Surgery Day
This day was a bit of a blur. I went in very early for surgery, but luckily Shane and Mom were there with me. I got into my hospital gown (so fancy) and rubbery socks. A had a PIC line inserted to administer medication. This is when the waterworks started. I had been so brave, but for some weird reason this particular PIC line hurt me once it was in. The nurse felt horrible, but I assured her it wasn’t her fault. I just cried and cried. It must have been a moment of release for all the anxiety and fear that had built up over time. It was a good cry. Next I met with other nurses, had blood taken, and was wheeled off. I had been waiting for about two hours, but that time flew by.
I was pleased to know my anesthesiologist was one I had met prior and trusted. My nurse in the OR had a beautiful French accent, and we walked into the operating room together. I even think she called me a princess, so you can’t really go wrong there :-) In the corner I saw my doctor’s station- his arcade-esc style machine with the controls that would perform my operation. I saw lights and a tiny table that I would actually be lying on during surgery. They gave me very comfortable arm rests, which I imagine may have strapped my arms down during the procedure. I climbed up with a smile on my face. I trusted everyone around me and felt beyond blessed.
I don’t remember much about waking up. I did have a sore throat and a new nurse, “Miss Lynsey,” as I guess I called her. Around me were beeps, and tubes, and a curtain. I felt cozy and protected. No pain, and I was able to just rest. This recovery area held me for over 7 hours. I was perfectly fine, but there were no empty rooms for me to begin my ticket out of the hospital. Bariatric recovery and new mothers share a wing... and guess who had priority over rooms. So, I made myself at home in my little curtain cocoon. I’m sure I listened to “Elvis Christmas,” but no one can be sure, all we know is that I did get my headphones and eye mask. Miss Lynsey checked on me frequently and even made special arrangements for mom and Shane to see me. I was so grateful, as visitors aren’t really allowed there. However, I think this special circumstance would not have been debated. Shane assured me that I introduced them to all the nurses, and especially Miss Lynsey. During my stay tucked in the curtains, I did a lot of staring off into space, sleeping, and that’s all I can remember.
Finally, around 8pm I had a room! I would be staying one overnight at the hospital (at least) and now I had a place to see my family and get settled. The best thing was they brought me a portable toilet. Walking was still tricky, as I’m sure many meds were still pumping through my veins. I was able to have ice chips! It was a shared room, but had chairs for Shane and mom. I don’t remember if dad came that night or the next morning. I do remember beginning my clear liquid diet in the hospital. It was nice to have cold water on my sore throat. I feel asleep many times I attempted to drink, but my nurse was very patient and helpful, ( the one that got to stick around... the one who was banned from my room is a story for another post!)
I am still fuzzy on many details about my stay at the hospital, but I remember doing laps around the ward, and using the real toilet. I also may have made a few phone calls and texts while I was there... we called that “drunk dialing” back in the day. I also got beautiful flowers and stuffies from my aunt and uncle and Shane too. It was a nice stay, but I was ready to go home. Everything had gone so well, my operation, my recovery, and my response to drinking, walking, et all. We were ready to come home.
Mom, Dad, and Shane were amazing as they set me up at home. I am so blessed to have such a supportive family. I also had phone calls and texts, and thank you all for the prayers!
That is all my mind remembers of my day one. I’ll update you soon on how recovery has gone these last couple of week soon!
Love you all and God Bless 🎉❤️🌸
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