Pre-surgery: I met with my surgeon in January and was approved by insurance in April. Before my surgeon would do the surgery, I had to have a colonoscopy since I have a family history of colon cancer. I also had to get cleared by a pulminologist because I use a cpap machine.
Day before surgery: I was only allowed clear liquids the day before surgery, so I all I ate was chicken broth for breakfast and lunch, and Jello for dinner. I was sort of nauseous, I think because I hadn't eaten very many calories that day. Went to bed about 10 p.m. One of the booklets I read suggested that I pack some favorite pajamas to take to the hospital. This meant that I had to sleep in jammies that didn't slide on the sheets and every time I turned over, I woke up. (AND.... since I had an IV, I couldn't wear my favorites in the hospital anyway... what a wasted night.)
Surgery day: Got up at 2:30 a.m. since we had to leave at 3:30 in order to get to the hospital by 5:30. We left town and headed down the Buffalo Ridge to Sioux Falls. We drove through some horrible fog, but DH got us to the hospital on time:thumbup:
Once at the hospital they walked both of us through the surgery waiting area and showed hubby how he could check my status by checking a screen that looks a lot like an airport status screen. Then they took us to a small room where they took my vitals and I met with the surgeon, anesthesiologist, and the nurse liaison (who was DH's go-to person until I was in a real room).
We were pleased to notice that both the surgeon and the anesthesiologist appeared to be familiar with my medical history. (I was recently diagnosed with Factor V Leiden deficiency, which means that I am more susceptible to blood clots.) I got my shot of Heparin, and then they started my IV.
They took me up to the operating room, got me situated on the table, and then the next thing I remember I was in the recovery room. I really don't remember anything from there. I do remember the ride up to my room - going around 87 corners at 60 mph. As I got to my room, (about 10 am) my nurse asked how I was doing. I said that I was nauseous; she said that she would get me something, and I said, "No; I mean NOW!" I then proceeded to heave and heave, although nothing came up.
I was very groggy and couldn't stay awake. I was pretty uncomfortable and couldn't sleep for more than about 10 minutes at a time.
Around 3, I went down for my barium x-ray. Unfortunately, I think it was the same driver who took me up to my room. When I got to x-ray, I was afraid to swallow too much of the crappy drink, because I was afraid it would make me sick. When I got back to my room, I waited 15 minutes until I started heaving again. They brought me orange jello and chicken broth for dinner. I ate one square of jello and about 2 sips of broth - it was disgusting.
I kept sleeping on and off while trying to keep up-to-date on the Farrah and Jacko stories. I was sick one more time around 7:30. My hubby was able to sleep in my room on a couch that folds out to almost a twin bed.
Day after surgery: I woke up at 1:30 and was going to go to the bathroom. Unfortunately, I forgot that I had the compression cuffs on my legs, and I got my legs tangled up. I called for the nurse, a male aide came in, I told him, and instead of taking them off of me, he untangled me and tucked me back in bed. I waited until 2, called for the nurse again, and this time a different aide came and she unhooked me so that I could go to the bathroom and walk the halls. That was my turning point. After that, I felt much more awake and less groggy.
I was still uncomfortable sleeping, mostly because of the IV. However, I was feeling pretty good. They told me that I had to pass gas before I could go home. I was never so proud of 3 farts! I was able to leave around 4:45, with my prescriptions in hand.
It was so great to be in my own bed last night!!!