Post Op

I am writing today post op-about 5 1/2 days and doing well.  Its strange looking in the mirror and seeing only 3 little incisions with having a surgery that involves the removal of body parts but am quickly reminded of that reality with the limited movement and lack of energy I have had.  

I went in early on Thursday morning.  Things moved along steady as they checked me in then shuffled me to another room where I found my lovely bed, hat and gown. I was behind a curtain waiting by myself for the nurses to give me my IV and prep me for my surgery.  Doctors and nurses would peak in, smile- I would wave. I realized I was the healthy one on the floor doing a preventative surgery surrounded by sick folks who needed immediate care. That's the way I wanted it though, to be healthy having this surgery rather than waiting.  Alan was by my side as I waved and told him not to worry and what seemed like a second later, I was awake in my post-op bed.  I was surprised how quickly I was then escorted out of the hospital. I was barley awake, couldn't walk, hadn't peed yet and good ole' Kaiser had me out the door. Having a one night stay in the hospital wouldn't have been a bad idea but I was still fine in my own bed. 

The last five to six days has been about pain management, getting the air out of my body that was put into my abdomen for surgery, and moving slower than usual. I feel better everyday which can be deceiving. I was a little over confident and moved the wrong way getting into the van and was reminded in a painful way that my insides were still healing. 

To anyone having this surgery- here's a few pointers:

-Don't get rid of those sanitary napkins yet :)

-The first 2 days just take your pain pills before the pain happens

-Walk when you can, a little more everyday to get the air out

-Stress to your anesthesiologist that you get sick after surgery-they can put something in your IV drip or prescribe a scopolamine patch you put on the day before. (Thanks Doyle)

-Drink lots of water but try to keep your bladder empty-it can be painful when it is full and pushing on tender parts.

- Walk slower than you think you have to for the first week.

So all is good-just waiting to hear back from pathology.  Thanks for all the good wishes, positive thoughts and prayers.