John P.

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John P. 21 years, 9 months ago

DAY 4: Doing really well now. My lung capacity is about 90% of what it was pre-op; the respiratory therapist says that's excellent. Finally got the iv tubes and drain tubes out. Glad to see those go. Then, I thought I was rushed out to make room for the next patient. The internist tried to rush through all the medications I needed to take at home. He had a written list but this should have been better than it was. We also met with the dietician, and again, the review was kind of rushed. Was discharged about 10:30 am. Two and a half hours later, I home and in a comfortable bed. So far I've gained 10 pounds - but, I press on.

John P. 21 years, 9 months ago

DAY 3: Had the gastic xray to check the new plumbing for leaks. No leaks and boy did the "cocktail" taste terrible. Was able to shower which was very soothing. The nurse said I needed to have a bowel movement today in order to be released. Not much there to move, I replied. Upon that, I got a suppository. In the late afternoon, things went downhill again. The morphine pump was removed and I started on oral Vicodin. Pills, I found, are something not easily swallowed now. I couldn't tolerate the drug - I had extreme sweating and chills. It didn't seem to work well for pain either. The suddenly I snapped. I became extremely emotional. I started to cry and hyperventilate. I lashed out at the nursing staff when they tried to give me a shot to calm me down. My wife, bless her soul, was there for me. She told the nurses that I hadn't had any Prozac or Xanax for three days and thought this could be the problem. I was given some liquid Prozac and Xanax and was calmed down in about an hour. I was so embarrassed about what I had done. In the meantime, I was switch to Darvocet for pain which I tolerated much better. After threats about getting an enema, I had a b.m. about 9:00 pm. I was feeling better and rested comfortably through the night.

John P. 21 years, 9 months ago

DAY 2: Surprised that I have not been getting any of my medications for blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, depression, etc. Have had routine sugar checks and given small doses of insulin. Blood pressure relatively low and continued to fall. During the morning though, I started to feel worse. By 11:00, it seemed I had lost all the progress I made - I could barely walk and the pain was incresing. The surgeon on duty doubled my morphine allotment and encouraged me to "push the button often, and get up and walk every hour". What a difference that made. By early evening, I was back to where I was. I was walking better than the three other patients on the floor. My wife left around 8:00 and I had a geeod night.

John P. 21 years, 9 months ago

DAY 1: Surgery day. Signed all the forms and ready for surgery by 7:30 am. My wife is scared and very nervous - I'm medicated and relaxed. Out of surgery by about 9:00 am (I'm told). Everything went well. The surgeon says my gallbladder was perfect and wasn't removed. As I wake up, I'm in pain, but it was about what I expected. I'm relieved I'm breathing well. (When I had coronary bypass nine years ago, I couldn't breathe in recovery and though I would die.) Up walking in four hours. Pain is managable and my breathing capacity improves. My wife is relieved and finally has accepted what I've done. I encourage her to go back to the hotel to sleep for the night, which she does. The hospital staff monitors my condition regularly. Have an excellent night nurse and care practitioner. We get up to walk a couple times and i'm feeling pretty good about all this.

Laura L. 21 years, 10 months ago

John, best wishes for an uneventful surgery and quick recovery!!!

Cheryl J. 21 years, 10 months ago

John May God be by your side during this hardest part of your journey. And may he bless you with a long and healthy life. Cheryl Johnson

TexFlutterby 21 years, 10 months ago

John~~~Here's to you for taking the best steps you can to a super new & healthy life. "I HAVE HEARD YOUR PRAYERS, I HAVE SEEN YOUR TEARS. SURELY, I WILL HEAL YOU." 2 KINGS 20:5 I pray our Lord and His angels be with you as you go through your surgery and recovery. May our Lord be with your surgeon and his staff, guiding their hands and minds during your surgery and recovery. "I AM HERE. DON'T BE AFRAID." JOHN 6:20 Congratulations on your upcoming weight loss! :o) "Don't ever save anything for a special occasion. Every day you're alive is a special occasion." I will be joining you on the "losing side" this fall. "I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHICH STRENGTHENETH ME." PHILIPPIANS 4:13. Prayers & Best Wishes, Janie

John P. 21 years, 10 months ago

I wanted to thank all of you that have responded for your support and encouragement. I will be leaving in a few hours for Grand Haven - where I'm having the surgery tomorrow at 6:00 a.m. (Goood Morning!). My wife is still scared and nervous - perhaps more than I am which I think is as tough for me as her. Hopefully I'll be home by the end of the week and will post my comments then. Again thanks to all and here's to a new life!

maxsprague 21 years, 10 months ago

We are wishing you all the best... Stay strong and keep your faith... My husband just had surgery on 7-9-02 and is doing well... He was as scared as you are now... Enjoy your day and try to sleep tonight... You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers... And even now... I will ask our Lord to watch over you and your loved ones... To give you the strength and peace tonight and tomorrow...To cast out the fear... To stand by and guide you Doctor... And most off all Lord... I ask that you ease the pain after John's surgery and have the hospital staff to be adequate and keep him pain free... In all these things I ask in Jesus name. Amen................ Darlene Sprague

jiby 21 years, 10 months ago

Good luck! hugs and prayers!