Surgery Recap

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 Friday morning dawned bright and early.  My nerves had me up and in the shower even before the alarm sounded.  

Everything I had worked so hard to visualize came to fruition.  Mike and I arrived at the hospital and were immediately sent upstairs for surgery check-in.  As expected, we waited a bit and then I was called back.  I was feeling much more calm than I had expected.

I had a bevy of visitors while in preop - nurses for the IV, for the nerve block, and the anesthesiologist.  I’m sure there were more but I started to lose track quickly.  The IV was an incredibly easy process and once the “feel good” meds were pumping, I have little recollection of names, faces, or events.  I’m grateful for Mike’s calm demeanor at every single step of the journey.

Eventually, my ortho came back to discuss the surgery and see if I had any last minute questions. Oddly enough for me, I didn’t have a single one.

My bed was wheeled down to the O.R. and the anesthesiologist joked with me on the way that it was time for my choice of cocktail.  Ever predictable, I asked for Bailey’s.  I scooted over onto the operating table and the next memory I have is waking up back in recovery.  So much for the enjoying the Bailey’s!!

Recovery in the hospital is a complete blur with a few exceptions.  Mike - always by my side.  And the room spinning every time I opened my eyes. VERTICALLY!!!  Totally unexpected and I don’t think I’ll ever forget that feeling.

The nausea kicked in as we were getting ready to leave and I’ll be forever grateful to the nurse who helped me through it - and then helped me get dressed afterwards.

We finally arrived home and I was able to begin my long road to recovery.  It was the only time since then that I was able to get on pants.  Shorts are definitely the way to go!




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