Still alive and kicking!

I will begin by saying Ginny is writing what I am dictating. With this in mind, I am on heavy pain killers and muscle relaxers, therefore this may be incoherent. It’s been a little over 24 hours since my surgery and it’s hard to describe my feelings right now. I remember rolling into the O.R. with all of my doctors and anesthesiologists, when the anesthesiologist said to me, “I am going to put you to sleep now.” As they were putting the oxygen mask on me, I had to tell them a funny incident that happened with me while at Scottish Rite. So Dr. Amerson took the breathing mask off and I shared with them that I had taken care of a family and one of the anesthesiologists at Scottish Rite said to the child, “I’m going to put you to sleep now.” Quickly after she said that, the child began to cry uncontrollably. The mother informed the anesthesiologist that they had just put their dog down to sleep. The last thing I remember in the O.R. is that all of the nurses and anesthesiologist and Dr. Amerson started laughing and then she placed the mask over my face to put me to sleep.

Last night was difficult. I had a lot of nausea and a vomiting episode, along with pain from my incisions. The medical staff here has been incredible. They have provided me with the upmost care, including both emotional care and pain killers! It hit me around 7pm yesterday when I had to wake up to use the restroom and the tech walked me in and waited patiently for 15 minutes, what seemed like forever. Finally feeling frustrated by not being able to use the restroom and shaking because I have been lying in the bed consistently, I started to cry and sob. The tech was amazing, along with Ginny, as they just sat there and let me hold their hands while I cried through frustration. The pain was getting pretty bad, so they gave me a double dose of pain killers, and I was able to fall asleep. I eventually woke up having to use the restroom, knowing I had a full bladder. After attempt #2 with no avail they laid me back down in bed and decided to cath me. Here’s the humor out of the unnecessary bit of information you are probably not wanting to read: I had a nurse come in and immediately ask me if I was pregnant. My thought process is as followed (mind you I did not say this out loud), “no dumbass, why the hell do you think you are in here? To help eliminate my distended belly due to the amount of urine in my bladder!!” I just gratefully smiled and said, “no I’m not, but thanks for asking.” 

Both surgeons have come and visited me today and want me to go home. I’m feeling more overwhelmed and anxious for the first time, than I have throughout this whole journey. I’m more mobile today than I was yesterday, but the pain and dizziness are a little disconcerting.  

The one thing that has been incredible since being admitted into the hospital yesterday are the amount of friends that have come and seen me, the loving phone calls I have received and feeling everyone’s support whether near or far. There is no doubt in my mind I am in the right hands with God, working through an incredible team of surgeons and nurses who have taken the upmost care of me. I will continue to update, via Ginny, and maybe if you are lucky you will get a funny Blog while I’m high on pain meds. :)

                                              Me, before surgery and before the loopy meds.

                                 Ginny, me, and Cindy, after surgery :) Still giving a thumbs up!

 

Cindy, Ginny and my dad, sporting their Team Cara shirts.

 

 Amy and Cindy, my BFF's