Sunday, August 22, 2010

I feel like I've been run over by a train, BUT...

I survived.

There were a few moments that I wasn't sure about, but overall my afternoon spent in outpatient surgery went well.

The last time I was at the hospital, I was a VERY sick girl. I had a gallbladder full to the brim with stones, and it was swollen and infected. I ended up sick. Fever, chills, nausea and diarrhea, led to dehydration and a three day stay in the hospital hotel. I then went home with orders to rest for a week and follow a strict diet until my surgery date.

That being said, it was hard going in for surgery. Because I had been following the diet and I had some of my energy back, I have been feeling good. It is so much easier to check yourself into the hospital when you are hurting and feeling lousy. Checking yourself in knowing you will NOT feel good when you come out is hard. Remember, I'm the gal who HATES needles and hospitals.

But I went. The hubby didn't have to pull me in kicking and screaming either. Although Jim-Dad liked to tease me about the prospect of a chase. (Yep! I was one of those kids you heard screaming and a nurse had to chase around the room.)

After what seemed like ages of waiting in the waiting room, they finally called me back. The hardest part is when they kept trying to find a vein for my IV. HELP! After about three sticks, they finally found a GOOD vein, that was ready and willing. So much so, that blood ran everywhere. (I did mention before how I HATE needles, didn't I?!!!)

After a few more visits with family, the nurse wheeled me back. Believe it or not, everyone was so nice in the operating room. Before I was down for the count, I felt babied. They certainly knew how to make me feel comfortable and safe. PEACE.

I woke up, with a pain in my tummy and the need for toothpicks to hold the eyelids open. I was the last surgery for the day at the outpatient clinic. Two nurses, the last two still working again babied me. The good news is that the diet did work and I had the easy surgery.

Wait a minute, did I say EASY? What I meant to say was easier. It sure wasn't easy!!! I am now siting in my couch recliner, where I have been most of the day. I feel good, except for the feeling of being majorly punched in the gut. So sore. Sorry now that I didn't have those tummy muscles in better shape.

But, I am enjoying being waited on by the hubby and kiddos. (I have a hard time sitting down and getting up, so help is needed. ) I am surround by magazines, gifts from the mom-in-law and chick flicks, borrowed from the hubby's secretary. I also have felt the prayers.

I'm hurting, the pain meds make me feel like I'm in a fog, and I'm tired of not being able to do anything, but overall I think I have been a good little patient. I pray that this surgery, when I am back on my feet will have done a uhaul on my energy level and that overall I will just plum feel better. I've told everyone I will hopefully be a new woman in September.

Thanks for the prayers.

10 comments:

Stacie, A Firefighter's Wife said...

Hope you have a qick recovery!!!!

Alleluiabelle said...

Oh my dear friend I know how you feel. I had my gallbladder out a little over a year or so ago and it was not pleasant afterward. You have my deepest empathy.

My prayers are rising up to the Ultimate Physician for a speedy recovery and healing from this and that you are up and about without pain before you know it.

Love you,
Alleluiabelle

jules said...

I'm so glad to hear it went well. You will be a new woman before you know it. You sound like me when it comes to hospitals and needles and such. You're my hero.....

Kristin said...

Oh my....I am terrified of doctors and waiting rooms. Sounds like you did great! Praying for you!! And hoping you have a fast recovery and feel much better once it's over!!

Heart2Heart said...

Mich,

Keeping you in my prayers as this will be my next surgery being a fellow gall stone sufferer. I hate the attacks and look forward to feeling better once the recovery is over. For me now, I am trying to control mine with diet.

Email me offline, I'd love to talk to you more. Stevenkat27 at verizon dot net

Love and Hugs ~ Kat

Angie said...

Get well soon! I'm praying for you. Glad you survived despite your dislike of all things hospital-y. I can totally relate.

He & Me + 3 said...

Take care of yourself and feel better soon. Praying for you.

Gretchen said...

Hang in there, sweetie!
Praying for a quick recovery (and the patience to follow doctor's rest orders) :)

Jim said...

Sis,
Wish I could be there with you to keep you company. Love you and praying for speedy recup!

Jim-Dad

Anonymous said...

I have a thing about needles, too! Rolly veins is what they're called ! Ouch! I've had my arm go numb quite a few times!

Sorry you're feeling so bad - but kind of like cleaning out the closet - it gets ugly before it gets better! - I hope that made you smile - and then not wince at the pain.

I'll be praying for a quick recovery!