Guest guest Posted April 29, 2000 Report Share Posted April 29, 2000 gr8 poem patty thx. i think mindfullness is what is going to get me through all these pre-op jitters...maura --- SSUCP@... wrote: > Hi all! I was just cleaning out my closet (yes, on > a Friday night-what an > exciting social life I have-actually I have a > boyfriend but he lives in > England ( > Anyway, enough about my depressing life. I found > this poem in a shoebox and > thought it might be nice to share with the list, > especially for all the > pre-ops! Hugs to all! > > Steph in Rockport > > > > Move forward gently, > Mindfully, non-judgmentally, > But keep moving forward. > Use your wise mind; > Trust in it. > All of your tools are accessible; > Be willing. > Breathe through your anxiety, > Your rage, your pain; > Keep breathing. > You can only move from where you are, > But keep moving forward. > Believe in yourself and your capacity, > To move through your fears, > But move through them. > They need not paralyze you. > Embrace your strengths, > Your gifts, your courage. > Embrace all that you hope for, > All that you deserve, > All that is you. > > > Patty Gisele > __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 29, 2000 Report Share Posted April 29, 2000 Thanks Steph! Great pick me up at 5:30 am on a Saturday! Dawn Inspirational poem Hi all! I was just cleaning out my closet (yes, on a Friday night-what an exciting social life I have-actually I have a boyfriend but he lives in England ( Anyway, enough about my depressing life. I found this poem in a shoebox and thought it might be nice to share with the list, especially for all the pre-ops! Hugs to all! Steph in Rockport Move forward gently, Mindfully, non-judgmentally, But keep moving forward. Use your wise mind; Trust in it. All of your tools are accessible; Be willing. Breathe through your anxiety, Your rage, your pain; Keep breathing. You can only move from where you are, But keep moving forward. Believe in yourself and your capacity, To move through your fears, But move through them. They need not paralyze you. Embrace your strengths, Your gifts, your courage. Embrace all that you hope for, All that you deserve, All that is you. Patty Gisele ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Accurate impartial advice on everything from laptops to table saws. http://click./1/3020/7/_/675032/_/956974998/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 29, 2000 Report Share Posted April 29, 2000 Steph, That is a great one! Thanks for sharing! I am going to print it and bring it with me everywhere! Just what I needed! LOL BF in England huh? Is he from there? Does he have that awesome English accent??? When is he coming to the US? SSUCP@... wrote: Hi all! I was just cleaning out my closet (yes, on a Friday night-what an exciting social life I have-actually I have a boyfriend but he lives in England (Anyway, enough about my depressing life. I found this poem in a shoebox and thought it might be nice to share with the list, especially for all the pre-ops! Hugs to all!Steph in RockportMove forward gently,Mindfully, non-judgmentally, But keep moving forward.Use your wise mind;Trust in it.All of your tools are accessible;Be willing.Breathe through your anxiety,Your rage, your pain;Keep breathing.You can only move from where you are,But keep moving forward.Believe in yourself and your capacity,To move through your fears,But move through them.They need not paralyze you.Embrace your strengths,Your gifts, your courage.Embrace all that you hope for,All that you deserve,All that is you.Patty Gisele Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 30, 2000 Report Share Posted April 30, 2000 Hey -I'm glad you liked the poem! Yeah, my bf is from London originally. I met him here when he was visiting relatives but the next day he went home. Just my luck. I meet what I think might be the man of my dreams and he lives 3000 miles away in another country. Oh well, if it is meant to be we'll work it out. I went to visit him in London last February, and he's going to come out here either next month or June. I can't wait to see him. Actually I just can't deal with my $1800.00 phone bill (no, that's not a typo, we talk 2-3 times a day). And yes he does have such a strong accent-so sexy! E-mailing just doesn't do it for me. I have to hear his voice. He has two kids, ages 7 & 10 so if anything, I might move over there. Of course my #1 priority is surgery at this point. I have my first consult with Dr. Thayer at NWH May 17th and I can't wait! The very earliest I would consider moving would be the end of the year, maybe after Christmas. Anyway, now that ! I've told you my whole life story! LOL! What about you-are you pre-op or post-op? Anyway, thanks for replying. Enjoy the poem! Take care! ), Steph in Rockport Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 30, 2000 Report Share Posted April 30, 2000 Dawn-OK, I'm glad you liked the poem but...what were doing up at 5:30 am on a Saturday? Get some sleep girl! LOL! ), Steph in Rockport Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 30, 2000 Report Share Posted April 30, 2000 HI DAWN. WILL LOOK FOR YOU GALS AT MAYS MEETING ...THANK YOU. MAURA --- Dawn/Blondie wrote: > Thanks Steph! Great pick me up at 5:30 