Vinasu
Week 1
Aug 15, 2016
I've decided to write a blog post just to remind myself of the last few days, since I'm the kind of person who moves on, forgets, and then can't remember the details years later when I need to.
Wednesday, August 10
Hubby and I arrived at the hospital at 5:30 am. That seems incredibly early, but considering I didn't sleep all night, it wasn't that bad. Hubby was a bit put out, though.
We checked in and were sent to the surgical waiting area where a dozen other couples sat. We waited no longer than ten minutes before I was called back. They took all of my vitals, checked that I wasn't wearing jewelry, put on my bracelet, and then walked us to the pre-op area. There, they got a urine sample. The bathroom was marked "occupied" or "vacant", but there was no lock. I can see the logic, but yowza, that was a nerve-wracking few seconds. Then, they put me in a bed, inserted an IV, put on plastic massagers around my lower legs to prevent DVTs, and made me lie under a heat blanket--basically a plastic bag with a hot hair dryer blowing into it. The surgeon stopped by, as well as the anesthieologist and the surgical nurse. Finally, the Nurse Anesthestist said, "I'm going to give you something for anxiety before we take you back." and that was that. He gave me Versed, so I don't remember pretty much anything else pre-surgery.
The Versed wasn't 100%, though. I always vomit under sedation, and I have a very fuzzy memory of vomiting yellowish vomit and someone cleaning me. I would have thought that I dreamed it, but afterwards, they confirmed it happened.
I woke up in the surgery ward. DH was sitting next to me. I actually felt ok--a bit nauseated, but fine overall. I mostly just wanted to sleep. I sent DH to work since he was worried about a project and I was waaaay too high to care if he was there. 
My nurses were two guys--super kind. Unfortunately, I was unable to pee. They scanned my bladder and discovered it was full, so I needed a catheter. One told me that one in six patients needs help urinating after anesthesia. That's how I ended up completely spread open with my hoohaw dangling in the wind while one guy taught another how to insert a catheter. I told them, "You seem like nice guys, but I hope I never see you again." I mean it.
By and large, I spent the rest of the day sleeping--first on morphine and later on oxy. I had brought my phone, but I couldn't focus long enough to use it. In fact, I had gone through all of the check lists and packed everything. The only thing I really needed was a toothbrush and toothpaste--and even that was available in a vending machine in the hall. The hospital provided extra pillows, lip balm, and everything else. The gown was even big enough to cover me completely.
Thursday, August 11
All night, nurses and CNAs came in to check on me, but I didn't mind--I was sleeping so much that the occasional interruption didn't matter. They started having me drink water and protein drinks, one ounce at a time. I had a bit of nausea, but overall tolerated it well. They did, though, want me to drink every fifteen minutes...that was too much. I had a 3am and a 6am walk.
In the morning, I met with the nutritionist (got the go-ahead for Trader Joe's tomato soup and butternut squash soup!), and met with the surgeon's PA. They were really happy with my progress, and the nutritionist even lowered the amount of protein I'm required to have.
I checked out of the hospital around noon, carrying my catheter bag everywhere. I weighed nine pounds more than I did the morning before.
When I got home, I did the same thing I did in the hospital--slept, drank water out of medicine cups, and walked every hour.
I did not need any pain medication after leaving the hospital, so that was some significant money I wasted, but that's a big case of better to have and not need... I'm not saying there was no pain, just that it was absolutely bearable. It hurt less than a c-section. Although, the sensation of my guts pulling apart whenever I stood up was the same.
Friday, August 12
Some time around 3am, all hell broke loose--all the gas that I'd been pumped full of came out at once. It was a great relief, but unexpected... Come morning, I did have to remove my catheter myself. That was scary, but it turned out to be super easy.
I managed to work at home for most of the day, so I only took two days off work.
Saturday, August 13
First post-op poop, first time making the water requirements, first time out of the house (walked around a grocery store, then came home and fell asleep for two hours)
Sunday, August 14
First time getting all my protein in. At this point, I was sooo sick of sweet things I could scream. I mixed protein powder with creamy tomato soup. I also had some amazing bone broth for dinner. I'm getting the hang of things.
Monday, August 15
I finally lost the 9 pounds gained from surgery.
I went back to work. I was afraid I'd be too tired, but I've functioned well all day. They one caveat being that I have a very sedentary office job. It was important to me that no one at work know about the surgery. I know this is controversial, but I work in an environment that is absolutely fixated on what everyone is eating, who is doing crossfit, what everyone's race times are, and well meaning (but infuriating) concern trolling. I do not want to share my journey with them.
I'm feeling good. I've got a decent amount of energy today. I haven't been hungry, but food smells still make me want to eat. I know for a fact that that's all head-hunger, though. So far, so good. I am feeling like I can really do this.
