I never thought to myself "I made it" because I never really doubted that I would. When I first cracked an eye open after surgery, it felt like I would imagine a roller coaster on acid would. Shut my eye again quickly. I certainly didn't feel like eating but never vomited. Whatever I had in the IV (morphine, maybe) for pain made me very itchy. I was semiconscious at best and ended up blowing the IVs because I was scratching everywhere. If I ever have future surgeries (which I hope to avoid), I plan to make sure that Benadryl is on the med list if needed.
The ICU was full so I spent the night in the OR Recovery room. This was WONDERFUL! I was the only person there all night and had 3 bored nurses at my beck and call. They brought be ice chips (instantly upon request) and gave me a sponge bath in the bed because I'd been so hot & sweaty. For some reason I was very, very hot, even though the room is kept very cool. Also, that night there was a storm and lightening hit the hospital and knocked out the air conditioning. The only rooms on the generator for air conditioning were the OR and OR Recovery Room - Yay! Sometimes things work out.
Best wishes to all upcoming posties!
Tam