am on a > Saturday! > > Dawn > > Inspirational poem > > > Hi all! I was just cleaning out my closet (yes, on > a Friday night-what an > exciting social life I have-actually I have a > boyfriend but he lives in > England ( > Anyway, enough about my depressing life. I found > this poem in a shoebox and > thought it might be nice to share with the list, > especially for all the > pre-ops! Hugs to all! > > Steph in Rockport > > > > Move forward gently, > Mindfully, non-judgmentally, > But keep moving forward. > Use your wise mind; > Trust in it. > All of your tools are accessible; > Be willing. > Breathe through your anxiety, > Your rage, your pain; > Keep breathing. > You can only move from where you are, > But keep moving forward. > Believe in yourself and your capacity, > To move through your fears, > But move through them. > They need not paralyze you. > Embrace your strengths, > Your gifts, your courage. > Embrace all that you hope for, > All that you deserve, > All that is you. > > > Patty Gisele > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > Accurate impartial advice on everything from laptops > to table saws. > http://click./1/3020/7/_/675032/_/956974998/ > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 30, 2000 Report Share Posted April 30, 2000 Steph.... WOW... what a powerful Poem.... enjoyed reading it... as I am pre-op and have a ways to go... I am going to print it and keep it at my desk... thank you for sharing .. *hugs Pam SSUCP@... wrote: > Hi all! I was just cleaning out my closet (yes, on a Friday > night-what an > exciting social life I have-actually I have a boyfriend but he lives > in > England ( > Anyway, enough about my depressing life. I found this poem in a > shoebox and > thought it might be nice to share with the list, especially for all > the > pre-ops! Hugs to all! > > Steph in Rockport > > > > Move forward gently, > Mindfully, non-judgmentally, > But keep moving forward. > Use your wise mind; > Trust in it. > All of your tools are accessible; > Be willing. > Breathe through your anxiety, > Your rage, your pain; > Keep breathing. > You can only move from where you are, > But keep moving forward. > Believe in yourself and your capacity, > To move through your fears, > But move through them. > They need not paralyze you. > Embrace your strengths, > Your gifts, your courage. > Embrace all that you hope for, > All that you deserve, > All that is you. > > > Patty Gisele > ----------------------------------------------------------------------- > > ----------------------------------------------------------------------- > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 30, 2000 Report Share Posted April 30, 2000 , Not to butt in..... but I think you're talking about the Quarry at Halibut state park. While I hate to tell people about it for fear of it getting too crowded, it really is the most gorgeous place on earth! I've been going there for 9 years as much as I can, and I have to drive all the way from Newton! In fact, that's not a bad idea for a get-together this summer! - Alice A. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 30, 2000 Report Share Posted April 30, 2000 and all, Yes, I'm just 5 days out, and feeling pretty good. In fact, I pureed some pasta tonight, and managed to eat more than I have of anything so far. I would guess that this equals about 1/4-1/3 of a cup. I was surprised that I didn't feel full, so I just stopped eating... just in case. Of course, I have this irrational fear that I'm going to get sick any minute... lol. So, I guess I will share my story for those who are interested. I know that I loved reading other people's experiences prior to my surgery. I went to Newton-Wellesley at 10:15 on Tuesday morning, checked in, then went up to the surgical floor with my mom, sis, and boyfriend (BF). They were allowed into the pre-op area, where I had my own " room " - 3 walls, and curtain to the hallway. I very nice nurse named Elvira came in and told me to change into a large jonny. She'd been there for 50 years, and had a good sense of humor, so I felt I was in good hands. Many people came in to talk to me, including the anesthesiologist, a med student named , a few nurses, and Dr. Thayer. Doc said a brief hello, then went to say hi to my family in the waiting area. Before I knew what was happening, I had an IV in my hand, a shot of Heprin (blood thinner) in my stomach (ouch), and my dad arrived to say goodbye as they wheeled me out. By that time I had plenty o' meds to relax me, so I was feeling okay. IN the OR, they had me shoft over to another bed, strapped me in, put some monitors on my chest, and gently told me to relax and breathe deeply. Next thing I knew, I was in recovery. My stomach hurt, but I was mostly just sleepy. Nurses kept telling me to take deep breaths. After a hazy hour or two, I was taken up to my private room, and settled in with my family. That was about 5:00. My family stayed a while, swabbed my mouth with water, which eased the dryness for a SECOND. Hardly worth it At about 9:00pm, I wanted to get up and walk. See? You guys have trained me well! A great nurse named Ellen got a partner to help me sit up. It was pretty painful, but I was determined. After a long struggle, I managed to stand, then