chaly
Home Again
Nov 11, 2013
My husband and I drove over to the coast last Monday, November 4th for our pre-op. All was pretty uneventful during our pre-op and our visit with our surgeon. Life was looking good as we checked into our hotel room and preceded to do our bowel preps. Our lives were about to change for the better. My check-in was at 6:00 the next morning, and my hubbies was at 8:30 the next morning. Although nerves were present, excitement for the future was present as well.
The next morning we woke up, and drove ourselves to the hospital. We were greeted by my step mother, and our friend as soon as we arrived. It was a welcome surprise to us both. Neither one of us minded going through surgery just us, but it was nice knowing that someone would be waiting as we got out of surgery. At 6:00 the hospital staff called me back as well as many other "first cases". We were all told due to them "fast tracking" us through to the OR. family were not welcome to come back with us. This would be my first time of going through the lead in to surgery alone. Once again though, I knew that it would be ok. It did turn out fine, with one exception. As a result of the bowel prep I was dehydrated. The nurses had difficulty finding a vein for the IV. On their third attempt, they decided to go for my outer wrist. That wouldn't have been so bad other than the fact they hit a nerve. I screamed and practically flew off the bed. I am still having problems with my hand and fingers going numb. The doctor today let me know to expect problems with it over the next month. He also let me know that the typical way of dealing with this is anti-inflammatory's, which we are not allowed.
Anyway, surgery happened at 7:30, followed by my husband at 9:30. By 6:00 that night my husband and I were both out of bed, and bugging each other. The next two days in the hospital were spent much the same, getting out of bed and walking the halls, sipping protein/water, and taking all our medications. We enjoyed sharing our story with all the staff, as they all seemed to know about the husband and wife team on the third floor. Recovery in the hospital was uneventful as well. The swallow study for us both was good. Pain levels were tolerable, in fact my husband was off pain meds the day after surgery. I wasn't off until three days after. By Thursday morning the hospital staff were preparing us for our release.
My brother-in-law had driven up to Oregon to stay with us in our hotel until we were released to go home, which happened to be today. Although my honey and I have been moving slow we were able to do a little site seeing as the week progressed. We went up and visited with my step-mom who lived an hour and a half away. By Sunday, I even felt well enough to go to the Pony Mall for a little Christmas shopping.
Our stay at the hotel went very very well. The only thing I can say negatively about that is this. We had bought pre-made protein drinks (one's we hadn't tried), thinking it would be easier. Trying to drink them was the worst. I have never tasted anything so disgusting in my life. We then went to Walmart and bought another brand and flavor. My husband was able to drink that, but once again it didn't sit well with me. I thank God that we had brought the kits with us that the doctors office had given us. In them were Iso pure protein waters. Although some of the flavors didn't sit well, I was able to get some in.
Anyway, fast forward to today. We had our appointments, had our stitches out, and were given the all clear sign to go home. I have never been so excited. This had been the first time of being away from my first grandson for a week, and it was pure torture. I am now home and loving it. We are on 60-100 grams of protein a day. We are also allowed four freebies daily. They include 3 oz of any of the following...eggflower soup, Jello, pudding, broth, greek yogurt, runny cream of wheat, or sugar free popsicles. This will continue until Dec. 5 which is when we move up to soft foods which includes...eggs, refried beans, cottage cheese and fish.
So far I am so happy of our decision, as is my husband.
