Awful Castle Experience (long)

Alright, I have been home for 4 days and feel enough strength to let you ladies know about my horrible time in the castle. Here is goes.

Well, I went into the castle on October 4th expecting to have a TAH/BSO. I got my epidural and then there were delays so I got into surgery almost an hour late. The surgery took 3 hours and when I came out of it I found out that I had everything removed except my left ovary. I had a seven inch horizontal bikini incision. My right side was completely covered with adhesions, scar tissue, and endometriosis. My left side had some adhesions but over all it was pretty much as clear as could be. This was exciting because it means that I won't be going through menopause right away.

The nursing staff was very kind to me. At first I was a little over eager with my paging button but tapered off. Everything was going overall well until Sunday. I had my epidural still in because it was recommended to me to help with the pain. Well, about 7:30am I was watching the news with my mother when I fell asleep. My mom noticed that I was making a strange gurgling type sound. She looked over at me and I was as pale as a ghost and my lips were blue. She tried to shake me awake but it was unsuccessful. She ran to get the nurse and he couldn't awaken me. A code was enacted and I am told that Doctors and Nurses rushed to my aid.

A anti-narctotic drug was placed into my IV to block the narcotics from working. They were soon able to wake me but I was in Extreme Pain! I was crying and could barely move. I remember being surrounded by doctors and nurses rushing around asking me questions. My legs and bum felt like they were sinking through the bed. Because of the antinarcotic given, my pain was more intense because my pain control had been cancelled.

After much discussion and testing, it was discovered that the epidural medication had gotten in my blood stream and created an infection in my blood. The nurses told my mother that if she hadn't been with me they wouldn't of come around to me on their rounds for 35 more minutes and by then it would of been too late! If my mom wasn't sitting there with me I Would of DIED! HOW SCARY IS THAT!!!!!

The next day I was released because of insurance reasons. The nurses couldn't believe that I was being given the boot but now I am home.

My recovery has been quite painful and exhausting so far. I have been doing walking, resting, and drinking water. I have quite a large amount of swelling, have a lovely roll above my incision, and some lovel bruising. BUt I am keeping positive...I still know that this was the best decision I could of done!

I just wanted to let all of you ladies know my story. Hope all of you Ladies in Recovery are doing well!!

What a scary story!!! You poor thing. I can't believe that they put you out of the castle the next day ...

Big for you, you brave lady! Good luck and best wishes for an uneventful recovery. Keep positive.

Aussie

Scary indeed!

At least at home you can get some rest in your own bed. Good luck in your recovery!

Hi RGLAM

Wow, I am SO glad you're home! Your post is an example of why it's important to have someone at the hospital with you to act as your advocate. I'm sorry you had to go through such pain! But I'm SOOO glad your mom was with you!

I'm hoping that now that you're home you have the pain meds you need and can watch the playoffs in peace (personally, I'm hoping for a west coast world series).

s