promptly felt faint and nauseous, and got back into bed. NOT a fun process. It was very painful to move at all. My family left, my BF stayed the night, and watched the activites as they checked my vitals, drew blood, and gave me shots every hour. Wednesday was better. I managed to get out of bed and walked out the door and back, and started sipping light cranberry juice and protein drinks. I got very little down, but it was nice to be sipping and getting rid of the dry mouth. Thursday they gave me carnation IB and soup. Again, I didn't get much down, but felt like I was sipping every minute! I walked once around the nurses station.... with help, then late that night walked once around the floor! The pain was getting less, and moving was getting easier every day. Friday I ate a few bites of pureed meat, veggies, and soup, and walked around the floor a few times, then they let me go home! A few notes: The catheter is GREAT! Painless. I had a central line in my chest which was also painless and very handy since they could inject stuff and draw blood without sticking me again. I had a temp which ranged from 99 to 100.8, and tried to fix it by using the breathing machine. It never really went away, but as of yesterday, I don't think I've had one. Doc told me to call if it went over 101. That's the basics, I guess. I really lucked out, and my experience was relatively easy. Of course, all of your support and info definitely prepared me for this event, and I can't thank you all enough!!! Diane and Alice's visits, and calls from Lyssa made me feel SO much better. You all are great!! That's the skinny, so to speak. Feel free to email with more questions. Good luck to all who have yet to go through this. May all of your surgeries go as well - Alice A. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 30, 2000 Report Share Posted April 30, 2000 Speaking of recoveries - had her surgery Thursday at Brigham & Women's and went home today. She was a real trouper and is very well prepared for her home recovery. I'll let her discuss the details when she feels up to it. I'm so happy she has crossed over!!! Life has just begun again!! Take care, Kathleen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 30, 2000 Report Share Posted April 30, 2000 Steph, It would figure that he would have to go back the day after you guys met! UGH! But hey at least you met and like you said if it is supposed to be it will be! That is a hefty phone bill....One I can relate to...My dh is a musician and has spent a lot of time on the road touring and we talk numerous times a day also. Those phone companies really do cash in! Right now he is home with me and doesn't have a tour lined up so I am a happy camper for now! That sounds great that you are thinking of moving over there in England! I am sure it will be a great adventure! Good for you! It is great too that you can focus on the surgery and if it is a bit before you see him!! WOOHOO! He won't even recognize you! heeheehee What fun huh?!? I am pre op right now. Actually my surgery is a week from tomorrow and I am just starting to get a bit more nervous day by day. I am kind of in paralized mode. I have a ton of stuff to get done but it just isn't getting done! So I figure hey it will still be here when I get home right!!?? I have to say I love your neck of the woods. My dh and I have made the trip up (well it wasn't really a trip but a short drive) from Salem Ma to visit your Rockport Quarry. What a georgous place that is. Feels like you are walking into another world. And then to be right on the ocean too. I swear I could just spend hours sitting and watching the waves crash into the rocks! Can't remember the name of the Quarry but do you know which one I am talking about? Have you been? Take care! Glad to hear you will be seeing your bf soon!! SSUCP@... wrote: Hey -I'm glad you liked the poem! Yeah, my bf is from London originally. I met him here when he was visiting relatives but the next day he went home. Just my luck. I meet what I think might be the man of my dreams and he lives 3000 miles away in another country. Oh well, if it is meant to be we'll work it out. I went to visit him in London last February, and he's going to come out here either next month or June. I can't wait to see him. Actually I just can't deal with my $1800.00 phone bill (no, that's not a typo, we talk 2-3 times a day). And yes he does have such a strong accent-so sexy! E-mailing just doesn't do it for me. I have to hear his voice. He has two kids, ages 7 & 10 so if anything, I might move over there. Of course my #1 priority is surgery at this point. I have my first consult with Dr. Thayer at NWH May 17th and I can't wait! The very earliest I would consider moving would be the end of the year, maybe after Christmas. Anyway, now that !I've told you my whole life story! LOL! What about you-are you pre-op or post-op? Anyway, thanks for replying. Enjoy the poem! Take care!),Steph in Rockport Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 30, 2000 Report Share Posted April 30, 2000 -I think you mean Halibut Point State Park. It has a quarry and " sea rocks " where you can walk right down to the ocean. It is beautiful here! I would surely miss it if I moved to dreary old London! LOL! I