I'm home, and doing great!

Hi sisters!

Well, my ordeal is over and I'm SO glad to be home

I have to say, the whole thing wasn't half as bad as I expected it to be. First, I'm very lucky to have a fantastic husband, supportive family, and excellent doctors.

We went in on Tuesday morning, everything was on schedule. They took me into the operating room about 7:55am and my husband went to the waiting room. I chatted a bit with the anaest... anaethis.. needle guy, and he started my IV. My surgeon was a few minutes behind so we were waiting on him. My GP (who assisted), poked his head in and asked how I was doing, and asked if Michael was in the waiting room.. to which I answered yes. He went off to say a few last reassuring words to my husband. That was nice!

My surgeon came in and talked to me for a few minutes about saving an ovary if he could. He had done my laparoscopy 2 years ago and did quite a bit of lasering, and it was already decided everything would come out, but he said due to my age (36), if there was any way we could save one and not have to do hormones, that would be ideal. I told him to use his judgement, that I trusted him.

The next thing I knew I was drifting off into la-la land

I woke up in recovery in a bit of discomfort, but mostly just discombobulated. The needle guy had already said he'd give me a PCA pump with morphine, so that was already hooked up to the IV. The recovery room nurse just got it rolling once I came to, and in not much time at all, I was quite comfortable.

We grabbed my husband on our way up, and the hospital was actually a bit short on beds, so I was lucky enough to get a private room. That was a pleasant surprise, as my insurance only covers me for semi-private, so that's what I expected. I slept comfortably for the rest of the day, waking up here and there, each time to see my husband offering me some ice water. I love him!! He was so great. I couldn't keep my eyes open for more than a few minutes at a time, and I couldn't talk much (too tired), but I knew he was right there, and that's what was important.

The next morning, I asked for the catheder to come out, at which point I hit the floor walking... much to the surprise of the nurses and my surgeon, LOL. They said most patients don't volunteer to do this. I just remember from my c-section, the sooner you get up and moving around, the better. The longer you lay there, the more you stiffen up. I also remembered various maneuvers using my arms and elbows to get myself up, much to my advantage! I didn't accept any help, I was intent on doing it myself, and it paid off.

The surgeon told me he wasn't able to save an ovary, they were both adhered to the uterus with endo.. which wasn't surprising. That's okay though, I'd already resigned myself to everything coming out.

I walked the halls several times during the day, and would have went outside for some fresh air, but we had a freak snow storm so that put a damper on things

Thursday, the IV came out and I got to shower and got my dressing changed. I was more cognizant of things without the morphine, but did alternating Tylenol 3's and super-strengh ibuprofen and got by fine with that. I walked even more that day, and got outside for a bit for some fresh air. It felt so nice!

This morning, I woke up to my surgeon standing over my bed asking if I wanted to go home He didn't have to ask me twice! I was released after breakfast, and my dad picked me up and spent the day at my parents house. DH had back-to-back meetings all day and didn't want me home alone, and mom jumped at the opportunity to 'look after me' for the day... hehe.

DH picked me up after work and brought me home, then went and had my prescriptions filled. I'm getting by on T3's now, and aside from a bit of gas pain, I'm really not doing bad at all. I'm tender, and getting up and down takes some time.. but the healing has begun.

To all the ladies in waiting, it is SO true that the waiting is the worst part. Honestly, once you get to the castle, and start going with the flow, you lose the anxiety and just focus on getting it done so you can start healing. This is major abdominal surgery, but we live in an age where they really do have this down to a fine art. You will do great, promise!

Love and hugs!

Good for you that you are feeling so good and things went so well! Yes, it is so true that the waiting is the hardest part!!!! And now you have even more to look forward to (in time) I just celebrated my 1 year hysterversary same date as yours -- April 4th--- so trust me, it only gets better! Best to you in your recovery!! :timeup: zanylynn

I am so glad things were so good for you.. it was so great to read such a positive story.. I needed that tonight..

I wish you the best in your recovery and hope the rest of it goes just as smoothly..

Thanks for the details & best wishes on recovery!

Tum-e-trouble

I am glad things have gone so well for you. Remember to take it easy and get lots of rest. And thank you for sharing your positive experience. Reading it has made me feel so much better.

Fallflower

Welcome home FWChelle! Wow! Thank you for your post, such positive detail--very encouraging. Quick question-where in Ontario are you? Barrie-Parry Sound? Hehe! (the snowbelt) We had the storm on Tuesday, even had some highways closed from it. I'm between Sudbury and Sault Ste. Marie.
Anyway, take care

iluvpurple,

I'm in Kitchener! When I went to the hospital on Tuesday I was wearing pj pants, a t-shirt, and flip-flops. When I was up walking the halls on Wednesday, I looked out the window (I was on the 6th floor), and all I could see was snow on rooftops! I asked my nurse how long I'd been in there, exactly It was very bizarre. Thursday it warmed up a little, sans snow.. and Friday it was mild but just rained all day.

I'm glad you found my post helpful. I know I had periods of bad anxiety pre-surgery, and I keep thinking "if I knew then what I know now..." Obviously it's no picnic, but I really wouldn't classify it as a terrifying, negative experience. Put your faith in your doctors and nurses, they are true professionals, you will be in very good hands. They really do everything they can to make sure you're as happy and comfortable as possible

Good for you! Best wishes on a speedy recovery! You seem to be almost there already.
Thanks for the encouraging words!
Lvs2cook2

So glad to hear you are feeling well!
I too am surprised how well I feel other than some discomfort and that rotten swelly belly!
I felt like you did about your husband....I fell in love all over again! He has been so amazing and caring. For a shy and quiet guy he has been through a lot with me and my troubles.
I was up and about walking really quickly as well. People were shocked in fact. But....were any of you throwing up in the night? Not a pleasant experience to say the least. I was sure I was going to pop my staples.
I went out for a drive today in the beautiful sunshine...what a treat!!! I am sleepy now but it was soo worth it.
Take care my sister,
Josie

welcome home....glad you are doing well.Take care.