectations... good luck with your recovery. things will ease... roycastle.org/app/uploads/2...

[Beepers7]

hi vat patient,

I had vat surgery 4 years ago to remove lung tumor. I had my share of pain and discomfort, but you will find the results worth it I believe.

I’m feeling fantastic and NED.

Hang I there. Each new day brings a better day.

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer]

checking back to see how you are feeling. Have you been able to get control of the diarrhea and nausea? If yes, what worked for you?