keep joking with my bf that we had to struggle to leave his god forsaken country to start our own " New England " . Anyway, I can't believe you are having your surgery in a week. You must be nervous. Where are you having it? Sorry if you mentioned it already. It's hard to keep everyone on the list straight. I think we should all put our pictures up on the egroups web site. It's so much easier to remember people once you put a face to the name. Well, I wish you all the best with the surgery! If anyone wants to have a picnic get-together at Halibut State Park I'd be all for it! Also, if anyone wants to take a day trip to Rockport, e-mail me privately and let me know. Parking is so hard around here and you have to feed the parking meters 7 days/week. I have my own parking spot behind my apartment, and since I am a Rockport resident, I could easily park in the resident-only public lot across the street. I would be happy to let my OSSG friends park in my space (in return for lots of calls and e-mails when I finally have my surgery-LOL!) ), Steph in Rockport Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 30, 2000 Report Share Posted April 30, 2000 Alice A, Oh butt in anytime! LOL No really you are not butting in at all! Thanks for the name! It really is the best place. It would be ideal for a get together! I would say it is definitely worth the drive. And yes I agree....lets not tell too many people about it! LOL How are you feeling Alice? Aren't you just about a week out? Hope you are feeling well! lknglas11@... wrote: ,Not to butt in..... but I think you're talking about the Quarry at Halibut state park. While I hate to tell people about it for fear of it getting too crowded, it really is the most gorgeous place on earth! I've been going there for 9 years as much as I can, and I have to drive all the way from Newton!In fact, that's not a bad idea for a get-together this summer!- Alice A. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 30, 2000 Report Share Posted April 30, 2000 Alice A, Thanks so much for sharing the story. I hope that mine goes as well as yours did! I am thrilled to hear how well that you are doing! Keep up the good work! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 1, 2000 Report Share Posted May 1, 2000 Will do, thanks Dawn , you're a real sweetie!! Kathleen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 1, 2000 Report Share Posted May 1, 2000 Steph, I LOVE Rockport! Maybe sometime late summer I can meet you! I'll park and ride into downtown, that's the only thing I'm used to doing anyway! Dawn Re: Inspirational poem -I think you mean Halibut Point State Park. It has a quarry and " sea rocks " where you can walk right down to the ocean. It is beautiful here! I would surely miss it if I moved to dreary old London! LOL! I keep joking with my bf that we had to struggle to leave his god forsaken country to start our own " New England " . Anyway, I can't believe you are having your surgery in a week. You must be nervous. Where are you having it? Sorry if you mentioned it already. It's hard to keep everyone on the list straight. I think we should all put our pictures up on the egroups web site. It's so much easier to remember people once you put a face to the name. Well, I wish you all the best with the surgery! If anyone wants to have a picnic get-together at Halibut State Park I'd be all for it! Also, if anyone wants to take a day trip to Rockport, e-mail me privately and let me know. Parking is so hard around here and you have to feed the parking meters 7 days/week. I have my own parking spot behind my apartment, and since I am a Rockport resident, I could easily park in the resident-only public lot across the street. I would be happy to let my OSSG friends park in my space (in return for lots of calls and e-mails when I finally have my surgery-LOL!) ), Steph in Rockport ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Get paid for the stuff you know! Get answers for the stuff you don’t. And get $10 to spend on the site! http://click./1/2200/7/_/675032/_/957150333/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 1, 2000 Report Share Posted May 1, 2000 Kathleen, Wish her a speedy recovery from me! Dawn Re: Inspirational poem Speaking of recoveries - had her surgery Thursday at Brigham & Women's and went home today. She was a real trouper and is very well prepared for her home recovery. I'll let her discuss the details when she feels up to it. I'm so happy she has crossed over!!! Life has just begun again!! Take care, Kathleen ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Now the best and coolest websites come right to you based on your unique interests. eTour.com is surfing without searching. And, it's FREE! http://click./1/3013/7/_/675032/_/957143575/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 1, 2000 Report Share Posted May 1, 2000 Welcome home Alice! Take care of yourself! Dawn Re: Inspirational poem and all, Yes, I'm just 5 days out, and feeling pretty good. In fact, I pureed some pasta tonight, and managed to eat more than I have of anything so far. I would guess that this equals about 1/4-1/3 of a cup. I was surprised that I didn't feel full, so I just stopped eating... just in case. Of course, I have this irrational