July 10, 2012 - a new beginning

Jul 12, 2012

I had my surgery on Tuesday July 10th, 2012 at Mercy Hospital in Fairfield, Ohio. I was very nervous because of my past complication history and some lingering PTSD when it comes to hospitals. I had a few meltdowns enroute to the OR but managed to hold it together. The nursing staff was very compassionate when they heard my story. The surgery itself went fine. My doc said he had to get through a lot of adhesions (scar tissue) from my previous ordeal. In his words it "looked like a combat zone in there". But he got the job done. He said I might be a little extra sore and tender in the abdomen because of the adhesions.

I have a great support system. My good friend, Pam, drove me to the hospital and stayed with me until they took me back to the OR. Lisa and Deb both showed up while I was in recovery. They were a welcome sight. Even though the stubborm tough girl in me told them they didn't have to come. My other BFF, Dominique, was at home taking care of my daughter so I didn't have to worry about that. She sent me a video and some photos of Mia to lift my spirits.

Lisa and Deb are both nurses and work at two different local facilities. Coincidentally they both wore their navy blue scrubs to work on the day of my surgery and didn't change before coming to see me. The staff at Mercy also wears navy scrubs. It was pretty funny watching the Mercy staff trying to figure out if they worked there or not. I felt very well cared for with my own 2 personal nurses watching over me.

Lisa spent the night at the hospital that night. I told her she didn't have to. Being stoic and all. But I'm so glad she did. It was nice to have a familiar face. She made sure I got out of bed every two hours and walked laps down the corridors. She made me do the breathing treatment regularly, too. I know it wasn't comfortable for her to sleep in a recliner chair for only an hour or two at a time. I so appreciate her for doing that for me.

On Weds morning I went down for the contrast test. The barium I had to drink was awful. But things looked good. So they took out my catheter and gave me some Crystal Lite and jello. On Tuesday I had only been allowed swabs to moisten my mouth. It felt great to be able to drink again. I was so dry. Once I proved I could keep that down and use the bathroom I was free to go.

Lisa drove me home about 4pm. Dominique picked Mia up from daycare and brought her home about 6pm. She was a sight for sore eyes. I missed her so much. She's definitely been out of sorts the last few days. She's only 21 mths old and doesn't understand why momma can't pick her up. 

Today is Friday July 13th. I did my clear liquids only on Weds and Thurs. Today I started the liquid/pureed stage. I feel better today than yesterday so progress is being made. I'm looking forward to this next chapter in my life....  

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