Ow
Well I’m cut from under my right breast down to where my ribcage ends. I was in surgery for almost three hours and then in recovery for another three. I managed to get up and walk last night (speeds recovery), but only about 20 feet and back.
My Mom stayed the night with me to help me. I managed to sleep fairly well thanks to the pain pump. I woke up about once an hour to press the button that released pain medication into my system. I had an allergic reaction to one of the medications so my left arm is wicked swollen — elephantitis of the arm! They had to put an IV in my neck because the arm veins were shot! I have never had an IV in the neck. Apparently the IV therapy team will be coming some time today to put in a deeper PIC line in my right arm and take the neck IV out, which is good because it’s really uncomfortable.
The surgery went well. My gallbladder had a huge stone. Apparently I also have a ton of adhesions from my past surgeries so the surgeon couldn’t explore as much as she had wanted to. The GI team is worried about more intessuceptions so they are coming up with a plan to try to stop it from recurring and are also going to tell me what to watch for in case it happens again.
I’m supposed to be in the hospital through Friday and then they’ll release me to home. I won’t be able to return to work until July 7. Coincidentally, that’s when my next class starts. I have to decide now whether I’m up to taking classes next session or whether I need to wait until fall.
Zzzzzzzz _ sleepy time now.
June 25th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
I’m glad you made it through surgery ok and I hope your recovery isn’t too terrible …
June 25th, 2008 at 1:27 pm
I echo Tranny Head’s message and say - maybe wait until fall for more classes. Give yourself a little time to recover before adding not-quite-necessary stress, if that is possible.
Sending lots of good thoughts!
June 25th, 2008 at 2:53 pm
Oh man, glad the surgery went well and you aren’t in too much pain. Yay for IV drips and the PIC line will help you a lot.
I’d say forgo the second summer session unless doing so will cause you more stress (because you’re getting off track or something like that). It could be a very restorative thing to have a few months with just (just!) your job and Pumpkinhead to keep you busy (and that divorce).
June 25th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
I agree re: the summer session. Please let yourself rest from not only the health problems but the mental stress, too. Having had abdominal surgery before, you must know it takes a year to fully recover. That said, I’m glad you had this done and got rid of a big problem. Please take care!
June 25th, 2008 at 4:42 pm
I hope you feel better soon! Do, do, do take it easy.
June 25th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
With everything going on, it might be best to take the rest of summer off. Rest up and feel better!
June 25th, 2008 at 6:51 pm
Agreeing with the above. Thinking positive thoughts for you.
June 25th, 2008 at 9:15 pm
It’s not your year, is it?
Glad to hear the surgery went well. Best of luck with recovery.
June 26th, 2008 at 1:09 pm
Just glad you are doing better. Law school will still be there when you’re ready so take care of yourself first!
June 26th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
Go easy on yourself, enjoy that pain pump, and don’t use you computer for anything other than watching an entire season of America’s Next Top Model on dvd. Just kidding. Well, maybe not.
Anyway, I sent you a care package, containing my typical bizarre care package stuff. This one included an entire box of pencils. Don’t ask. Just enjoy.