fear that I'm going to get sick any minute... lol. So, I guess I will share my story for those who are interested. I know that I loved reading other people's experiences prior to my surgery. I went to Newton-Wellesley at 10:15 on Tuesday morning, checked in, then went up to the surgical floor with my mom, sis, and boyfriend (BF). They were allowed into the pre-op area, where I had my own " room " - 3 walls, and curtain to the hallway. I very nice nurse named Elvira came in and told me to change into a large jonny. She'd been there for 50 years, and had a good sense of humor, so I felt I was in good hands. Many people came in to talk to me, including the anesthesiologist, a med student named , a few nurses, and Dr. Thayer. Doc said a brief hello, then went to say hi to my family in the waiting area. Before I knew what was happening, I had an IV in my hand, a shot of Heprin (blood thinner) in my stomach (ouch), and my dad arrived to say goodbye as they wheeled me out. By that time I had plenty o' meds to relax me, so I was feeling okay. IN the OR, they had me shoft over to another bed, strapped me in, put some monitors on my chest, and gently told me to relax and breathe deeply. Next thing I knew, I was in recovery. My stomach hurt, but I was mostly just sleepy. Nurses kept telling me to take deep breaths. After a hazy hour or two, I was taken up to my private room, and settled in with my family. That was about 5:00. My family stayed a while, swabbed my mouth with water, which eased the dryness for a SECOND. Hardly worth it At about 9:00pm, I wanted to get up and walk. See? You guys have trained me well! A great nurse named Ellen got a partner to help me sit up. It was pretty painful, but I was determined. After a long struggle, I managed to stand, then promptly felt faint and nauseous, and got back into bed. NOT a fun process. It was very painful to move at all. My family left, my BF stayed the night, and watched the activites as they checked my vitals, drew blood, and gave me shots every hour. Wednesday was better. I managed to get out of bed and walked out the door and back, and started sipping light cranberry juice and protein drinks. I got very little down, but it was nice to be sipping and getting rid of the dry mouth. Thursday they gave me carnation IB and soup. Again, I didn't get much down, but felt like I was sipping every minute! I walked once around the nurses station.... with help, then late that night walked once around the floor! The pain was getting less, and moving was getting easier every day. Friday I ate a few bites of pureed meat, veggies, and soup, and walked around the floor a few times, then they let me go home! A few notes: The catheter is GREAT! Painless. I had a central line in my chest which was also painless and very handy since they could inject stuff and draw blood without sticking me again. I had a temp which ranged from 99 to 100.8, and tried to fix it by using the breathing machine. It never really went away, but as of yesterday, I don't think I've had one. Doc told me to call if it went over 101. That's the basics, I guess. I really lucked out, and my experience was relatively easy. Of course, all of your support and info definitely prepared me for this event, and I can't thank you all enough!!! Diane and Alice's visits, and calls from Lyssa made me feel SO much better. You all are great!! That's the skinny, so to speak. Feel free to email with more questions. Good luck to all who have yet to go through this. May all of your surgeries go as well - Alice A. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ High rates giving you headaches? The 0% APR Introductory Rate from Capital One. 9.9% Fixed thereafter! http://click./1/3010/7/_/675032/_/957142998/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 1, 2000 Report Share Posted May 1, 2000 Steph, That is the one! What a great place to live. Rockport is like a nice little village right by the sea! I love it! I am sure you would miss it if you moved over to England but I am sure you would be just as happy over there! LOL I love the "New England" joke! Too funny! I am having my surgery at Beth Israel Deaconess and yeah I am starting to be more nervous but I am going in with very positive thoughts. I think this will help with the whole process. I hope anyway! LOL Plus the fact that I woke up on Sat morning with a sore throat and now I have a head cold. I am freaking out because I really don't want to have to postpone the surgery because I am sick so I have decided to tell my body that I will NOT be sick! LOL Hopefully it will listen to me and get better by the end of the week! Keep your fingers crossed for me! Hey I will definitely let you know when I plan to come up to the quarry and maybe we could meet and have lunch on the rocks or something. It will probably be a bit after the surgery for me but possibly end of May!! Keep in touch! