Mary C.
April 17th- Day of surgery
Apr 22, 2008
The alarm goes off at 0630- I reset it for 0700 but get up anyway at 0645. I have never been a morning person- comes from 26yrs of shiftwork I guess.
I shower- dry my hair- no makeup- terrible- Mom drives me to the hospital. We planned for her not to come in and wait all morning with me- no need- she will come see me after surgery later that day. After a kiss and hug she's gone. I'm still not nervous as I head to Lise's office-am I insane?- I can't be normal. Then again- I never said I was
.
I weigh in (only down less than 2lbs)- but it's good enough! I'm happy- I'm in! Hug and best wishes from Lise- she's a doll. I head over to the admission dept- and they give me my paperwork etc to take upstairs to the same day surgery unit. I'm there early- didn't need to be there until 0945- it's only 0900. Oh- well- where else would I go? I get into the stunning hospital gown and mesh underwear- no makeup- I look great. The very capable nurse puts my IV in with no problem- my mouth gets even drier- then I wait. 1145 comes- the time I'm sceduled for- still there. 1245- still there. A nurse pops by to say they are delayed in the OR. I know how those things are- I'm not too concerned. Just before 2pm- they take me to the OR waiting area. Busy place. I see Dr. B.- resign my consent as well as some out of province forms- I would have signed anything put in front of me
- just wanted to get on with it. Dr. B. had a chat with me- then the anaesthetist came to see me. He was very nice and understood completely my request for no PCA pump with Morphine. I broke my ankle almost 5 years ago and had a terrible time post-op with the PCA pump. It helped the pain- but I was sick as a dog
for days after. Morphine and I don't agree. He told me he would use something else. And also told me they would put in an arterial line for monitoring blood gases etc once I was asleep. No problem. I'm still not nervous. I'm HAPPY!!!
I shower- dry my hair- no makeup- terrible- Mom drives me to the hospital. We planned for her not to come in and wait all morning with me- no need- she will come see me after surgery later that day. After a kiss and hug she's gone. I'm still not nervous as I head to Lise's office-am I insane?- I can't be normal. Then again- I never said I was
.I weigh in (only down less than 2lbs)- but it's good enough! I'm happy- I'm in! Hug and best wishes from Lise- she's a doll. I head over to the admission dept- and they give me my paperwork etc to take upstairs to the same day surgery unit. I'm there early- didn't need to be there until 0945- it's only 0900. Oh- well- where else would I go? I get into the stunning hospital gown and mesh underwear- no makeup- I look great. The very capable nurse puts my IV in with no problem- my mouth gets even drier- then I wait. 1145 comes- the time I'm sceduled for- still there. 1245- still there. A nurse pops by to say they are delayed in the OR. I know how those things are- I'm not too concerned. Just before 2pm- they take me to the OR waiting area. Busy place. I see Dr. B.- resign my consent as well as some out of province forms- I would have signed anything put in front of me
- just wanted to get on with it. Dr. B. had a chat with me- then the anaesthetist came to see me. He was very nice and understood completely my request for no PCA pump with Morphine. I broke my ankle almost 5 years ago and had a terrible time post-op with the PCA pump. It helped the pain- but I was sick as a dogfor days after. Morphine and I don't agree. He told me he would use something else. And also told me they would put in an arterial line for monitoring blood gases etc once I was asleep. No problem. I'm still not nervous. I'm HAPPY!!!April 16th- To Moncton- day before Surgery.
Apr 22, 2008
After a wonderful visit with Grammie and Warren- Mom
and I drive to Moncton and get settled in the hotel. We drive around Moncton a bit, to the hospital, to the mall etc- so Mom will have a feel for the place and find her way around better when I am in hospital. We visit the grocery store and pick up a few things I will need for the time period between my discharge from hospital and arriving home. Also some grocery items for Mom- she hates to eat in restaurants all the time. We settle in the hotel- scrambled eggs and toast for my supper- still afraid of overeating and gaining weight that could lead to me being cancelled. I would be devastated. I'm still not nervous. I have a bath- Mom and I talk- serious stuff that has to be said-
- I give her my rings and stuff. Take something to help me sleep- Mom takes a tylenol PM- I need something harder than that. I remember having a last swig of water just before midnight when I closed my book. Big day tomorrow.
and I drive to Moncton and get settled in the hotel. We drive around Moncton a bit, to the hospital, to the mall etc- so Mom will have a feel for the place and find her way around better when I am in hospital. We visit the grocery store and pick up a few things I will need for the time period between my discharge from hospital and arriving home. Also some grocery items for Mom- she hates to eat in restaurants all the time. We settle in the hotel- scrambled eggs and toast for my supper- still afraid of overeating and gaining weight that could lead to me being cancelled. I would be devastated. I'm still not nervous. I have a bath- Mom and I talk- serious stuff that has to be said-
- I give her my rings and stuff. Take something to help me sleep- Mom takes a tylenol PM- I need something harder than that. I remember having a last swig of water just before midnight when I closed my book. Big day tomorrow.
April 14th- still in Kentville.
Apr 22, 2008
I have been talking to my husband at least everyday since I left home. He couldn't come with me due to work commitments- and- doesn't do well in stressful situations.
After initially not wanting me to have surgery because he was afraid something terrible could happen- he really saw things from my point of view- and has been nothing but supportive. He misses me and I miss him a lot. I could use a hug from him now. I know he is nervous- but when we talk he is as supportive and loving as always and doesn't show the nervousness in his voice- he wants me to feel ok. And I'm feeling very out of touch with my son- we keep in touch with messenger a lot- I'm not online since I left home- except a few times at Krista's. So we haven't really chatted. And I have called but missed him.
