Operation!

So here is the info from the day of surgery. I arrived at Epworth Eastern at 630am, and began a long-ish wait since i was second on the operating list. I spoke to the anaesthetist who went over my history and decided what mix of drugs were best for me. She said that the drug she wanted to use had to be woken from slowly, if I wake too fast, I could end up in ICU being woken slowly, but that that had only happened twice to her in 15 years, and was highly unlikely. She said that my surgeon also prefers to pump the gas in down a throat pipe, so I will get a sore throat (and to blame him for that not her! lol) That done, I waited and read some of my book. At about 830am, they called me in to do my nursing admission. A blood test, a shot of clexane, and going over all notes in my file, basically. Then I returned to my book. At 930am they took me through to get changed into a gown and TED stockings. I had a final loo trip, then was taken to a bed in the holding bay which had been warmed for me, rather nice! They wrapped these funny things around my legs, that pumped air up and down my lower legs to enhance circulation, pretty swish and like a wee massage. I told the nurse it was almost like a day spa, really... My surgeon popped in to see me and ask if I had any questions for me. I did not. He said my hair looked glossy and lovely. ROFL. I said "hey at the very least I can have fabulous hair!"

Then the assistant came in and was introduced. He was a rather lovely young Italian lad called Luca, rather easy on the eye which was a nice distraction, teehee. He put my (glossy) hair in a net, and then wheeled me through to just outside the theatre doors. He then went to work getting my drip needle in. What fun. He tried in my forearm and my vein said NO FUCKING WAY MAN so he went for my hand instead and had better success. I still have a bruise on my forearm! I could hear them waking the patient before me from her anaesthetic and removing her tubes etc. Was a bit yucky, but I was still calm. Christ knows why I was so cruisy this day, I had zero nerves. I thought this was a good thing, but now I think the shock hit me more after than before. Anyway, they wheeled her off and did a clean up, then they took me in. I was laying on this funny mat, it was called a hover mat or something? Anyway, they turn it on and it lifts me off the bed and they slide me onto the operating table. I told them that should be a ride at Disneyland FOR SURE. Very fun! I noticed how high tech it all looked, lots of fancy monitors and big TV screens and such. Then they put the oxygen mask over my face and told me to take a couple of deep breaths, and that was it. Out. Fade to black!

The next thing I recalled was waking in the recovery room in my bed, being told that it was all done and went well and that they were just waiting on my bed on the ward to be ready before moving me up. They asked about my pain level and I recall telling them it was about 5 or 6. A morphine drop later and I recall reporting 2. Maybe a little understated, but not much. That self controlled pain button was freaking awesome. It was my greatest friend throughout that night! I eventually was moved to my room, and was vaguely aware of a christmassy decorated ward which surprised and pleased me. It was lovely. I slept a lot, and later that night got up to the toilet but not much was happening. Except I noticed my knickers were gone. For real! The nurse said they'd be fine and didn't give me the paper ones! But they were gone. I never saw them again!!!!! Back to bed and more sleep, but then 1 hour obs all night kept waking me and bugging me.

The next day they took my massaging legs thing off, sadly. I liked it. I still had my patient controlled morphine button, though had it unplugged most of the morning after having a (seated) shower and waiting for my barium swallow. All I was allowed at this stage was ice chips to suck. I went for the swallow before noon, and it came back all clear, no leaks and I was allowed to start clear fluids. Broth, tea, jelly, juice. I made my first shuffley walk around the ward, too. the surgeon when he saw my screens of the swallow was most impressed with his work and commented on it being one of his best. Reassuring (he probably says it to everyone!) but he noted it looked good which helped.

The following day, Saturday, I was supposed to go home, but I was feeling in a horrible mental state. Very much a "what the fuck have I done?" phase. It wasn't the pain as such, though it sucked, it was more the mental part of feeling out of control of my food, my body and the knowledge it was irreversible. This is it. Too bad. Done. It scared me, and I was flat all day. When my surgeon came in to see me, I got a bit teary and he asked if I wanted to stay another night. I agreed and he said I looked instantly relieved about it. He also emapthised with my state of mind and said it was very common at this point and it'd pass. He was right. It did. I felt better knowing I had another night there, and I took it easy. Went for little ward walks etc.

My throat WAS sore from the tubes, but not too bad, my tummy hurt, the wind pain was awful, and I found that especially after sleeping and laying down, my chest felt sore and sort of cough-y. The nurse said it was mostly an effect of the gas, and I needed to try to cough, even if holding a towel to support me tum, so that I didn't get a chest infection. It was hard to do, but even now I get that chesty feeling after sleep (but am still very windy/gas painy). I felt nauseous that day, I think it was from going from nothing for days, to the broth and such, and I threw up once and was given some stuff to settle it. I only needed it once, and was okay after that.

By the next day I was ready to go home, and the kids and J came about 930am to get me. I picked up some medication (endone in case of severe pain) and was discharged. I had a long drive home, and did so with a pillow held between me and the seatbelt which helped. Once home, I crashed into my beautiful room and rested. It was nice to be home, but I was tired and sore.

Since being home I have only needed panadol for pain relief. Today, 6 days past, I have not had any pain relief at all. The worst thing, is the wind and gas. Well, its either that or bruising from all those pipes down my throat because when I sip, I have pain for 2-3 seconds, and i can generally feel the wind move about as a result. It makes me feel full and odd. It's not fun, but thats really the worst I've had so I feel lucky. My hand is sore where the drip needle was, it feels a bit bruised, but doesn't appear bruised. My tummy is a bit sore still, to be expected, but it's very bearable. I am still really tired.

I'm doing well. It's hard having mum do the caring for the kids and I think they are a bit over it today, too. I feel bad about that. I know it can't be helped but it's tough. In terms of food, I see and smell it and am hungry for it, but I know my tummy isn't near ready for it. It's really only today I've craved chewing something and felt over liquids. I have a week to go on them yet, and I think my tummy needs that.

Here is a video I did at 4 days after op on 28th November, 2011.