Nausea
Nausea may be related to insufficient chewing, fullness, sensitivity to odors, pain medication, not eating, post-nasal drip or dehydration. In the first days after surgery, nausea usually can be treated with medications called antiemetics. It is very important to take your nausea medication as prescribed by your surgeon.
Rarely, nausea can be so severe that it prevents patients from drinking adequate amounts of liquids. If this happens, you will need to come back to the hospital to receive intravenous (IV) fluids. Persistent vomiting may lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, which may cause vitamin deficiencies.
Odors can sometimes be overwhelming after surgery. If you are dry heaving, try sniffing a few drops of peppermint essential oil on a handkerchief. Avoid perfumes and scented lotions. If food odors bother you, try having someone else prepare your meals or prepare bland foods.
Learn to recognize when you are full. This will not happen immediately, but by eating very slowly, it will become easier.
Should you have difficulty drinking due to nausea, try peppermint tea, fennel tea, decaffeinated green tea, or hot or cold water with lemon. Sucking on a cinnamon stick may sometimes help alleviate nausea.
If you believe your pain medication is causing nausea, call your surgeon’s office to request a prescription change.
Remember to stay hydrated by sipping fluids all day long. You need to drink a minimum of 1.5 to 2 liters of fluids per day, or more if you are sweating.