It's me, everyone!!! I am amazed to have been in the hospital only 78 hours from check in to check out!!! Can anyone beat that?? I was so thrilled that they let me come home. Resting in the hospital really is an elusive goal. So my version of events -
I walked briskly into the OR and got myself situated on the table, staring at the bright surgical lights and taking in the ever growing team of surgical folk. They got me put out very quickly and the next thing I knew, I was staring at that darned surgical beam light and coughing out my breathing tube (yucky, but not as bad as I thought).. Followed by an immediate need to throw up, which they accommodated expeditiously!
Next thing was being in Recovery - like a super, duper ER episode but only with all of the fluids being real as opposed to fake. I had massive pain in my head which took a while to control. Before I knew it, though, I was sipping (sorta) apple juice and being visited by my wonderful husband, parents, and friends - they were surprisingly accommodating in the Rec. Room in terms of letting family come in.
I learned quickly that they got just about all of Ethel - left a few toes that were clinging tenaciously to the facial nerve, but they feel that whatever little nubs are left will be harnless. The biggest hurdle for me was that I did come out of this with facial "numbness" which we all know means palsy. My right side is pretty droopy, especially when I'm tired. My eye shuts pretty well, but I need to keep drops in it during the day and goo and a patch at night. Length of time my nerve to recover is hard to determine - maybe a couple of months or as many as five or six. That is probably going to be the hardest part for me - but I'll work hard to do whatever I can to speed recovery.
Haven't had the dizziness that so many have - no room spinning at all. I was up the second morning (Fri) walking to the bathroom and by later that day was doing laps (assisted) around the hallways. Great to be up on my feet. Started eating a soft diet the second day (very little, but enough to pass muster!)
I spent the first 24 hours in Recovery - not due to my condition but due to a shortage of beds in NICU. Other that the constant noise and activity, the care was excellent - had a neuro nurse taking care of me and the other AN patiend of the day, so we got terrific care all night. I didn't sleep at all the first night - lots of discomfort (yep, you were all right, that first day is a killer) and all the noise and confusion of the RR.
Thurs afternoon I was moved to a Surgical ICU room - four of us, again, good care. Got some rest that night. Last night, in a semi private room that was blissfully quiet until they brought a post-gall bladder woman in - she was unable to take narcotics for pain and by 11 PM she was in excuritating pain, terrified, and I found myself teetering by her bed by 1 AM holding her hands, telling her to breath, and waiting until the nurse could get back with more stuff. Finally at about 2 AM they found the right fix for the pain. I felt so sorry for the poor woman - she was so sweet.
I was so good to sleep in my own bed last night - totally quiet - well, except for all the sounds in my deaf ear (more on that later). It is really amazing what a deaf ear can think it hears. I'll write later about some of the weird things I heard the first few days.
My superstar husband has been amazing (but you already know that) - every time I even moved last night, he was right there to make sure I was okay (and this from a man who can sleep through anything normally) - he set the alarm to make sure he got me meds on schedule.
I am definitely feeling the exhaustion today - I expect to nap and rest most of the day. However, I did have a half bowl of cheerios this morning - all of which made it successfully to my mouth (hey, eating with half a mouth ain't easy, kids!) Then, Willie helped me with the much awaited shower and SHAMPOO!!!!! I feel SO good now! I am sitting in my comfortable chair, surrounded by my family and husband, cats and dog - life is pretty good. So far, the SSD hasn't bothered me too much - time will tell on this.
I promise pics later (my dad even got one in the Recovery Room!) - I think you'll like what I did with my bonnet - I may be running right up at the head of the pack.
For all you soon-to-be-posties - I will be senind you lots of good vibes and energy and prayers. Remember that the first day is pretty rough, but you will feel better each day. If anyone wants to talk this week, send me a quick PM and I'll respond with phone number.
NYCArtist - tell your fiance she is in great hands and it sounds like she also has a great support system in you. Tell her to practice some deep breathing when she is feeling stressed, pain or nausea - it really helps.
You guys are awesome - all of you!
Your newest Postie - Debbi!!!!!!