I finally got him online and we had a great chat on messenger. (I went to the local Library in Kentville).
He's a little worried- but is very smart and mature and we have a great relationship. He understands my need for this surgery. He sends much love and we chat some more. Makes me feel so much better!
After initially not wanting me to have surgery because he was afraid something terrible could happen- he really saw things from my point of view- and has been nothing but supportive. He misses me and I miss him a lot. I could use a hug from him now. I know he is nervous- but when we talk he is as supportive and loving as always and doesn't show the nervousness in his voice- he wants me to feel ok. And I'm feeling very out of touch with my son- we keep in touch with messenger a lot- I'm not online since I left home- except a few times at Krista's. So we haven't really chatted. And I have called but missed him.
I finally got him online and we had a great chat on messenger. (I went to the local Library in Kentville).
He's a little worried- but is very smart and mature and we have a great relationship. He understands my need for this surgery. He sends much love and we chat some more. Makes me feel so much better!
April 13th- off to Kentville, NS
Apr 22, 2008
After a few wonderful days with Krista C. (can't wear out my welcome- I may need it again
) I'm driving to Kentville. My Grammie lives there, and my Mom who is also going to be with me the next week, arrived there a few days ago. Mom lives in Ontario- I usually only see my parents once or twice a year and Grammie and Warren (Grammie's husband), once a year. So it's a real treat for us to be together. So-- it's a challenge not to overeat- a real challenge. Warren is a great cook. I do mean great. He's 90. In better shape than me. Really. And Grammie is 92. Memory for her is starting to fail- otherwise in good health also. They are very lucky. Anyway- Mom and Grammie and I hit the Dollar Stores and Walmart- where else? Spent lots of time just visiting and enjoying each others company. It was such a wonderful visit. I'm not sleeping well at Grammies- probably my nerves- although as I said I don't feel nervous. Grammie and Warren are perplexed as to why I am not eating very much- and sometimes different things from what they are having. Mom tells them I am trying to lose weight as my hip is bothering me. Not a lie. Actually a truth. They don't need to know the whole story. It would only cause them worry.
) I'm driving to Kentville. My Grammie lives there, and my Mom who is also going to be with me the next week, arrived there a few days ago. Mom lives in Ontario- I usually only see my parents once or twice a year and Grammie and Warren (Grammie's husband), once a year. So it's a real treat for us to be together. So-- it's a challenge not to overeat- a real challenge. Warren is a great cook. I do mean great. He's 90. In better shape than me. Really. And Grammie is 92. Memory for her is starting to fail- otherwise in good health also. They are very lucky. Anyway- Mom and Grammie and I hit the Dollar Stores and Walmart- where else? Spent lots of time just visiting and enjoying each others company. It was such a wonderful visit. I'm not sleeping well at Grammies- probably my nerves- although as I said I don't feel nervous. Grammie and Warren are perplexed as to why I am not eating very much- and sometimes different things from what they are having. Mom tells them I am trying to lose weight as my hip is bothering me. Not a lie. Actually a truth. They don't need to know the whole story. It would only cause them worry.April 11th 2007- Off to Krista's.
Apr 22, 2008
Krista C. and I met at our info session in Jan of 2007. We connected and have kept in close touch ever since. She has graciously offered me her spare room whenever I need it- so rather than fly back home to NL and then back again for surgery- I'm going to visit with her for a few days. The travel costs alone have been daunting- but- it's an investment in my health- and a necessary expense.
Krista and I hit it off immediately as I expected. She looks SO good and has done so well. She is such a great cheerleader for me- and I can't think of a better place to be for a few days the week before my surgery. Keeps me on track eating wise- Yes- the re-fried beans REALLY were great Krista! And her support and encouragement are just what I need at this time. We laughed, we talked, we drank coffee, we toured around, laughed some more, talked more- really great! Funny where your life takes you- and the people you meet- I'm a real believer that EVERYTHING that happens to us in life happens when it does and the way it does for a reason. We may find out later- or we may never know why. But this journey has given me the honor of knowing Krista C. and counting her as one of my friends. I'm so grateful for that.
Krista and I hit it off immediately as I expected. She looks SO good and has done so well. She is such a great cheerleader for me- and I can't think of a better place to be for a few days the week before my surgery. Keeps me on track eating wise- Yes- the re-fried beans REALLY were great Krista! And her support and encouragement are just what I need at this time. We laughed, we talked, we drank coffee, we toured around, laughed some more, talked more- really great! Funny where your life takes you- and the people you meet- I'm a real believer that EVERYTHING that happens to us in life happens when it does and the way it does for a reason. We may find out later- or we may never know why. But this journey has given me the honor of knowing Krista C. and counting her as one of my friends. I'm so grateful for that.
1 week pre-op appt- April 10th 2008.
Apr 22, 2008
I was at the hospital for approx 3 1/2 hrs. The all important weigh in ( I was down 3 lbs from last appt), pre-op teaching with Lise, pre-admission paperwork, blood work, chest x-ray and EKG, and last of all- teaching with a respiratory therapist- I was given an inspirometer to use pre-op and bring to the hospital. Pretty routine visit and as I expected. Lise told me to see her at 0830hrs sharp the AM of my surgery to be weighed- then I would go up to the same day surgery unit- had to be there by 0945- my surgery is at 1145. It all seems very unreal to me. I'm not feeling nervous- but deep down I must be. I wouldn't be normal otherwise? I have such confidence in Dr. B. and his team- I KNOW they will take great care of me.
About Me
Glovertown,
Location
28.0
BMI
Surgery
04/17/2008
Surgery Date
Jan 20, 2007
Member Since
Before & After
rollover to see after photo
