Surgery Day

Dec 28, 2010

I was terrified about getting my sleeve up until the actual day of surgery.  I had to be at the hospital at 5 a.m. so perhaps my lack of anxiousness was because I was half asleep.

They checked me in, took me back and told me to put on this huge paper gown with inserts under each armpit that I was certain were for a vacuum cleaner hose.  I did as told, later finding out that they used that to pump in warm or cold air to keep me comfortable.

Shortly thereafter, the vampire showed up to take my blood.  If everything was normal, surgery was a "go".  They also put a hot pack on my hand because I'm a tough stick for the IV.  The nurses were very sweet.  I even had to give them the grave news that I had gotten my period the day before and "how would that work?" 

The nurse got the IV on the first poke, the labs came back A-ok, my heart and lungs were clear, I didn't have a fever.  OH MY GOSH, this is really going to happen!  They put the pretty surgical hat on me and wheeled me to the OR.  BURR!  I know they have to keep it cool to prevent bacteria and germs from hopping all over, but I was glad I wasn't awake long and am pretty sure the surgeon must wear a parka when doing surgery.  I joked with them a bit...they were all super friendly.  They hooked me up to the heart machine, the anestesiologist came in and before I know it, I was out.

I woke up a few hours later in recovery and all I remember is slurring, "I'm gonna puke."  And sure enough, I did.  Two heaves, then back to sleep.  Shortly after that they took me to my room and I was groggy but resting comfortably. 

0 Comments