Yes. I’m Actually Having My Eighth Surgery
Today, technically since it’s already passed midnight, I will be undergoing my Eighth Surgery! That’s eight in less than 6 and a half years.
PRE-OP & COVID
Friday I went to my presurgical exam and had my 1st official COVID-19 test. I’ve had staph infection tests, which are similar so I thought I was prepared. Note: I said “thought”. Eeesh! Everyone was right. That COVID swab is no joke! Unpleasant is an understatement!
Since again, I thought I was prepared I didn’t worry much. That’s definitely the mindset you should stay with before getting that thin, little thing shoved up your nose!
WARNING: Do not get that test if you’re tense. With all my stress lately, my body is constantly tense. The test came after a few hours in the hospital and just before I could head home. All I wanted was to get home, put the day behind me and veg out on my couch!
So, being tired, cranky and stressed out, my body was in no way relaxed. I literally almost hit the poor nurse administering the tests. Completely and involuntary my hand just struck out, almost hitting that amazing #healthcarehero!
Better than being positive for the virus, of course.
She said, “It happens all the time!” My God, if you thought your job was hard try hers for like an hour!
Anyway, as I knew already I’m officially COVID-free. Let’s keep it that way!
EIGHT IS NOT SO GREAT!
While this eighth surgery is nowhere near as complex as all the past ones, I’m not going to minimize the seriousness of it.
I’ll still have to lay in a pre-op bed, awaiting the IV line. Getting pricked for about the 100th thine. Good times.
Then I’ll meet the anesthesiologist who is one of the most important people in your life at that moment. That individual has literally chosen to take your life into their hands. You’ve only met for about 3 minutes. Nevertheless, you in turn have chosen to put your life into their hands!
Then, the anxiety of more waiting. Finally, someone will once again roll me into an O.R. It’s not like TV. it’s not glamorous. It’s “ordered chaos”. I HATE the feeling in an O.R. Every single person is trying to be calm,cool and collected, yet “buzzing” at the same time.
Then, I’ll lay and wait to nod off to sleep
Fingers crossed all goes well and I’ll be asleep in my own bed this time tonight 🙏
Eight surgeries seems like a fair amount, are they like one a year or more frequently? I’m assuming all went well?
I guess it depends on how you define “fair”. If in the context of a lot of surgeries, Yes. If in the context of reasonable or normal, not at all.
I skipped 2018 but made up for it with 2 in 2019.
The last surgery on August 24th went as expected but I wound up in the ER 2 days later due to complications with swelling in my lil ole brain again. 🙄
Not even making it 24 hours before having to have more surgery or was that treatable with non surgical treatments?
I guess it depends on how you define “fair”. If in the context of a lot of surgeries, Yes. If in the context of reasonable or normal, not at all.
I skipped 2018 but made up for it with 2 in 2019.
The last surgery on August 24th went as expected but I wound up in the ER 2 days later due to complications with swelling in my lil ole brain again
I hope you are recovering well from your surgery at this point. You are strong for going through all of the surgeries. Sending you all of the hopes for the strength you need to power through it all. It is hard, rest well! Have a great weekend!
Nancy ✨ exquisitely.me
Thank you so much, Nancy. I’m doing pretty well now.
We’re all strong! If I’ve mentioned before my apologies, but this disease either strikes the strongest of us or just makes us that much stronger.
I hope you’re doing well too. I know you recently had surgery.
I recently had a scope done & can relate to the pre-op feelings. You are a strong, brave woman! You got this!!!!!