kimberly_gr
My Surgery and Recovery Experience
Jan 14, 2011
I'm about 6 weeks away from surgery, and I guess I'm overdue to write about my surgery experience. My recollection of some things is rather sketchy, but I think I can relate the important details.My husband and I arrived on time, signed in, and didn't have to wait long to be taken to my pre-surgery room. I had to then strip and put on a hospital gown. The nurses and anesthesiologist asked me some questions and were quite attentive. I can't remember much detail past this point, but I think I got an IV, and I asked for something to relax me. I must have fallen asleep pretty quickly.
My next recollection was being in the recovery room, being very tired, and feeling pain. I remember hearing a guy close to me moaning over and over again. He kept waking me up, and I was very annoyed. I must have been awake enough by then, and I was moved to my room.
In my room, my husband and best friend were waiting for me with a lot of concern. My surgery was at 8:00, and I didn't wake until about 3:00. My husband was afraid I would never awake. Then I started complaining to them about the moaning guy in the recovery room (cussing about it and everything). I was cranky; my pain medication was pretty good, but I literally felt like my stomach was cut out.
I had to get out of bed pretty soon to pee, but the nurse helped me, and I was surprised that it didn't hurt more. I'm not sure if I took 1 or 2 walks through the halls that night, but I was sure to get some walking in. I slept constantly. The next morning I had my leak test. I was so thirsty, even swallowing the solution for the x-ray was welcome. I remember sitting in my wheelchair after the leak test falling asleep right in the chair. I felt like a nursing home resident slumped in the wheelchair like that. Fortunately I didn't have any leaks.
I was started on liquids. Although the hospital's broth was fabulously good, I couldn't take in much. I still had to be on oxygen and was pretty good about doing my breathing exercises. I walked the hallways often, but slept every chance I got. Thank goodness I didn't have a roommate. I didn't read, listen to music, watch TV, I just slept when not walking, peeing, or trying to take some liquids in.
I slept fine the second night, and prepared to go home after that. The doctor was a little concerned because I just couldn't get that much of liquids in. He explained that my hiatal hernia fix was tight, and my stomach was rather tight, but that I should be fine at home. The nurse and NUT from the surgeon's office reviewed with me what I needed to do at home, and showed me how to care for my incisions and drain. Yes, I had a drain for a week after surgery and hope to never have one again. My discharge was delayed because I needed a potassium IV and it took forever to come from the pharmacy.
The ride home was ok, but painful. I was able to get upstairs just fine, and after eating some broth, I went right to bed. I was pretty dragged out that first week. I only had clear liquids, and my energy was very low. By the time I had to go for my 1-week checkup, I couldn't drive myself because I was so weak. I thought I was in bad shape, but the doctor seemed happy enough with how I was doing. I was released to full liquids, and that made a real difference in my energy.
To wind this all up, I didn't have too much pain--I only took my pain meds for 4 or 5 days once home, but my stamina and energy were virtually nonexistent. So many people write about how good they felt after surgery; I did not feel good. It was the most physically demanding ordeal I ever went through.
My next post will be more positive. I promise!
