SAH/BSO - My Story - Hope It Helps the LIWs!

My SAH/BSO was on 3 Oct. The first sign I knew something good was going to happen was when I got to the hospital at 0730 for my 0900 operation. The doc was already there and said his first surgery was cancelled and they would take me as soon as they could get me ready. I was scared to death-shaking, etc. The nurses were so nice and promised they would get me something to calm down once I spoke with the anesthesilogist. They first gave me a antacid and then put me into a cubicle where I changed into my hospital gown. They put me directly onto the bed/gurney that they would later wheel me to surgery on. A nurse came in and inserted the needle for the IV and then shaved only the upper portion of my crotch. The anesthesilogist came in and we talked about options. I had convinced myself I wanted the epidural because I was scared to death of the recovery from general anesthesia. The level of stress I was under made him recommend the general. He reassured me about the nausea issues, etc. and I agreed to follow his advice. They then put something wonderful in my IV and I immediately began to float. As they wheeled me toward the operating room I kissed my DH (I believe he was TRULY more scared than I-the nurses even said so!) and for only that moment felt like I might cry.

I vaguely remember them asking me to transfer from the bed to the operating table and that was it until they began waking me from the anesthesia. I remember having to think about where I was and if I hurt. The belly hurt some - felt more like cramps than anything else. I was only out for a little over an hour. I was coming out of it so good they told my DH that they would keep me in the ambulatory surgery area (NOT put me in the recovery room) and then move me to my patient room! They put an oxygen mask over my face which really bothered me and I kept drifting in and out of sleep. After about 45 minutes they wheeled me down the hall to my room. I had begged for a private room but got a semi private and was put on a list for private. They brought me ice chips immediately and they were SO good. My DH came in next. I tried my best to wake up but it was about 3 hours before I really felt like I was awake. During that time flowers from my office were delivered. My DH stayed by my side during this whole time. I had visitors not long after that who knew the perfect amount of time to stay-long enough to say hello.

While my roomate was a good one (quiet, not moaning, etc.) I wanted a private room so badly before the gas etc. began. My DH sweet-talked the night nurses (about 9pm) and within a few minutes I was on my way down the hall to my own room. I told the nurse that meant more to me than she would ever know! From then on I was comfortable considering what I had been thru. My PCA was delivering dilautid to me and it turns out I guess I was allergic because I itched and burned all night but I guess I was too out of it to realize why! The nurses encouraged me to use as much as I could. It helped but it did make me feel out of it and I didn't sleep but a few hours that first night. At 3 am my first passing of gas began. I thought I had won the lottery!

Next morning I had a liquid breakfast and at lunch had solids for the first time in two days. Before I finished the meal I had an overwhelming sense of nausea. They had given me Zofran previously which had helped and the nausea did pass. Not once did I have to vomit which really relieved me! By the next morning I had my first bowel movement with NO pain. Another Lottery win for me! They gave me a suppository the night before-routine-but this helped soften things up. I began walking the morning after surgery. My DH took me all over the hospital and even out to a duck pond just outside the front entrance. I felt so free!!

I came home Friday afternoon and have been weak, sore, and very, very happy that I made it thru this with so little problem up to this point. I can tell when I get tired and need to lie down and am drinking all the right fluids.

I wanted to share some of these specifics for the Ladies in Waiting as I know I was terribly curious about many of the minute details myself.

I wish you all happiness and good luck in your surgeries and/or recoveries.

Betty