It has been 3 days since my surgery. The prior day to surgery was spent with many blood tests, a chest X-ray and being placed on a liquid diet. I was third on the list for my surgery date on March 12, 2014. Everything happened so quickly. I was whisked away to the operating "theatre" (what an operating "room" is referred to as, here where I live) and placed in a waiting area, laying on a bed. The anesthesiologist came in to speak with me about the surgery and asked my medical history. 4 more gentlemen came in, each separately, and inquired about my medical history. Why they couldn't have all come in at the same time, I don't know. But I felt confidant with the team of surgeons I was given. Each one seemed dedicated and of full knowledge with his job. I said a prayer to God as they wheeled me into the surgery room. Everyone worked so quickly preparing me for the procedure. There was a large mural to the right of me on the wall. The mural was beautiful, a sandy beach with an ocean view. What a perfect way to go into surgery with the thoughts of where I love to spend my time. I was told the procedure would be 45 minutes long. The last thing I remember was a face mask being placed on me and the air from it smelling "different"and looking at the clock on the wall that read 12:03 PM.
I awoke in the recovery room and my first thought was "I made it". I said a very long prayer to God and thanked him that I made it through safely and as always, asked him to keep my loved one s safe, happy and healthy. I was being wheeled down the hall to my room and caught sight of my husband taking a picture of me. I'm glad he did, this is a big moment in my life I want to remember. 2 of my sons were there to greet me as well in my room and I'm being told from one of my sons, that I didn't look too good.
Today was the longest day of my life ever, time seemed to stand still at intervals throughout the day. Would this day EVER end? I was in pain but was able to get up and use the bathroom when needed. I was surprised at how much better I was able to move around immediately after surgery. I had expected it to be difficult with just having 3/4 of my stomach removed. I used the bathroom and refused to look down at my abdomen, I wasn't ready to see the incisions in me. The night was a rough one for me, I rarely slept at all, most in part from my roommate talking on the phone at 3:30 AM and her obviously making noises to awaken me from my "very loud" snoring. I warned her though, so she knew to expect it.
The following day was a visit from a dietician, most all of what she said went in one ear and out the other (too groggy yet from surgery, too overtired). The day was spent pushing fluids, whether it was apple juice, water, broth or jello. Water is not my friend, I do not like it. I think I'll stick with the apple juice and broth as my "go to's" for fluid intake. My husband has made homemade chicken broth at home (what would I do without him!)and been to the store shopping for me, looking for sugar free items, which is a little hard to find in the country we dwell within. I owe him so much for the help he has thus given to me throughout this journey, and it hasn't even been one week yet.
I was released from the hospital on March 14, 2 days after surgery. I see the surgeon for a follow up appointment in two weeks and have my stitches removed. Not looking forward to this, Ive had stitches removed before and needless to say, it wasn't a pleasant experience. I've come home with so many medications to take. When I seen all of them sitting on the kitchen counter, it was a bit overwhelming for me. My husband said I don't have to stay on all of them for long, so that is a relief in itself. I have my normal anti depressants I am taking, Clonazpan and Paroxetine which have to be crushed and added to my apple juice. No tablet form medications for me. I have some type of med Im taking for my stomach, along with pain medication and vitamins. I consumed 400 ml of fluids today, those being apple juice and chicken broth. A banana in the kitchen looked delicious today, if only I could smash it up and have just a little.....in time.
