After two months of constant pain, I went in to have an ovary and a tube
removed laparoscopically on June 11th. While this was only an outpatient
procedure, it is still a surgery that required local anesthesia which is
something that has always made me nervous. But, I've been in pain for so
long I was just really wanted to have this done.
So, we get to the hospital on the morning of my surgery and get checked
into the surgery center. This included lots of waiting, an i.v. insertion
and lots of redundant questions. They took me down to this waiting area
before my surgery, which was just an alcove with other patients waiting for
surgery.
They gave me a relaxing drug there, but I was fully aware when they
wheeled me into the operating room. You know, those rooms are really
boring. It was like a scene from an
alien abduction movie. It is just white,
white and more white and bright light.
Lying there on the operating table, I could see the
operating light, which was not on yet. Thank goodness because with all
those bulbs I'm sure it would burn a retina if it had been on. Next came,
the oxygen mask. I know the anesthesiologist said something, but I don't
remember what it was. I was just determined to make sure my eyes were
wide open as long as I was alert.
Well, it must have
done the job it was supposed to do because the next thing I know a nurse was calling
my name and yanking me out of a nice, contented sleep. Of course, the minute my eyes started
fluttering the nurse was asking me questions. Really?
Nurse: Mrs.
McCoy, Mrs. McCoy
Me: Fluttering eyes trying to focus wondering why someone
is calling my name.
Nurse: Your surgery is over. How are you feeling?
Me Thinking: Annoyed you are waking me up!
Nurse: Are you awake
yet?
Me: My throat hurts.
Nurse: Would you like
some water?
Me Thinking: No I want to go
back to sleep but saying, "Yes, please."
She went to get my water and I became a little more alert. So, when she comes back with my water:
Me: My incision
hurts.
Nurse: Yes, it will
hurt.
Me Thinking: Really? I
had no idea. Maybe if you let me sleep I can ignore it for a while.
At
that point I close my eyes trying to go back to sleep. But, this
wonderful nurse would have none of it. She starts talking about taking me
back to my "room". But, I still just wanted to sleep.
I have to go back for major surgery to remove everything on July 10.
I get to stay in the hospital that time. Oh joy, more time with
people who will not let me sleep!
I hate being woken up, too, but once I'm up, I'm up. I've always been a morning person, as long as I get to wake up on my own.
ReplyDeleteHope you're feeling well after your procedure.
Thanks, but I'm not. They did not remove anything because it's all stuck together in there. That's why I have to have another surgery. I have to have a complete hysterectomy on July 10.
DeleteGood luck with your upcoming surgery. I hope that takes care of your pain. Sweet dreams :)
ReplyDeleteKaren
Good luck with the followup...the good news is when you stay they let you fall back to sleep on the way back to your floor.
ReplyDeleteThe feeling of coming out of surgery can be so disorienting -- but good for you for sticking up for your right to sleep. Good luck with your upcoming surgery!
ReplyDeleteI've been in surgery once and I was terrified. It was outpatient too but I didn't come out of it well. I'm so sorry you have to go back. Sounds like that should be the last of it though. Maybe next time they'll wake you up to give you a sleeping pill :) My dad had that happen when he was in the hospital.
ReplyDeleteThe only thing worse than being woken up is when I have to wake my kids up. It's brutal and we all end up hating each other!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry you have to go back and do this all over again. Coming out of surgery is so disorienting.
ReplyDeleteOuch! I'm sorry you have to deal with this but I'm glad you'll be getting the help you need, if not the amount of sleep you'd like ;)
ReplyDeleteUgh that foggy feeling is the worst....
ReplyDeleteI just had a C-section and I cannot tell you how often I was woken up! They kept saying to sleep when the baby was sleeping, and then they'd come right in at 3am when we were both sleeping and draw blood. I am right with you!
ReplyDeleteI've had two c-sections so I know just what you mean. At least this time I won't have to worry about feeding a baby, but the incision will be in the same place as the two c-sections were. I hope you are healing well. I was fortunate, both my c-sections were really easy for me.
DeleteNo one gets much rest in the hospital. I can only imagine how annoying it was to be woken up when you just wanted to sleep! I hope your pain and suffering resolves. Rest!!
ReplyDelete