I can't believe I am sitting here, writing about my surgery. It has been such a long trying road and I have finally found my path.

On Tuesday, February 19th, I showed up at University General at 5:30 AM. They have free valet parking and the people are so freakin nice. They took us up to a waiting room with our loved ones. About 5 minutes later, they took us to the back to the pre-op area. We each had our own nurse and area.

We were given a gown, cap and sticky slippers to change into. Hopped on the bed and my bed started getting nervous. I wasn't too nervous about the surgery - mostly the IV. I know that sounds silly, but I have an abnormal fear of needles. Well, the IV went in fine, they hooked me up and brought back my honey.

I was second to go in for surgery, so I had to wait a while. At about 8:15, they came to get me, I kissed hubby and they rolled me back. I got to see the operating room and then went into lalaland.

I woke up and remember hearing the anesthesiologist telling me not to rub my eyes. My throat hurt like hell and come to find out that was because of all the scar tissue from previous surgeries in my throat, it got all torn up from the breathing tube.

They asked me how the pain was and all I said was please don't let me throw up. They gave me another dose of nausea meds and then I guess they gave me some pain meds in my IV, not for sure. Soon after they took me up to my room where my hubby was waiting. I felt pretty good, started chewing on ice and using Chloraseptic tabs for my throat.

I was up and walking with an hour of getting in my room. About 2 hours later, they took me down for a CT scan. They made me drink this horrible concoction and then lay down on the CT table (that hurt, I am not gonna lie). The CT scan took maybe 3 minutes, the guy was awesome, got me up WITHOUT any pain. Then wheeled me back to my room.

They brought in a lovely lunch of broth, water and jello. I sipped on a few things. I had no hunger at all. I didn't take any pain meds until late that night. I had made probably 40 rounds of the hospital walking constantly, and I had begun coughing (which hurt like hell), so that I could sleep they gave me some pain meds and let me tell you - wow, I couldn't tell you my name at that point. I slept until about 4 that morning, then woke up and started walking. They let me take a shower around 7AM and released me around 9.

All in all, it was uneventful (thankfully). The staff was awesome and I am so glad that it is over.

I am officially a Bandster!