I'm sitting in my hospital room, waiting for a chest x-ray, and to speak with my surgeon and the anesthesiologist. I thought I was going to be able to go home and sleep in my own my bed tonight but... not going to happen. I had a bunch of breathing tests early this morning. My mom took a sexy picture of me sucking on a tube. I also was told I needed a blood draw from an artery, not a vein, which is a tad painful (so I was told.). It wasn't that bad, until the tech couldn't actually
get an artery so he started wiggling the needle in and out and up and down. I almost passed out. He tried one more time, and then thankfully called in a blood-gas tech to do it for him. She got it on the first try. Now both my wrists are bruised. Oh well. It will prepare me for the coming week of "fun" times. After that, I checked into the Heart & Lung unit as a "pre-Thor" patient and am stuck here until after the surgery. I've had an EKG, bloodwork, urine test, glucose check, watched an "informative" video on recovering from heart surgery, a tour of the thoracic ICU, spoke with a PA, RN, and respiratory therapist. It's been a busy day. Tonight I'm losing whatever side and back hair I have, and taking a shower with antiseptic soap. Tomorrow I take another shower with the same soap, get an IV put in my artery, then surgery is scheduled for 1:30pm. It will take 4-5 hours to complete, then I'll be moved to the thoracic ICU for a day or two, then on to the main floor for the rest of my stay.
I apologize if any of this post seems somewhat humorous or sarcastic. It's the best way my mom and I are dealing with the stress of the unknown. We are laughing a lot, but it's mostly nervous giggles. Better to laugh than to cry. Can't wait for this to be over.
Jamie (aka the pin cushion)
7 comments:
Laughing is the best way to handle stress -- wish I were better at it. You are in our prayers!
It's awesome that you are keeping everyone so well informed so we can know exactly what you're going through. Ouch on them trying to search for an artery, I can't even stand when they don't get a regular old vein on the first try.
We were so glad to hear the news below that they abdominal scan came out clear! They should use your photo to advertise their yummy yellow product for the scan! the first picture makes it look so nice :)
With laughter being one of the best medicines, you'll have no problem getting better....thanks for sharing your journey!
You can be humorous or sarcastic or whatever you want. Just get better quickly! Thanks for keeping us up to date. We love you! Hang in there. We'll be praying for you tomorrow.
I was so sorry to see that you are facing this, but it sounds like you have just the right attitude. Good luck with your surgery!
They say laughter is the best medicine and it takes less muscles to smile then to frown so your on the right track! You and the fam will be in our prayers. Can't wait to hear all the hilarious comments during your speedy recovery
Jamie,
Sending our love and thoughts. Love your thoughts as well. Thank you. God speed a healthy recovery!
Michelle Doherty
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