So the stories about the 'referred gas pain' moving to your shoulders. They are true . Walking does seem to make it better and I am using my spirometer regularly to keep lung volume up. Diet is getting boring as it is sweet loaded. 24 oz of your intake is protein shake. Now they are good, but can a fella get some turkey or egg? I know, in time. But for right now, the 4oz respite of a cream based soup seems all too short. I definitely want to eat some meat/cheese/egg ish something.

Of note, while I do seem to get 'hungry' the amount and food I am allowed to eat not only takes care of the pain (hunger, not literal), I find it hard to consume all of the items in a day (that 3rd protein shake is tough at night).

Mild pain, mostly along the long incision. Off the pain med (tasted like crap anyway). Looking for longer walks today and counting down the days to mushies (which, while disgusting sounding to many, seem like an upgrade to me)

Of note: If you have a CPAP and a full face mask and are used to getting air in your stomach from mouth breathing, this will kind of suck for awhile. Upside is that in time, your pressures may go down or you may go off the CPAP all together as I understand it. For now, sleep is a little challenging. I have 3 different masks I try to get good sleep. I seem to last for about 5 hours before I dry out and wake up (and post here). I goof off for a few, then head back to sleep for a few more hours.

Santa wrote on Feb 20^th, 2010 at 2:22pm:


Hey Santa,

As I understand it, we need to get between 60-80 g of protein per day. I imagine their are methods outside of the shakes as well. Is that not your understanding?

As for the CPAP, I do use a heated humidifier and it is as high as it gets.

Thanks for the response!

Good luck and congrats on the step!