Feeling Unwell After Resuming Work Post-Surgery
At 26 years old, I recently underwent a distal pancreatectomy along with a splenectomy in mid-December, and I just returned to my job this past Thursday, February 12. As a manager at a retail store, I was immediately thrust back into a demanding environment, putting in nine hours on my first day and twelve hours the next. The work is physically demanding, but I've been attempting to pace myself, even though I'm mostly on my feet the entire time. Since my first shift back, I've experienced intense nausea about midway through each of my workdays. Initially, I thought my discomfort might be linked to what I had eaten, but the sensation has worsened significantly. Now, I'm struggling with a diminished appetite for the remainder of the day and feel perpetually on the brink of nausea. Sometimes, I find myself stepping outside into the cold air in an attempt to alleviate my queasiness. To manage my nutritional needs during this tough time, I've been consuming Core protein shakes on most shifts and forcing myself to drink an Alani protein shake once I return home. Could this overwhelming nausea be a result of the abrupt transition from minimal activity to a demanding work schedule? I’ve gone from walking around 3,000 to 4,000 steps during my recovery to exceeding 15,000 steps now. Alternatively, could it stem from another issue? I plan to contact my gastroenterologist tomorrow to seek her insights, but I would appreciate getting some thoughts on this matter soon, especially if I struggle to reach her.
Answers (1)
2/16/2026, 10:40:34 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are dealing with a challenging situation as you return to work post-surgery, and it’s understandable to be concerned about the intense nausea you are experiencing. This discomfort could be linked to the significant transition in your activity levels, as well as changes in your diet and work demands.
Possible Reasons for Your Nausea:
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Physical Demand and Fatigue: Jumping from a recovery routine to a physically demanding job can be taxing on your body, generating stress and fatigue that may lead to nausea.
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Dietary Changes: Relying predominantly on protein shakes may not provide your body with the diverse nutrition it needs for recovery. Additionally, if you're not eating enough solid food, this could contribute to feelings of nausea.
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Post-Surgery Recovery: After a distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy, your digestive system may still be adjusting. Changes in how your body processes food can lead to nausea, especially under stress.
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Dehydration: Increased activity levels can lead to dehydration, which can also cause nausea.
Recommended Next Steps:
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Monitor Your Activity: Gradually increase your workload. Consider reducing the number of hours or steps you take daily until your body adjusts—this might help alleviate some of the nausea.
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Hydrate Properly: Make sure you are drinking sufficient water throughout your shifts, aiming for at least 8-10 cups per day, especially since you have increased your physical activity.
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Diversify Meals: Try to incorporate solid food into your diet. Focus on smaller, frequent meals that include a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats to provide energy without overwhelming your system.
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Rest and Recovery: Make sure you take regular breaks during your shifts to sit down, breathe, and relax your body. Listen to your body and allow yourself adequate rest after work.
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Use Nausea Management Techniques: Besides stepping outside for fresh air, consider ginger tea, peppermint, or deep breathing exercises as these can help soothe nausea.
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Keep a Symptom Diary: Track when your nausea occurs, what you’ve eaten, and your activity levels. This information can be very helpful for your gastroenterologist.
Final Note:
Since you're already planning to reach out to your gastroenterologist, that’s excellent! Be prepared to discuss these symptoms, your dietary habits, and your workload during that conversation. They may have specific recommendations or considerations based on your surgical history. Take care, and prioritize your recovery while adjusting to your work. Let me know if you need more assistance!
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