Surgery Today - Dr. Nicholson - Forest Park Medical Center

[Back~To~Amy 307]

So here is my description of the events for today that I posted on my blog. I know a couple of people who are using Dr, Nick so I put his name and which of the two hospitals I had surgery at so people using him can get more details. It is also for others as well but as we all know, surgeons vary.

Well, there's no turning back now. I had surgery at 6:00 am today so I'm officialy on the losers bench. Well, actually I'm on the losers bed.

For anyone who is a patient of Dr. Nick Nicholson at Forest Park Medical Center, this may be most helpful to you:

I got to the hospital at 4:00 this morning. At first it was a lot of hurry up and weight. I got my ID band between the 4:00 and 5:00 hour. Around 5:00 am I went back to the holding area where I got changed on ONLY a hospital gown and where I got my IV. The first attempt was a failure. She got it in but it just did'nt do. Oh, and they used Lidocaine to numb the area. Lidocaine stings a bit, but it makes the IV going in a lot smoother from my perspective. I barely felt anything. I would call what I felt, pressure not pain. Now, all I had to do was meet with the Anesthesiologist and my doctor. Oh, and his surgery nurse. She popped in and identified herself before Dr. Nick and the anesthesiologist. Shortly thereafter I saw Dr. Nick and the anesthesiologist. Things went quickly after that. Within minutes of the anesthesiologist leaving my room she came back with Verced....the drug that relaxes you and there and then I was off. I remember going into the operating room and getting on the OR table. Next thing I know, I woke up in recovery. I have no idea how long I was in surgery or recovery. I told my Mom who was with me to ask Dr. Nick about my liver. He told her it looked awesome and he could tell I did a good job on the preop diet. Hallelujah!!

Okay, this is where I describe everything so far after surgey. If you only want the "pretty roses" story, I'd suggest you stop reding now. So I woke up in Recovery. I have no idea how long the surgery lasted or how long I'd been in Recovery. I didn't wake up with a catheter or a drain. Yay! I woke up with cotton mouth, and a pain ball inserted at the site of the large opening. Mostly though I woke up with INTENSE pain. At that point, I wondered what in the heck I had done to myself I truly wished, at that point, that I could rewind time knowing the pain so that I wouldn't put myself through that I know I sound like a whinny baby but I really am not. I've been told by other doctors that I have a high tolerance for pain. But not today! I think it was more physical pain then I've ever felt in my entire life. They just couldnt give me enough pain meds this morning but, after what felt like an eternity, I was able to get enough to calm the pain down enough for me to tolerate it. Thank goodness for the Morphine pain pump. It doesnt completly kill the pain but, it makes it manageable.

So that pretty much sums up surgery day for me. I think that is all for now. Pleas excuse any spelling, grammar errors or any part of this that may not make sense. I am on Morphine ya know.

~Amy

[cookie2012 44]

Hi Amy, it is exactly a week ago today since I had my surgery and yes you feel like you've been hit by a bus but every day you will get stronger and feel better. Just follow your docs instructions and you will be fine. Congratulations!! I guess we are both on the "Loser's Bench""!

[Houston17 115]

Thanks! This is very helpful in knowing what to expect! Congrats! Wishing u a speedy recovery!

[Back~To~Amy 307]

Thanks Cookie. I know this can be a roller coaster gift and It's nice to have reassurance.

By the way, I said I didn't have a drain, but I do. It wasn't until the nurse pulled out this little bulb of stuff from the pocket on my hospital gown that I realized I do have one.

[Janedeaux3 70]

Amy ~ Glad you did okay. Thanks for posting!!! I hope your feeling better each day!

[DadTo2 152]

Amy,

Great to hear from you! Glad you are doing well and greatly appreciate the post! Now I just have to try and prepare myself for the pain. I hate pain!

Eric

[Back~To~Amy 307]

Thanks y'all.

@ Eric, there is pain but the nurses are very good in helping you manage it. Even while on the pain pump, I asked for bolus pain meds that they put in my IV. I'm now off the pump and on liquid pain killer. I even "got in trouble" from my nurse for trying to be a super hero, as she called me, by not asking for meds I need. Now. I'm asking for them as soon as I feel like need them.

[nabird77 29]

Congrats - hope you have a smooth recovery!

[Back~To~Amy 307]

Congrats - hope you have a smooth recovery!

Thanks. I'm due to leave the hospital today and can't wait!

[DadTo2 152]

Thanks y'all.

@ Eric, there is pain but the nurses are very good in helping you manage it. Even while on the pain pump, I asked for bolus pain meds that they put in my IV. I'm now off the pump and on liquid pain killer. I even "got in trouble" from my nurse for trying to be a super hero, as she called me, by not asking for meds I need. Now. I'm asking for them as soon as I feel like need them.

Thanks for the information Amy. Glad to hear everything is going smoothly for you and you're leaving the hospital today!