Back from Mexico, Almost...

Oct 09, 2010

Well it sure has been a interesting fewdays since I left for Mexico for the VSG with Dr. Rodriguez.  I traveled to Mexico on Thursday October 7th, and arrived at the El Paso airport around 11:30 am right on time.  I turned on my cell phone and had a few missed calls from Hector, my driver to the hospital.  I returened the call and found that he would be waiting just outside the security area for us after we deplaned.  We scooped up our luggage from baggage claim and headed off for Juarez.  Our drive took just over 20 mins or so to reach th hosiptal, we had no questions asked of us when entering Mexico, although some of the other patients that we meet had been stopped briefly when coming through.  Once I arrived at the hospital Star Medica in Juarez, we were quickly met by the staff pshychiatrist.  We did about 5 signatures on some paperwork and I was off to Chest Xray.  After that we were given our room and about 5 minutes later I was given a gown to change into.  Within just a few minutes I had a IV started and was about to be hooked up to the EKG machine which seemed to be a bit antiquated but it worked , I guess?  I was told to wait for about an hour and the surgeon would be there to do the work.  About 30-45 min later after nervous waiting I was wheeled down to surgery and scooted onto the table.  I had already been given some relaxation medicine that had kicked in, and soon began to fill groggy.  The next thing I remember I was in recovery with some discomfort and nausea.  I asked for some medication and was somewhat upset becuause no one seemed to understand what I needed. (its wasnt rocket science).  I was in recovery for about 30 minutes and then lead back to the room.  I relaxedas much as possible and was given some pain and nausea medicine the helped.  About 2 hours after surgery I sat up and then immeditaley laid back down for dizzyness.  Then about an hour later I was able to make it up around the room and to use the bathroom.  That night was rough but not unbareable.  About 8 am all the nausea had passsed and i was just sore from the incisions.  I was walking about every hour and a half and the gas passed.  I was given some ice chips around 5pm and got about a fe ounces down but was really not in the mood to eat anything.  Then the clear liquids tray arrived around 8pm and i ate some jello and broth and tried to get the whole cup of apple juice down and almost did aver the course of an hour or two.  That night was fine little pain slept well and only disturbed a few time for vitals (BP and Temp check).  About 11am I went for the Barium swallow, which was discusting but again bareable.  Everything was okay with the barium and soon they were in my room to remove my IV and drain tube.  I dressed andwithin a hour was on the road back to El Paso to relax in a hotel for the two nights before traveling back home.  Overall nice experience but the language barrier should be noted as well as the early release from the hospital.  I will update soon after a week of the clear liquids, although Im finding it hard to want anything as Im not hungery at all.

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