I had my surgery in August and was very sick for a month before. I am 5'6" and normally at 120lbs, after surgery I was down to 90lbs and now at 102. I was anemic after I came home, but it's better now, had horrible rectal spasms that are getting better with suppositories, diagnosed with pneumonia 2 weeks ago and can breathe easier now. But now my whole body is sore from my hands, arms, back, and upper legs feel like I have been working out and my muscles ache so bad. I have no idea what is causing this and I'm getting so frustrated, I am back at work from 9-2 for 3 days a week and I'm exhausted when I get home. I was off for a total of 3 months and have exhausted all time off. Now next week I am supposed to work full shifts and I am scared that I can't do it! I just want to feel better and I'm getting so depressed that I'm not there yet. Thanks for letting me rant!

Hi Tbraz -

Do you think you might be dehydrated? When I had my stoma, I was constantly dehydrated, which led to many things, including feeling extremely tired all of the time and having muscle pain/weakness.

A lot of people recommend drinks with electrolytes (like Hydralyte or Gatorade) but I also took an electrolyte capsule, which help somewhat.

Just a suggestion - but hopefully you'll start feeling better soon!

(P.S. I am 5'10" and went from 155 pounds to 120 pounds in something like a month. Not good. Now I'm back to 135 and I'm pretty sure it was mostly the dehydration that caused me to lose so much weight so quickly).

Lisa

Oh, I didn't realize you have an ostomy. I think Lisa may be on to something regarding dehydration. I could barely get my tired butt off the sofa. After takedown I figured out it was dehydration. Hydralyte is great - http://www.gookinaid.com it should really help with dehydration. Hydralyte is an electrolyte replacement drink and works way better than Gatorade or any other sports drink I've ever tried. And it has very little sugar and a really mild taste.

kathy

I think Lisa hit the nail on the head. When I had my surgery in February, I was very dehydrated going in. The ostomy nurse told me to drink a bottle of the purple vitamin water every day because it was full of potassium and vitamin b. I found it made a difference, it actually helped when I would feel weak and my legs hurt. I still drink it when I'm very tired.

Hope things get better soon,

janna

Thanks for the suggestions, I will get these. I have been drinking ensure for the weight, and vitamins for the anemia, but never thought about the dehydration. I was so severely dehydrated before my surgery and knew those symptoms, but this could be milder and I never would have guessed. Sure couldn't hurt, thanks again!

Keep in mind you are still early in the recovery process not to mention the pneumonia. You are going to be tired for awhile. Can you continue working part time for another week? I know even when I went back full time after 3 months and severe complications I had to nap at lunch in my car and when I got home went straight to bed. Your body has been through a lot and needs time to recover.

I only work 3 days a week and last month they only had me working 1/2 the shift. I worked my first full day yesterday and then had to take my daughter to gymnastics I was so exhausted! I am just hoping that the muscle pains will diminish soon, it hurts just getting up after sitting! I have been drinking fitness water, but probably not enough. I need to remember how sick I was before the surgery and I'm still 20 lbs underweight so how can I expect to feel "back to normal" yet! My family and co-workers assume that all is fine now and I need to let them know that I am far from feeling 100%! I don't tell them because I don't want to sound like I'm whining all the time. Thanks for the understanding!

Stamina was easier toi get than hydralite. Health food store has it. Chris saw great benefits from this and cut out gatorade and propel completely, both had too much refined sugar.