I am home from the hospital. I took a four hour nap and not sure how long I will stay up. Going well as far as pain control. Slow going for a bit but that is to be expected. I am grounded for one week and then I can gradually increase movement and activity. It should take about six weeks until I can lift, bend and go back to normal life.
I was most impressed with St. Luke’s Hospital on the Plaza. The first day the care was outstanding. Everyone that worked in the operating room came and introduced themselves to me prior to surgery. I have never had that happen before. The pre-op area was efficient and comforting.
Surgery lasted about two hours. They had to do intensive repair but didn’t have to put in a sling which is a relief to me. No complications reported to me during surgery.
I was in recovery for about two hours. I don’t remember too much of it other than every time I opened my eyes someone was looking over me.
The nursing care on the floor was excellent. For the most part they answered the call light promptly and took their time and didn’t rush me. The first day and night team were the best. The second day they felt a step off but it still was good service.
I had to pee twice today and then they scanned my bladder for retention. I didn’t have much either time. I even went a third time before I left. If I didn’t pass their test, I would have had to come home with a Catheter. Grateful that didn’t happen.
I took three walks around the unit today. They had me use a walker which was a good thing, especially the first lap around. I got stronger each time and went further each time.
Jason took me up to the hotel I stayed in Wednesday night. It was an old hotel that needs remodeling but the bed was clean and the room quiet so it met my needs. I walked the two blocks to the hospital check-in area Thursday morning.
Nicole came up and was there before I went back for surgery Thursday morning. She stayed with me all day Thursday and went home late afternoon. Nicole came back up mid Thursday morning and then Michelle came up around 3:00 to drive me home. I was ready to go home and was able to meet Michelle at the dismissal area of the hospital so she didn’t have to park and come in. We stopped at CVS in Emporia to pick up the new prescriptions and came home. It didn’t take me long to go to bed. I slept really good for about four hours.
I haven’t eaten much yet. The only real pain I have had is a gas bubble around my wind pipe. When I would eat or drink it would cause pain and I felt like I couldn’t catch my breath. They finally gave me a shot of something which helped it. It has come back but not near as badly. Hoping I can find something to eat soon. I tried a bite of yogurt and a bit of a banana but both made me dry heave. I will try something else later. I have been able to get some fluids down and will work on taking in more.
My follow up appointment is in three weeks. It was supposed to be two weeks but that was their first available. If I have any complications I will call their office before that. Not anticipating any so don’t think an extra couple of days will hurt.
I had an intern come in this morning and we talked about the drugs they were going to give me upon discharge. I asked her for a substitution for Oxycoden and she said she could do something else. When I got the list of drugs upon check-out she hadn’t given me something else. I made the nurse call the doctor and he wouldn’t substitute anything. I don’t think I will need something that strong anyways so will just use Tylenol and Ibuprofen and the muscle relaxer. Oxycoden wires me and I won’t sleep for several days if I take one. Not going there!
There was also some confusion about when I can drive again. The instructions said two weeks OR 24 hours after taking the last pain meds. The check-out nurse said two weeks. I had her check and the doctor said one week if I don’t take the strong pain meds. The doctor had told me when he came in the room today that I was grounded for one week and then could gradually increase activity.
I could feel the love and support from all my friends and family. It sure helps a person get through these things when that happens. Looking forward to a smooth recovery and lots of quiet time. I foresee lots of naps in the week to come and lots of walks around the house.
Grateful for the excellent care I received from St. Luke’s, grateful for the time and care I received from my kids, and grateful I am home to rest and heal.