Hi Everyone!
Well I am at the other side! I will share my experience with you.
Day of operation: I arrived at the hospital feeling sick with anxiety, though strangely enough I had a sense of I want to rid myself of this constant gnawing reflux pain and my dependency on Lansoprazole which I had been taking for 25 years and I am only 42!
Anyway I checked in the hospital and advised the staff my plan was for me to go home that night so as not to be away from my family, they gave me a nodding smile obviously realising I had never had surgery before and so thankfully they just humoured me.
I was alone in the waiting area apart from other patients having various types of surgery; it felt like a cattle market a constant conveyer belt into theatres I believe there where 59 operations scheduled in for that day. The NHS in England has its critics but I have nothing but praise for this organisation.
Anyway I waited my turn to see the anaesthetist he seem quite a jolly fellow a little red eyed but hey it is the part season I thought, I remembered something that I had read on this board about
asking him would my anaesthetic contain anti-nausea drugs he smiled and told me it would contain a combination of 3! This really does highlight the danger of vomiting during or after this procedure. Anyway I was given my gown and stockings and told to change as I would be going to theatre within the hour.
I think this was my most difficult time, being there with my gown and hat and stockings on, I was really concerned about
do I need to take a final visit to the toilet? Anyway after stressing on that for a while I never did have a chance to visit the toilet, I was taken to what seemed like a room full of spotlights, my nerves and sense of pure panic set in now, I was met by my bleary eyed anaesthetist and two female nurses who tried ever so hard to reassure me, asking me what I did for a living, I knew what was coming next! Anyway I told them I have a shop on eBay and use that to support myself and my family on eBay as I am also a full time minister being one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. I was asked what I am always asked “what do you sell”? as I started explaining I heard the dreaded phrase “sharp scratch” and in went the line, everything started to happen quickly now which I was happy about
, the anaesthetist put a mask on me and told me it was just oxygen and just relax and go with it. I just lay there for what seemed like an eternity thinking to myself ha it’s not working is it? Just as that thought had been processed he said to me “I will just turn the tap on a little…”
I came around some four hours later, my operation went well though I found out I had a hiatus hernia which was also repaired this meant I had an extra procedure, I remember shouting “ I am going to be sick” this brought a flurry of nurses to me who quickly put something into my line, I felt like I was choking, this started to make me have a panic attack but I think they must of given me something else as I was quickly “silenced” thankfully.
I was put in my own private £250 per night suite as the hospital had no beds available, and so came around later looking at a lovely plasma tv and my private what looked like hotel room. The pain was manageable in fact I remember saying to the nurse” Reflux and a laryngospasm was far worse than this I felt proud that I had gone through with it and a huge sigh of relief, I was still out of it from the anaesthesia I was put on a drip and was able to call my family from my phone. I was really thitsty but was refused any water in case I vomited, I was put on a drip, but the pain was manageable, my biggest problem was not being able to deep breathe as my ribs really hurt, the surgeon later told me I had a large
opening on my diaphragm which need some pounding and stitching and the pain would get worse and is normal. He told me that I looked well enough to go home that night if I wanted, I agreed without thought or hesitation. The surgeon in conversation told me the procedure cost £3,500 but he enjoys doing it due to the life changing effects it brings about
; he thinks it is one of his easier procedures but one of his most satisfying in terms of relief.
I started to think about
going home when the nurses encouraged me to stay in just one night, how right they were!
Throughout the night the pain started to kick in I was put on a pain killing drip and was given water with a straw to drink, I struggled to pass water which I was told is down to the anaesthetic, I am at home know still in pain, strangely enough though the pain is in my muscles, leg bum cheeks, and I still can’t deep breathe. I have had a lot of nose bleeds, oh before I forget I have been told not to lift or return to work for 2 months!! Until my surgeon gives me the OK, this is a nightmare as all my eBay stock is in crates. I have 5 bullet holes in my abdomen and I discovered a sixth hole which was a drain from my diaphragm. I am only able to tolerate yoghurts at the minute, and the pain is increasing, would I go through it again “Yes” in a heartbeat! I have had no heartburn since!! Whoooo!
I hope this helps, thank you all for your support, I am now fully wrapped!
Take Care
Ray
Post Edited (rayzoray) : 12/22/2012 2:00:17 AM (GMT-7)