Betty's Surgery

[Katie328 0]

Way to go Betty!! Glad your home safe and sound! Never thought it'd be so great to be a big loser huh?? Take it easy, get lots of sleep and walk walk walk!!! Hope to hear from you soon!

[Bright 9]

Any news on Betty? Hope you are in bandland now Betty, and not in too much discomfort xx

[Iluvharleys 15]

Wow, did I pay someone to feel this way? lol Just kidding. I am extremely sore today, and I will try to post my experience for all the newbies.

The hospital called Sunday and said I needed to be there at 5:30, so we left at 4:15 as we had to drop hubby's truck off at his shop. They took me in at 5:30 as they said they would, but then I layed in a bed till 11:00 before I went to surgery. It was really cold in there, and I was freezing, even dear husband was freezing. A nurse (one of the team) came in and talked to me, which made me feel very good. She has worked at the hospital for 33 years, and as I said is on the team. She ask me how I chose my doctor and I told her my doctor recommended him, and she said well, I have worked with about every one of the doctors and let me tell you, you chose the very best in his field. That made me feel even more comfortable. She explained the whole process to me so I would know what to expect. She said I would be put on a bean bag on a table, but had to be very careful of the big hole at the bottom of where my butt would be. She said they will put some warm pump pads or something on my feet, and they would give me a cocktail. She said you will be at a spa, and have a cocktail and you just won't give a damn about anything. lol She said they will put a cathator (?) in and it will become your best friend. (she was right) she was a great nurse, told me lots of things to expect and all. She even use to ride a motorcycle. She had long hair when she was 20 and while riding had an accident and went into a barb wire fence and her hair caught on it. While waiting to go up to surgery, every one of the team came including the doctor and talked to me and told me what to expect, what I would feel, what they would do. I actually did not feel nervous anymore, because I truely felt like I was in good hands. The chaplain came in and said a prayer too. Finally it was time to go, and let me tell you, I was ready! We got up to the surgery room and they weren't lying, here is this bean bag (lumpy) to ease your back, and it forms to it. Then they pointed out the hole, and it is where the doctor stands to do his thing.

When they got inside, they found a Hiatal Hernia, and had to repair that before they could do any surgery. The rest of the surgery went well he said. I ask him how come I didn't know I had that and he said most people that have it don't have any symptons. (I can't spell today, so bear with me)

So, while my surgery took a little longer, I am glad everything was repaired the proper way. They took me to recovery, which I was there for a couple of hours, they were waiting for a pump for my pain meds and finally took me upstairs and let them put it on. A couple of hours after surgery they brought me a tray of liquids, tea, broth, Jello, and juice. I only took a couple of spoons of it, I really wasn't hungry. I sipped on the juice throughout the day. They took me off all my BP meds and that made me nervous, but when I ask him about it he told me they were watching me and would do what they thought they needed to. My BP stayed very low during this whole time except the last day and then it went up. I was told when I left to add the BP pill back in but not the Water pill unless I got swollen up. This morning I am a little swollen but I am waiting to see what happens. I started walking yesterday, and did quite a few laps around the nurses station, it was a big area. I went down for a swallow test yesterday, and everything was fine, but the barium made me sick to my stomach. I told the nurse about it and she said I can give you something but it will knock you out and I told her NO! The doctor came in and discharged me, and told me I could take a shower today and remove the bandaids, but not the strips. No baths or swimming pools. He told me beds are for sleeping not laying up in. I must say, I have done a lot of sleeping, but I didn't sleep the night before I went in, I didn't sleep much the night of surgery, so I have missed a lot. Last night I slept half the night in my bed, then the rest in my recliner. I think today will be my worst for pain and soreness, they say the third day is the worst, so we will see. Doctor also said to start walking this week and work my way up to 35 minutes. Then I will work my way up to 45 minutes, and he is very stanch about that! So, today I will try to get some more in. I have not had any bad gas pains, and really haven't passed much gas yet so I don't know what to expect in that area. I know I had a dislocated shoulder a couple of years ago, and it took almost a year to heal it up as it tore up so many things, including my rotor cup. My shoulder is hot and throbing in the joint area, so I am thinking they pulled on it some. I hope that won't be a problem. The only meds I came home with is some pain med, I took it twice yesterday, and none yet today. Today I get to start my Carnation Instant Breakfast (at least 2 cups) and 1 cup of juice, and at least 3 cups of non calorie liquids, broth, Water, crystal light, sugar free koolaid or country time lemonaide. coffee or tea. I can honestly say I am not hungry yet. It was funny because the nurse in the hospital said people come in here expecting to lose weight, and we pump all this into them and they end up gaining weight while they are here. So, that is my experience so far, I am starting to pass a little gas, it hurts to belch, and I am starting to wear out just sitting here, so time to go try to get me some Breakfast I guess.

