Just a short letter tonight. No random facts, just a few updates for I am not as up to these things as I was a week ago.
Well, I had surgery last Friday. It was a rather unnerving experience, as I am sure it can be for anyone. I did not like having to get naked and wear nothing but that gown, uncomfortable slipper socks and hairnet. They took me back, did an EKG, took blood and got my anti-biotic and IV drip going. Then they hooked me up to some leg things (don't know the proper medical term), that went from my ankles to my hips. They would fill with air and then let it out. They are made to keep down the chance of bloodclots. Most of the time, I loved having them on.
Then my doctor came back, marked my neck and told me it wouldn't be long. The nurse wheeled me away, and during the trip to the surgery room, I had a brief moment where I was very scared. I guess the realization hit that it could very well be my final sights, sounds and thoughts on Earth.
The operating room was frigid! All I recall was moving from the bed I was in to the table, which was super small. The woman who wheeled me back, said they weren't used to someone as small as me, introduced me to a Jeremy, who was with the anesthesiology group. That's the last thing I recall until I woke up in a totally different room.
They told me it was 14:30. My surgery had taken just over four hours. I was in pain, so they gave me some pain medication and were monitoring me. I spent about an hour there from the time I woke up and had more pain meds. Then, I was off to my room, 2324, a glorious corner room, which meant more space.
There, I saw your adorable doggie doctor shaped flower bouquet and my mom arrived shortly thereafter. The nurses helped me to the bathroom, and I had no trouble doing number 1, LOL. They noticed blood on my robe and pillow, so all of that was changed. Later that night I found I had a gash on my head where the blood had come from, so that must have been where that came from. Must have been a little difficult with the anesthesia.
I actually felt great at that point. No stomach upset and really couldn't feel any pain yet. My mom stayed about an hour and left. Then they brought dinner. I ate nearly all of it and couldn't get enough water.
I was fitted with my cervical neck brace, too. It's a cumbersome thing that I'll have for 6-12 weeks.
Then the pain crept back. The worst of it was my throat. I have had many sore throats in my life, but nothing, absolutely nothing could compare to this pain. The level was off the chart. I had vicodin three times that night and it only barely touched the throat issue. My entire back was in pain off and on, too, but the vicodin helped ease that.
I didn't sleep too well that night, but was happy to get what I could.
I will write more tomorrow . . .
I couldn't believe that I woke up and recalled that I had counted 9 Kia's before my surgery. I counted 27 on Saturday, 13 on Sunday, sixteen on Monday and nine today.
Thank you for your messages of care and concern during my surgery and recovery. I appreciate that more than anything else. I still love you. I still want to marry you.
Loving you,
MNP