Re: My experience

[Guest guest]

The day went well. I arrived at the hospital around 6:57am and was in the

admissions office in no time. From there I went to the 3rd floor for a bit

and then on to the 5th floor where most of the process took place. I was

lucky, I had a " littermate " ) ) whom I took to and this made the

waiting easier. My surgery wasn't scheduled until 1:30Pm. While waiting, I

wandered the halls chatting with a few of the previous days MGBers. I met

Connie from NC who was having surgery at 10:00am, from Michigan

who had surgery the day before and was up walking around just fine, Jean from

NC who only took 20 minutes in surgery. I guess she is Dr R's quickest so

far. After that, I filled out Dr's question sheet and played Yatzie until

they came to get me for surgery around 12:00N. While in the holding area the

gave my my IV which didn't hurt due to the prenumbing, they also asked me

what I was there for. I replied the MGB, but was REALLY hoping they were just

testing me and already knew that. Soon after that, I was off the the OR

early, because they had an MGB cancellation for some reason. The last thing I

remember was them strapping my right arm down and that was it. Next thing I

remember was waking up and having a mask on my face and trying to figure out

just how I was going to get that thing off. I'm claustrophobic and it

irritated me. The next thing I remember was someone telling me that we were

leaving the elevator, and that there was gonna be a LARGE bump. Dang, they

were right too, it hurt like hell! They put me in my room and asked how was

the pain on a scale of 1-10. If I could only stay awake long enough to

evaluate it I would have been doing OK at this point. I said 8, I just wanted

that damn pump. For the next hour or two I dosed off, until I was awaken by

the urge to use the bathroom. I swear, I had to pee about every hour or so

the entire time I was in the hospital. I was also awaken by a wet shirt. I

guess one of my port holes was leaking pretty good and soaked me. I had the

pump, I could have cared less! I'm wondering now if they give you something

to make me pee a lot? Well, that first bathroom trip was uneventful. I'll

spare all the details, but if you really want to know, feel free to ask! The

rest of the night was routine. I was waiting for the gas pains, but they

never came. I even walked quit a bit and still nothing. I went to visit ,

who was at the opposite end of the floor as me and she was doing fine too.

The next morning they came in around 9:00am with my discharge papers. I was

dressed and ready to go in no time flat.

This is kinda funny, but the 24hours that I spent at the hospital I never saw

DR R. I know he was there, I have 5 staples to prove it. The staff treated me

well and I was satisfied with the care I received.

Now I am learning how to eat all over again. I have the urge to pop whatever

I am feeding to my son into my mouth and I know I can't do that. I`m hungry,

but from what I understand that will subside soon enough. I'm taking all my

meds as prescribed, drinking my liquids slowly, and I've even attempted

watermelon and yogurt. I fill up fast though and nothing tastes any

different. Laying down after eating/drinking seems to help.

Well, that it for now. I've got a 20 month old with a fever I need to sit

under for a while. If anyone wants to know anything else, feel free to

contact me. It's great to be on the other side!!

Best wishes,

Joanne In Tennessee

06/09/00 - 225lbs

06/12/00 - 220lbs

Feeling great!