Thanks again for all your concerns and well wishes. You all made my surgery day a little easier for me.

[Bright 9]

so glad you're back safe and sound! Sounds like they took really good care of you - wishing you a speedy recovery xx

[~c~ 1]

Glad you are safely on the other side!!!

congrats and take care...!!!!!!!

Chantal

[blossom 2]

Wow! Betty, thanks for the details. I didn't know they put you on bean bag!!! I'm so glad all went well for you and you are home and doing fine. YOU'RE BANDED!!!!! YIPPEE!!!!!

[Iluvharleys 15]

I took my bandages off, took a shower and got 15 minutes on the treadmill at a slow pace. I think I am going to make it!

[leatha_g 4]

This is the first I've heard of the bean bag. Good idea! But I don't think this is a common thing. I was flat on the hard OR table. Dr. Provost is definitely one of the best I've heard of. He was in on the clinical trials too, wasn't he?

I'm so glad all went well and yep, I understand feeling like they run you over with a truck. We never really know what they did to us before we got into that recovery bed....

[Rebeccalee 2]

Glad you are doing well, Betty. Good for you getting on the treadmill your first day back. You are quite a trooper. It takes a while to get over the tiredness, so be sure to get plenty of rest between you exercise and trying to get all your liquids in. It's a full time job recooperating, isn't it?

[Zoe 6]

Sounds like you're doing fine, Betty. By this time next week you'll have a lot more energy and the pain will have faded. Things get better fast!

[Iluvharleys 15]

Yes, I do believe Dr. Provost was in the trials. I do know he knows his business, and is worth the money.

The bean bag was a blessing, I thought I would be laying on a cold hard table, but it was a good feeling, real comfortable.

Thanks for letting me know this tiredness is common, I was wondering about myself. I sure want to nap everytime I get comfy.

I was watching the cooking shows on t.v. and then I thought what are you doing?????? Boy, did I change that fast. I am not hungry but I think I might have gotten myself that way watching them make chocolate pudding bread.

I do seem to feel better as the day goes by. I am positive that moving and walking helps a lot. I get up a lot and walk around, but this computer keeps calling me and I have to come and chat.

[Rebeccalee 2]

Unfortunately, we must all deal with our addictions daily. The best way to deal with LBT addiction is to just give in and chat away.

[blossom 2]

So, Betty....How long were you in surgery?

[New Hope 37]

Wow, Betty, I think your Doctor just likes you the Best! I didn't rate a bean bag. So glad they found and repaired that hiatal hernia (and in the same surgery!) I milled around a lot too. It was just more comfortable than trying to get up and down for a little while. Hope you get a good night's sleep tonight!

[Iluvharleys 15]

Blossom - He told me the actual surgery would be 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hour with a half hour for all the prepping. I don't know exactly how long I was in there, I will have to ask dear hubby, they went and talked to him shortly after. He just walked by and I ask him and he said about an hour and a half with the repair of the hernia and all, so that wasn't bad. I guess I hadn't thought to ask him. It really is over before you know it, I remember them giving me oxygen and telling me I was getting ready to go to sleep and the next thing I remember was waking up in recovery.