Hello everyone- Again, I want to thank those of you who offered encouragement to this past weekend when I was pre-op. I had been on the insurance yo-yo, but finally got approved after submitting more info from my pcp via fax. So, Wed Aug 16 I got the go ahead from BC/BS. I went for my pre-op testing on Thurs Aug 17, and got a call after work on Aug 18 that my EKG showed some abnormalities, so my surgery was pushed back 3 hours to give me time for a Stress Echo-Cardiagram the morning of my bypass. All weekend all I knew was that there was a "good chance" that I'd still get to have surgery. I was SOOOO stressed out- I know I bit the heads off of my family numerous times over the weekend, but that helped ( and of course I apologized!) Just so hard not knowing what's going to be happening from one moment to the next. So- Monday morning- we got to the hospital at 5:50 and I was zoomed into the cardiology testing area of the hospital. They injected me with chemicals that made my heart pound so rapidly I thought I'd come up off that table. Happily, I withstood the test, and was eventually taken to pre-op to get ready for my bypass. I am sure I was nervous, but I didn't feel like it. I was just so happy to be at that point. My surgery went smoothly- the only problem was the development of a hematoma on the incision just above my belly button. When I came to in recovery, that was the only thing I remember saying was hurting- didn't know why at the time, of course, but it was a definite pain. Still, not anything unbearable- and they hook you up to a morphine drip. I got up and did the "Dr. Scott March" 4 hours after surgery, and by the next day, I was feeling pretty good. I got up and walked the halls all day- usually 3 trips at a time. I had to have a large bag of fluids put into my IV to get me to pass enough urine, but once that was done ( and it didn't hurt at all) that functioned normally. I also had problems coming off the oxygen, because my blood saturation levels were low. (I have chronic asthma) but by the afternoon of the third day, that was resolved as well. Now I'm at home- I've been on pulverized foods since wednesday morning- no nausea, and feeling decent. Of course I'm not back to my old self 100% yet- but it's coming. I'm SO glad I had this surgery. I feel like a rosebud, waiting to blossum. I know that I've been through the valley and the mountain tops are ahead. I'm still sore, but it's managable- I only use the pain meds 1 or 2 times a day. Walking is a big help- make sure you do it a lot. I hope this helps you to know what to expect- at least from one persons perspective.

Hi Amanda. I had my surgery this past Monday, Aug 21- and came home from the hospital Wed afternoon on the 23rd. I agree that folks need to be upfront with what to expect. As for the surgery itself, I was pretty good when I came out of it, with the exception of having a hematoma at the incision just above my belly button. The pain from that got a lot better during the first 24 hours post-op. I was incredibly thirsty thoughout the experience, and still am having some issues with that. They had to give me a huge bag of fluids in my IV to get me to pass a significant amount of urine- but it worked. I also had problems keeping my Blood Oxygen saturation levels high enough without oxygen, but finally got that straightened out as well. So, here I am, 4 days post op, sitting here typing on my computer. Would I do it again? YES Was it painless? NO... but certainly was a lot less pain that other procedures I've had, including childbirth I am still pretty sore, especially in my upper left portion of my abdomin (most of my lap ports are on the left side..) but it's a managable pain. I'm just glad to be this side of the whole thing, and knowing that for the most part, things are only going to get better. Best wishes to you! Alicia

Hi , Glad you girls are doing good. I am too, but I lost 12 lbs, and then gained 2 and lost 1 of those. How does that happen? I makes me disgusted. I jump on the scale each day. I walk each day and follow the diet so I am too impatient. When I read what others have lost I feel behind. but since I first saw my surgeon about this I'm down17lbs. since April. Some clothes are looser. so I don't know why I worry. Patti

I am right there with you. I know my stomach will not settle down tonight. I am thinking the doc will go in and find it dancing I have one more day at work to get through. The funny thing is, I work in a psychiatric hospital. Go figure. I told a coworker that I was afraid they would take away my key and not let me out if I rambled as much as I have been. :laugh: We will join the loser's bench on the same day. Good luck. Hugs, Trish

Darlene, I know what you mean about relying on the good people here. I've been following some profiles for a while trying to get a good picture of what to expect etc. This site has been a blessing to me! Stephanie, I think writing notes to your family is a wonderful idea! And this is a very emotional time for us. You are allowed to shed as many tears as you need to. You desserve it! I'll be sure to post back as soon as I am up to it!