Kenyaaus
2/14/2007 Wed. / "What Happened to my Taste Buds?"
Feb 18, 2007
What Happed to my Taste buds? I hadn’t eaten since the Sunday morning before my surgery so I was looking forward to my first meal. The meal consisted of water, broth, and a protein drink. Let me tell you, that Caramel flavored Optisource was as bad as the Lotab. It was sooooo sweet that it made me gag. My nurse Cathy was nice enough to bring me another flavor, but it was just as bad. Then, the chicken broth that tasted great the first time I tried it, now also makes me ill. I don’t know why? Maybe it was sitting too close to the Opti stuff on my tray. Maybe the Optisource drink killed my taste buds forever.
The only two things I can tolerate are the water and the Jell-O.
Well, at least I get to go home today. I’m soooo ready.
2/13/2007 Post Op / Tuesday
Feb 18, 2007
I’m not just saying that because of the drugs..lol
My nurse Cathy was great too. She answered all my nutty questions, and brought me different flavors of optisource when I couldn’t stomach the caramel. Both of them were encouraging and motivating. Every time I went walking on my own they cheered me on as I past the nursing station. It made me want to get up and walk even more.
Lotab: I stopped using the ‘med button’ but still needed something to take the edge off. When I heard that I’d have liquid vicadin for pain I was happy. However, the first time I tried a swig I gagged. This is the worst tasting stuff I have ever had. Oooh my God! It was so sweet and thick. Ewk! Anyway, I am officially off pain meds.
This was my first time being hospitalized for anything. You see, hospitals have always freaked me out ever since I was a little girl and my grandfather died in one and later on, my godmother. So I was more than a little nervous about staying. But my nurse Gloria was great. She put my mind at ease with her humor and conversation.
2/12/2007 Surgery Day! / Monday
Feb 18, 2007
I was the 3rd case so my surgery check in time was at 9am. By the time all of the prep was done and I was wheeled into the OR, it was about 12 noon.
I said goodbye to Mom and Dad and was wheeled in. Right when my nerves started to elude me, Bridgette said something to make me laugh. The last thing I remember was myself, Bridgette, the anesthesiologists and the tech about something then all of a sudden, (as if I'd blinked), I was in recovery and a nurse was talking to me. Till this day I don't know what she was saying. I kept coming in and out. Everyone said that I was so "loopy" and "chatty" that day that I was a source of entertainment. They said that I kept asking my Dad if he took is meds, over and over again. This is because, (I was told), what ever you were thinking about when you went into surgery, will be the first thing on your mind when you get out.
Later that day: It didn’t hurt as bad as I had feared. I even forgot to press the med button a few times. They usually make you get up and walk a few hours after surgery, but I was asking as soon as I came to.
Surgery night: I'd heard that the more you walk, the better you feel. Well, I walked and walked and did a couple of laps around the barriatric unit that same night. I was still a little "loopy", so I'd stop at each of the nursing stations and chat with who ever was on duty. I don’t know why I brought my laptop. I thought I’d be able to work while in the hospital. Everyone told me that it would be the last thing on my mind. They were right!
I keep forgetting to press the pain-med-machine. How surprising.
The night was better than I'd emagined. (I was still on my meds,)
My Orientation
Feb 10, 2007
My surgery date is now 2/12/07.
Yesterday I went for my Orientation and pre-opp. In the orientation they tell exactly what to expect. I also had a chance to taste the ikee liquid meals that I will be living on for the next week or so.
Saturday 2/10/07 Itenerary
My 'Last Meal' will be at Loucille's BBQI can't wait. We are gonna "Shut um down" lol
Sunday 2/11/07 Itenerary
Sensible breakfast 1pm colon cleansing treatment with FleetNo food after 10am, only waterNo more water after 12amI will not be able to eat or drink again until Tuesday morning. Monday 2/12/07 Day of surgery Itenerary9am surgery (3rd in line)I'm both excited and nervous. I found out that there will be internet access at the hospital. Hopefully I will feel well enough to check on work stuff by Wed or Thursday.
