Surgery Day!

Jul 17, 2011

Wow,  I can't believe I am 6 days Post OP!  Here is my surgery experience...sorry if its too long!

Was at the hospital at 5 am - by 6am I was in my gown and waiting to head to the holding area.  I was in the holding area for 30 minutes and spoke with the anesthesiologist and got my IV started.  I didn't freak out or cry until I was being separated from my mom I did cry a bit.  They gave me a sedative to calm my nerves. The pre-op holding area was busy- lots of people buzzing around.  It made me feel a little less nervous because there were so many other people having surgery too!  Then we finally headed to the OR - it was very bright and a little chilly - but state of the art equipment that made me feel safe.  I met a few of the people working on me and they were all so nice and made me feel at ease. I moved myself over to the operating table.   They put a mask on my face and told me to breathe.  The next thing I remember was waking up in recovery - holy crap it was over!  I had some pain but not nearly as bad I thought it would be.  I was mainly sore and tired.  i was pretty dopey the rest of the day Wed and slept a lot.

On Thursday I was feeling a little better.  I was taken down for the leak test - it sucked!  I had to drink 2 different kinds of fluids - the first one was in case there was a leak it wouldn't hurt my body and would be easily absorbed.  Then I drank the chalky lemonade tasting stuff - i didn't puke which was great!  The table was little and I felt really claustrophobic.  They rotated the table so I was almost vertical.  That felt good - gave me the confidence to want to stand up and maybe walk around. No leak!  YEAH!  I was awake a little bit more during the day and sat up in the recliner most of the day - they removed my catheter that afternoon and cleaned out my JP drain daily. I took a small walk Thursday evening.   My throat was pretty raw and sore wed/Thurs. Every hour on the hour they checked my vitals (temp, blood pressure, pulse ox. I also wore a heart monitor while I was in the hospital.  Most of the nurses and aids were great - i tried to be a low maintenance patient. 

  Friday I woke up to a swollen hand and wrist.  There was an issue with my IV  - so it got moved to my left arm.  they drew blood everyday - I am pretty bruised up from the many times I was pricked.Friday I was given some broth at lunch and then for dinner I got mashed potatoes and tomato soup.  I pushed the pain pump every chance I could - I didn't want to risk feeling too much pain.  on Friday I walked like 3 times and was feeling OK.  The hardest part was getting up to go to the bathroom on my own and lugging around all the equipment.     I was also given blood thinners and an anti nausea shot daily.   Friday I was feeling better and did a stand up sponge bath and brushed my hair and put on makeup.  Then on Friday afternoon I was given the all clear to go home.  I was discharged by 8pm. I was sent home with all kinds of meds.  Pain meds, anti-nausea, anti- acid reflux, liquid colace.  Oh man that liquid colace is awful!   It burns the whole way down.  other than that no issues with meds.  once I am eating more foods - I will start to take my vitamins. 

I have been focused on fluids and protein these past few days.  I am living on water, propel water, and isopure protein drinks.  In the evening I try one new food - to see how my tummy can handle it while following my step 2 diet.  So far I can tolerate milk, pudding, eggs, mashed potatoes. I spent Friday & sat night on my recliner couch.  Sunday I even tried to put a bra on  no issues.  I slept in my bed last night - still hard to sleep on my back but I have been managing.  Today is day 6 and I feel like I am turning the corner and feel almost human.  I can drink a little easier and want to be awake and do things.  i might even attempt to go walk around the grocery store this afternoon!  I got up this morning and was showered, dressed, makeup done.  By the time I was finished getting ready I was tired.  I took a break and drank part of my protein drink and might take a little nap.  I weighed myself the night before surgery and then hid the scale.  I am not looking at it again until after my Dr.s appointment on 8/2. I also will take my next measurements tat day and see what improvements I can have.  I will post an update then!

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