BBe

March 8, 2004

3/9/2004

Im back and recovering slow but sure. The surgery went well, so says the surgeon, whom I have since dubbed Mr. Bean. The first time I saw him I noticed an uncanny resemblance to the Mr. Bean character, even down to some of his mannerisms. You just can’t miss something like that. *smiles* Thankfully in the operating room he had it all together.

While in the prep room, a nurse came in to get me IVd. We started chatting, and I told him the sad story of how I came to be there, instead of where I should have been (in Florida) celebrating my 50th birthday. Yes it was a sad depressing story, and I guess he felt sorry for me. I asked him if he wouldnt mind being my cabana boy for the day, since he was handy and.. did I say I was sad and depressed? He agreed, and proceeded to stick me with this huge needle that was twice the size of the vein he intended to use. Then taped it up good and told me to keep my hand still; the IV was positional. I know my veins arent easy to work with, so I did as I was told. The thought of having to repeat the procedure was enough to make me more than cooperative.

It seemed like hours that I waited to be wheeled into the OR. Im glad that once inside, they dont waste much time putting you under. Before that took place, the nurse came in to assist and mentioned his special duties assigned by me. Something about him being my cabana boy, and of course he said it loud enough so everyone in the room could hear. The anesthesiologist just had to know what was going on, but Steve said not to tell him, it was our secret. I remember chuckling to myself, as I began to tell the story. (What could I do? I think he slipped some sodium pentathol into the IV) Thats the last thing I remember, until I heard a recovery room nurse calling my name. Within an hour I was put in a hospital room, where I had the option of staying overnight. Since the surgery didnt get started until after 4:30 p.m. I could have stayed the night.

Truth be told, I think there was a plot to get me out of there ASAP, by way of the roommate. I hadnt even come out of recovery yet, and she was telling my friend who was waiting for me, that she hoped I liked watching TV all night long. Annie told me later that she knew I wouldnt stay after I met her. In the short amount of time I was in the room she had dozed off, woke up, flicked through the channels, and dozed off again 3 different times. Hello?

Major surgery after 4:30 and home by 9. Not bad, eh? It was rough at first, but I knew it would be. There was just no way I was going to be comfortable with, or without drugs, in or out of the hospital. But at least at home I’m in more control of my environment. Last night was the first night I was kinda able to sleep on my side. Im actually feeling much better today, which is good. My uncle has made an appointment with his attorney for tomorrow, and I need to be present. Thats another entry.

Now all I need to do is find some constructive things to do during the weeks of recovery that lie ahead. So far I’ve bought one pair of canvas clogs from HSN, and made a diary entry. 🙂

Glad to hear you are healing well. You’ve been in my thoughts both the surgery and your birthday. Happy Birthday. Hope you have a speedier recovery than expected.

ThomaS

March 9, 2004

Happy Birthday. The Insurance Companies certainly don’t want to keep you in the Hospital a minute longer than necessary. A speedy recovery for you.

i’m glad your surgery is over. Did they pump you with gas? That was the worst part for me … when the gas was leaving. That was painful, did you have that also? i’m happy to hear that you are feeling better. RYN: EMDR might help. Thought i’ve been thinking about EMDR the past couple of days and in what areas it might be useful, i hadn’t given thought to your suggestion. I will though.

Sorry you had a rough go of it, kiddo. It amazes me how incredibly selfish some people can be in hospitals. Hugs and healing wishes going your way!

Willy & Wilma

Have a speedy recovery, Brenda, and a belated happy birthday

Kate

Glad you are home. Feel better, soon, OK? Be good to you.

~Katherine

This was entertaining to read. 🙂 I’ve been thinking about you and getting impatient to hear something. Now I feel all better to know the worst is over. Did you get to bring the cabana boy home with you?? Smooches, P. at

Sunshine Wolf

NOTHING is more constructive than making diary entries and shopping! POSITIVELY theraputic! I am visualizing a super speedy and joyous recover for you….one dotted with the occasional cabana boy dropping by!

Oh…and RYN…yes she is married to HIM and HE lives in another state…and I no longer even bother to pretend I am understanding what is up with THAT relationship. She’s my sis. I’m just here for the entertainment and an occasional support function! hehe

And OH YEAH (while I’m on a note roll…) the final word fairy must have said NO to you because you didn’t consult with ME about a FLORIDA vacation…and how close you would BE to me….ahem.

I Am Snugs

March 10, 2004

mymom had one roommate that hated the fan.. another that kept peeing in her bed.. room sucked.. and another that just wouldn’t shut up… sometimes wonder if mother gave up for having to be in there.(nursing home-we lost her 6/03) i still miss her.. glad you are better off at home.. take it easy and keep us updated..please…

RYN: Arf Arf Arf,,Now what am I supposed to do on this paper ? ThomaS NSI

KeepSmiling

I think everyone that has ever spent a day & nite, plus, in hospital, has a horror story to tell! My Mexican roommate had visitors coming & going all day & into the nite. Once, on my every 15 min. trips to the jon, I counted; she had 10 adults & 3 preschoolers running around. I complained, & the head nurse said, “But they aren’t making any noise!” I walked out of that ward w/my heart monitor on.

RYN: i’m not sure what i saw. i think it was a demon. Willy thinks it was a delusion. ?????

Life's Snakes and Ladders

March 11, 2004

hope ur feeling better soon. xxx ryn; i dont know if i will or wont see him. depends how he is. i dnt know if i do or dont, i dont know how i feel bout it. take care xxx

Elle: 2

Happy to see you back here….. Glad you are home…nothing like your own comfort zone…I hope you are feeling better each day… Warm thoughts & smiles……

wanderlust (2)

March 17, 2004

Oh my gosh, now I’ll be going back several entries to see what you are having surgery for. It sounds like all is going alright so far. So sorry to learn your 50th celebration isn’t what you had hoped for. I wish you well & a speedy, uncomplicated recovery. God bless you with strength & stamina, patience & a sense of humor.

March 22, 2004

I hope your 50th birthday turns out to be a very special day. I also hope your recovery is going smoothly. Be well my friend.

sophist

March 25, 2004

How you fairing, punky? I remember this surgery–not a fast recovery, but I was left with this glorious scar from my belly button to my breast plate! YippeeSkippee!! Hope you are doing well. Thinking of you.

And happy birthday!!!! 50 is a very good year!

PPM

March 26, 2004

Just catching up. Hope your recovery is a speedy one. Have a good weekend…..