Well, surgery was this past Monday. My wife and I arrived at Physicians Regional Hospital in Naples, FL at 6:30 Monday morning. I was processed into preop and surgery was set to start at 8:15am. I had an IV started, a shot of Heprin in my abdomen (for blood clots .... quite painful shot), and met with the surgeon and his team. Everyone was incredibly professional and caring. Dr. Bass answered all my questions and the anesthesiologist was very thorough in explaining his roll in the procedure. My wife and mother were there with me until I was wheeled into the O.R.
Once in the O.R., I got a shot of morphine to mellow me out and was strapped down to the operating bed - and a little freaked out. Before I knew it - I was out cold. The whole procedure took about 2 hours. I had some bleeding and breathing complications - but it wasn't anything they were unable to control, and their fast response was fantastic.
I woke up in recovery so confused and being moved upstairs to my room. I remember being in a tremendous amount of pain and having the breathing bag on me with someone pumping it. I didn't like that. They had to roll me on my side to slip a board under me to get me in my bed - and I wailed the whole time. The pain was incredible. As soon as I was in bed and had oxygen on and my heart monitors hooked up - I was given a hefty dose of morphine and dilaudid and all was well with the world.
Day one was spent in and out of a drug induced state, I got up and walked a little - and got more drugs. I was unable to even have ice chips, so I used mouth moistening swabs to help with cotton mouth. I had some friends come to see me during that evening - and it was great.
Day two started off with a leak test. I was wheeled down to x-ray and had to lay flat for some belly pics, then drink some NASTY barium. It was clear and thick - and left a HORRIBLE taste in my mouth. So, I stood with my back on a plate and had a curved x-ray thing moving up and down against my stomach as I drank 2 large sips of the nastiness. I got to watch on a monitor the barium travel down my esophagus and into my stomach - then deposit into my small intestine. Very weird! I was cleared - no leaks!
Day 3, I met with Dr. Bass and got the OK to get off oxygen. I had my drain removed (super freaky feeling), and was cleared for take off. I made the hour long trip back home.
First night at home was HELL. I was warned it would be - but it still sucked SO much ass. The pain meds they send you home with are no comparison to what you have while in there.
So far, I've lost 20lbs - and I haven't weighed since Wednesday. I don't plan on weighing until I get to the surgeon for a followup next Thursday.
I'm feeling ok. Still some pain, and having a VERY hard time getting in fluids - but I'm praying it gets better every day.
WOW What an experience. It was good to read that the procedure has been done and you are on the mend. This is the beginning of a new life with many adjustments and much learning. I will be looking forward to reading about this new chapter in your life.
ReplyDeleteGlad your doing well and surgery went ok. The first week is the toughest, you will question what you did, be in so much pain, deal with hunger etc, but just move through it, it gets better trust me!
ReplyDeleteGreat job on the 20 lbs gone so far! As far as fluids, everyone has that issue, just sip sip as much and often as you can, you will increase them as the weeks go on.