Surgery was Monday at 1230. First afternoon was rough but I expected that. No pain in the abdominal area because they used a nifty gizmo called OnQ. When I first got it, it was about the size of a softball. inside a clear plastic pouch with tubes coming out of it and ending in a small insertion point right above the area where the laproscopic incisions are. The drug is bupivacaine, which the nurse likened to novacaine. Local anesthetic so no fuzzy headedness from percocet. Did take a small amount of that but only at bedtime and to deal with some ongoing headaches. Also had a Tylenol drip. Pretty much stayed in bed the first day and evening of surgery. clear liquids. I was so over broth it gagged me to look at it. Didn't sleep hardly at all. Does anyone sleep well in the hospital? Finally at 0230 I had the nurse dig out my ear plugs so I couldn't hear the inflatable bags that they put on my legs inflate and deflate every 45 seconds or so. Then I slept till 0430 and was up for the day.
Got some phone calls. What a difference now that they allow having cell phones in the hospital. Most communication I've received has been from Facebook. Have had wonderful support from friends, colleagues and family. It all has felt like a great big warm hug.
Got the gist of the tiny swallows and tiny bites and limited amounts my stomach can hold. Took a few turns around the floor hallways, so got the inflatable things off my legs. Got praise from the nurses and doctor for moving around so well and having absolutely no nausea, which I guess can be a real problem for some patients. My only real discomfort came from the headaches and tubes they put down my throat during surgery. Had no voice first day, but that came almost back with alot of sinus issues the second day. By now I'm pretty much back to having the same lousy sinuses I've always had and my voice is back.
Came home with the little then baseball-size ball of local pain killer and as the dosage decreased started getting a little discomfort around the abdomen. Took a total of 1 1/2 perocet, 1/2 at a time from morning until bed time. Started doing the water, strained soup, protein drink routine and continuing that today.
Today I woke up feeling really good. Got out of bed and gathered up all my laundry and had Dave take it downstairs to the washer for me. Can't carry anything heavy for a while. It was promised that my energy level would be good at this point and I have to verify this is true.
It is a struggle to put all the stuff in my mouth and stomach that I have to on a two hour schedule with water in between. One interesting twist is that I really don't crave sweet drinks like Crystal light or even sugar free jello. Water tastes much better all by itself. It has been easier today to drink my small sips without feeling like there's no room for it, but I still fill up very fast. It is important (as recommended) to abstain from drinking anything for a half hour before and a half hour after the 'meal' which is the soup stuff or a protein drink. Primary mission is to get the protein when I'm supposed to get it. Then between, get the water. Right now six glasses, moving toward 8 glasses eventually.
On the problematic side, I ordered lots of supplies, protein powder, shake mixers, cookbooks, vitamins from Amazon and the order got lost. Was due here on the 7th and when I called FedEx this morning they denied ever receiving the order from Amazon even though I had a tracking number. The only problems I ever have with shipping are with FedEx. I begged Amazon to please ship the replacement order by UPS. They are sending it overnight but I don't know who the carrier is. Should have it tomorrow.
Meanwhile, time to put laundry from the washer into the drier and another load in the washer. I'm having no pain at all and the 'pain ball' is shrinking down to the shape of a cylinder, so it's probably almost gone. Then Dave will help me take it out, probably tomorrow. Have called for a 2-week follow up appointment with Dr. Brown but haven't heard back yet. Would like to get out for a short walk this afternoon, but not with dogs, as I'm afraid they might pull me down. Maybe around Kendrick Lake.
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