JC NIH - AVS

[Guest guest]

I am posting my complete AVS story here and will put it in files when I remember

how! Questions/comments welcome!

My AVS experience was so uneventful that I almost requested a repeat! I had it

done at NIH by a doctor that is so experienced he could do one in his sleep but

smart enough to not try! The only time I saw any negative reaction was when I

mentioned my " experienced IR " had done 6 in the last 15 years! His reaction, " I

hope you ran " and I pointed out I was sitting next to him! That's when he

observed I was a " smart man " and went back to his rapid fire one liners. (I'm

convinced this is part of his method of relaxing the PTN.)

I was part of a trial back in the early `80's to use self-hypnosis to reduce

anxiety and the need for as much meds during surgery (that was a hernia

operation). I decided this might be a good place to try it so I practiced a

couple times in advance. I mention this because it may have had a major impact

on my perception.

On the morning of the procedure they wanted me to get up and shower at 6am, the

procedure is scheduled for the day but they don't give you a time. I asked if

my lack of a shower would prevent the procedure and was informed no. Since my

air would be coming from my bi-pap 5' above my head it would be a non-issue for

me. (Maybe Dr. Chen might narrow down a time if it was an issue for him!) It

was all about less stress for me. I had decided starting around 10 would be

less stressful for me!

I showered and was relaxing in my designer gown by 10. Around noon my nurse

stopped by to tell me it might be another 1 ½ - 2 hours. Fast forward to just

after 2 and nurse said they were on their way, to loose my underwear. (Flashed

her and showed her I was ahead of schedule!)

Quick intros all around it was all hands on deck and everyone knew what they

needed to do. I also noticed they were ready to help each other when

appropriate! A true team in motion! A word of warning, don't trust Dr.

Chen's " assistance " . He was responsible for some personal grooming. I ordered

a bikini cut, the SOB gave me Poodle Cut!

The procedure started with the doctor inserting caths and a cute young nurse (we

decided she was 7 years younger than I) standing beside my head and telling me

exactly what was next. I remember she said I would no more than 5 seconds of

pain on rt side as he inserted the firs. I did and a sharp stab down my right

leg. She then said a repeat for the left side but she lied, I felt nothing but

a little pressure.

I really don't know how many " battle stations " he had but I sensed 4 or 5. The

doctor was continuously giving a description of what he was doing and it was not

for me. I felt it was to keep everyone focused. He had a little trouble

finding the right side and declared a break. I could hear " idle banter " and

after 10 minutes or so it " man your battle stations " Everybody " checked in " and

declared where they were.

Soon after Dr. Chen declared, " Got it, that sucker tipped up! " There was then

some different draws and it was wrap it up. That's when I became very involved

and it was clear they didn't want me to move. I had 2 people, one at each groin

entry point applying pressure. When my mask slipped and I couldn't breath they

got hyper until they realized I needed a little attention!

Up to the room and Nurse Diane was in charge. She had very tight control

checking the sites and pulse in feet (which they had remarked with a marker)

very often for I think it was 2 hours. When my time was up she let me up but

was still very much in control. She wanted me to be reclining in bed as much as

possible and not " bending at 90 degrees " at the waist! (I laid on my bed and

" worked on the computer " until 2 am!)

I believe I had one of the easiest procedure there could be! It is essential

you have an IR you can put your complete trust in and the aftercare is very

important.

.....