Hi everyone!!! It's me!!! Donna!!! I'm home and feeling pretty good!! First off, thanks to everyone that said prayers, sent emails and posted ot my pare...I couldn't have done this without you! {{{HUGS}}} I am still sore, but on no pain meds. October 8th we went to Wichita Falls, Tx and had three appointments, one; to register with the hospital, two; to see the pulmonologist, and three; to see Dr. Warnock one more time before surgery.
6 pm October 8th; drink lovely (NOT) green stuff.
October 9th-5:45 am, report to the hospital. They had me shower with a special soap, gown and lay in bed until they came for me...10 amish, into the OR holding room. My husband was able to stay with me in there. The anesthesiologist came in, started my IV, and gave me "something to RELAX you"...OH YEAH...off to the OR...I remember a little bit about it, but I was pretty relaxed. Then I remember her saying,"Good night"...next thing I was in recovery waking up...and said, OH MY GOSH...GIVE ME PAIN MEDS NOW!!!" They said they had, but I said, "GIVE ME MORE NOW!!!" With in 30 minutes the pain eased a bit. Then off to my room...not ICU. I had a tube inmy nose to my stomach (very irritating, but tollerable), a drain tube in my right side (JP Drain)IV in my left hand and these strange, warm things wrapped around my legs pumping up ever so often to keep circulation going. I slept a lot until around 5 pm. Then, it was up to walk. I was dizzy, but they helped me walk and it got better. I walked every hour, two laps around the halls. Morning of the 10th (5 AM)they came in and removed the oh so wonderful NG-Tub Thank you!. My husband stayed with me until the afternoon of the 10th. He had to return home to our kids and his job. Dr. came in daily and was so happy at my progress. The nurses said I wasn't using my "Happy pump" enough. I used it about 2 times/hour, only when I had to get up. I was in some pain, but I know that the more I get up and walk the faster I will get to go home. IV removed on Thusday... Friday morning, they removed the JP drain....let's not get into that one, I'll just say, "OUCH!" I could be discharged to the guest house, or stay inpatient for two more days...I chose to sta inpatient (funds are tight right now).
Friday and Saturday I walked a lot, sipped water, juice and chicekn broth, ate popsicles, jello (very little of that, yuk), and ice chips.
Sunday morning...GO HOME!!!!!!!! I was so happy to get home. Sunday afternoon, I had chicken noodle soup (minus the noodles). Today, I am sitting here eating thin oatmeal. I have not(as of yet) had any nausea or vomitting. I get tired easily and rest alot. I am moving around, sitting, standing, and doing most things pretty well. Coughing really hurts and sneezing...well, brace yourself!
I have some where around 200 small staples. They are sore, but not too bad.
I am so happy things are over, or maybe I should say, just beginning, and I am on my way to a smaller healthier, happier life!
{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}} to everyone. My prayers continue for those with upcoming surgery dates, those with complications and those still working towards their goals! Congratulations to those that have reached that goal.
Hugs to all, Donna