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 1, 2000 Report Share Posted May 1, 2000 Nice poem, thanks for sharing. Hugz, Sandy in MA SSUCP@... wrote: Hi all! I was just cleaning out my closet (yes, on a Friday night-what an exciting social life I have-actually I have a boyfriend but he lives in England ( Anyway, enough about my depressing life. I found this poem in a shoebox and thought it might be nice to share with the list, especially for all the pre-ops! Hugs to all! Steph in Rockport Move forward gently, Mindfully, non-judgmentally, But keep moving forward. Use your wise mind; Trust in it. All of your tools are accessible; Be willing. Breathe through your anxiety, Your rage, your pain; Keep breathing. You can only move from where you are, But keep moving forward. Believe in yourself and your capacity, To move through your fears, But move through them. They need not paralyze you. Embrace your strengths, Your gifts, your courage. Embrace all that you hope for, All that you deserve, All that is you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 1, 2000 Report Share Posted May 1, 2000 Alice A..... Yikes girl... you are AWESOME...... you make it look easy...*L* I am wicked happy you are doing soo good.... you go girl.... *hugs Pam.. lknglas11@... wrote: > and all, > > Yes, I'm just 5 days out, and feeling pretty good. In fact, I pureed > some > pasta tonight, and managed to eat more than I have of anything so far. > I > would guess that this equals about 1/4-1/3 of a cup. I was surprised > that I > didn't feel full, so I just stopped eating... just in case. Of course, > I have > this irrational fear that I'm going to get sick any minute... lol. > > So, I guess I will share my story for those who are interested. I know > that I > loved reading other people's experiences prior to my surgery. I went > to > Newton-Wellesley at 10:15 on Tuesday morning, checked in, then went up > to the > surgical floor with my mom, sis, and boyfriend (BF). They were allowed > into > the pre-op area, where I had my own " room " - 3 walls, and curtain to > the > hallway. I very nice nurse named Elvira came in and told me to change > into a > large jonny. She'd been there for 50 years, and had a good sense of > humor, so > I felt I was in good hands. Many people came in to talk to me, > including the > anesthesiologist, a med student named , a few nurses, and Dr. > Thayer. > Doc said a brief hello, then went to say hi to my family in the > waiting area. > > Before I knew what was happening, I had an IV in my hand, a shot of > Heprin > (blood thinner) in my stomach (ouch), and my dad arrived to say > goodbye as > they wheeled me out. By that time I had plenty o' meds to relax me, so > I was > feeling okay. IN the OR, they had me shoft over to another bed, > strapped me > in, put some monitors on my chest, and gently told me to relax and > breathe > deeply. > > Next thing I knew, I was in recovery. My stomach hurt, but I was > mostly just > sleepy. Nurses kept telling me to take deep breaths. After a hazy hour > or > two, I was taken up to my private room, and settled in with my family. > That > was about 5:00. My family stayed a while, swabbed my mouth with water, > which > eased the dryness for a SECOND. Hardly worth it At about 9:00pm, I > wanted > to get up and walk. See? You guys have trained me well! A great nurse > named > Ellen got a partner to help me sit up. It was pretty painful, but I > was > determined. After a long struggle, I managed to stand, then promptly > felt > faint and nauseous, and got back into bed. NOT a fun process. It was > very > painful to move at all. > > My family left, my BF stayed the night, and watched the activites as > they > checked my vitals, drew blood, and gave me shots every hour. > > Wednesday was better. I managed to get out of bed and walked out the > door and > back, and started sipping light cranberry juice and protein drinks. I > got > very little down, but it was nice to be sipping and getting rid of the > dry > mouth. > > Thursday they gave me carnation IB and soup. Again, I didn't get much > down, > but felt like I was sipping every minute! I walked once around the > nurses > station.... with help, then late that night walked once around the > floor! The > pain was getting less, and moving was getting easier every day. > > Friday I ate a few bites of pureed meat, veggies, and soup, and walked > around > the floor a few times, then they let me go home! > > A few notes: The catheter is GREAT! Painless. I had a central line in > my > chest which was also painless and very handy since they could inject > stuff > and draw blood without sticking me again. I had a temp which ranged > from 99 > to 100.8, and tried to fix it by using the breathing machine. It never > really > went away, but as of yesterday, I don't think I've had one. Doc told > me to > call if it went over 101. > > That's the basics, I guess. I really lucked out, and my experience was > > relatively easy. Of course, all of your support and info definitely > prepared > me for this event, and I can't thank you all enough!!! Diane and > Alice's > visits, and calls from Lyssa made me feel SO much better. You all are > great!! > > That's the skinny, so to speak. Feel free to email with more > questions. Good > luck to all who have yet to go through this. May all of your surgeries > go as > well > > - Alice A. > ----------------------------------------------------------------------- > [Auction listings at govWorks.com. Click here.] > ----------------------------------------------------------------------- > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.