~Truffles~
Surgery Day
Mar 23, 2010
It has been a month or rather almost 5 weeks since my surgery (surgeries). I didn't expect to take so long to post about my experience, but concentration post-op took a bit of time for me to strengthen again! So, on with my tale...On 2/17/10 I received the call to be at Duke by 5.45am because my surgery was set for first thing Thursday morning 2/18/10. I was super psyched and ready to go. We left home in the wee hours of the morning with plenty of time to spare. In the surgery prep area, everything went as previously discussed. My first IV was placed, the 2nd to be placed while in the OR, I was asked repeatedly what surgery I was having, and Dr. Sudan came in to answer any questions/concerns and to sign my belly with the surgery type and his signature. Next thing I knew, I was wheeled into the OR, I sat on the table, and was out like a light. When I woke up in Recovery, I felt no pain at all. It was weird. I asked them if I had had surgery because I felt just like I did when I walked into the hospital. The pain hit a few hours later, but the PCA was a huge help in calming that beast. For most of Thursday, I slept off and on, and had my vitals checked. Thank God for the Foley! Friday morning, I was feeling great and ready to get up and walk. So, I did. The Foley was removed and I was up and moving. But I had a strange pain. I can't really describe it, but I had a tenderness I should not have had. Then I developed a fever, my BP went down, but my heart rate increased. Friday afternoon/early evening I had a CT scan done. I drank that nasty crap, cocked my head to the side and watched it flow out of my belly and into my abdominal cavity. To say I was in shock would be an understatement. Deluded denial would be a better assessment. Everything was explained to me by both Dr. Sudan and Dr. Hanly (who discovered the leak). I heard, but I didn't hear.
So, off to surgery #2, just two days after my initial surgery. I can't say I was scared, because I was still in shock
. Everything happened so quickly. Unlike the first surgery, this one was rough for me
. I was later told that it was very difficult for them to find the leak. Fortunately, I selected a highly skilled surgeon who knew more than one way to solve this crisis. It was found and successfully repaired. Originally, that Friday, we were discussing sending me home on Sunday. Once the leak was discovered and after surgery to repair it, I was in no shape to even walk at first. Upon awaking in Recovery, I couldn't breathe or catch my breath. It was a horrible experience. But eventually, I was able to go back to my room and I slept.
Thinking back now, I wish I had stayed a bit longer in the hospital, but my son's 16th birthday
was on 2/24/10 and I really wanted to get home to my family. So, I was released. 3 days later I was back in the hospital again for a week and a half stay. Now the hardest thing for me is nausea
. I wake up with it and sometimes go to sleep with it. I developed an tolerance for Zofran and it stopped working for me completely. Figures, one of the strongest anti-nausea meds, and it does nothing for me. LOL! It took a while for my strengthen to pick up, and even though I am not 100%, I do feel stronger everyday
. Eating is a fun challenge. I can nibble this or nibble that, but I'm trying to stick to the try a new food a day thing. This has helped me to discover that my fave broccoli is a no go, can't do noodles, yellow cheeses or any type of tea or water, and I can't tell you how much baked chicken sucks now!!! My lifesavers have been chili, pork rinds, ground beef, Schwan's chicken breast strips, eggs, tuna, and bacon. Not too fond of shrimp anymore, I hope that will change, I love the little buggers. Tilapia almost killed me! What sucks is it was so dang tasty, but my tummy said it was a no go! I have yet to try deli meats, but will soon. I have an idea with salami in mind. One good thing, I've lost about 48lbs since surgery.
Can't beat that with a stick. Now, I just have to watch and wait to see if an abscess will develop. Supposedly, its inevitable!
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About Me
VA
Location
23.9
BMI
Surgery
02/18/2010
Surgery Date
Jun 17, 2008
Member Since
