It's True! The Wait Is The Worst Part!!!

Yup, it is true.

Fear not, the wait was the worst part. I know, I know, I didn't really believe it either. I thought I should share this with all the ladies-in-waiting anyway.

I am officially 2 weeks post-op. This is my first night on-line. I could have gotten on-line sooner, but I was still in a state of blissful relief and didn't want to rush it. I still can't believe the TAH was only two weeks ago!

I went in on the 10th at 7:30AM and I woke up around 1:00PM with my very own "push button" narcotics. That was fun. I must remember to send the inventor of that device a thank you note... ASK FOR THE BUTTON!!! By Friday afternoon I didn't need any IV meds at all. I took oral pain meds and I am still taking them at night for pain. (I am over-doing it, but I will rest more.) The pain is much less than I thought it would be. You will be surprised. Honest! It wasn't a walk in the park , but it wasn't pure Hell either.

I cried a lot the first two days. I think I cried and couldn't sleep because I was not getting my thyroid medicine. I am supposed to take it every day. Oops. The hospital forgot too. After I was back on my thyroid meds I was calmer and felt much better. Remember to bring any daily meds with you to the hospital just in case they forget to put them on your chart. I asked on the third morning (once I remembered) and the doctor said I could take my meds. Since I had some with me I didn't have to wait for the pharmacy to get it to me!

I actually got up and walked around the floor less than 8 hours after surgery. I thought my insides would fall out, but they didn't. Nope, everything stayed inside just like the doctor promised. I kept my tummy pillow in place - just in case. The walking "frequently" must have worked because I had almost no gas pains. I did make quite a bit of noise and was glad to be in a private room.

I got a fever on the second day. It lasted through the night, so they made me stay at the hospital until Sunday. Use the little breathing machine they give you and drink lots of water and hopefully you won't have to stay in the hospital an extra day.

We brought the nurses a 5 pound box of chocolates on Friday morning as a thank you gift. They were so happy to get a little something for their efforts. I think they treated me a little extra-special because of the gift my DH brought in. BRIBE THEM WITH CHOCOLATE! It couldn't hurt and everyone likes to be appreciated.

Oh yeah! I almost forgot to mention that when I saw my staples for the first time I almost freaked out . Don't worry. The incision is supposed to look like that. It looks much better after they take the staples out. MUCH BETTER! They let me shower on Saturday with my staples. I brought my own favorite soap thanks to the advice of a sister. It felt soooooooooooo good to get cleaned up after the fever and sweats! If you have sensative skin be sure to bring some soap and moisture lotion. My hospital room was dry and the lotion really made me feel more comfortable.

I could give you more details, but I think you get the idea. IT WASN'T AS BAD AS I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE AND THIS FORUM MADE IT MUCH EASIER FOR ME!!!

You will all do great. Trust me, I am the biggest baby in the world and very pain sensative. I know every one waiting is anxious. That is why I wrote this post. I want all the ladies-in-waiting to feel a little comfort from a new princess. I hope when you join me you have a happy story to tell.

I will be thinking of you all.

Love,
BGBE, the new princess

Those words were so encouraging. Now for the bad part I have just dispatched the pillow to your house. Shouldn't have let it out that you were overdoing it. Now get back to bed and , and . in that order. So glad you had such a great time at the castle . God Bless and hope your recovery is as uneventful as it has been so far.

Thanks for your words of encouragement for all us ladies in waiting (and waiting and waiting and waiting). I guess fear of what we don't know is always the worst!
Enjoy being the pampered princess. We're all proud of you and how well you've done. Now get some rest before the pillow police come after you!
Thanks again from all the ladies in waiting, it's always encouraging to hear from the other side.

Thanks for sharing your story!! It's good to hear that you had a positive experience, and that the walking helped. (it really does!) Now be a good princess, drink LOTS of fluids, and rest rest rest!

Sitting is an activity, too, so try to limit your computer time. It's good to have you on the other side, !!!

Karen

Welcome Home
I am glad to hear that you are home, and doing good.
Remember though not to overdo it, you need lots of
Take Care