Hear the Horn?

[fisher6476]

"please report to the department of outpatient services at 8am Tues Nov 25th for preoperative testing. After this appointment please report to the cardiovascular intensive careunit at 9am. A nurse will go over how to prepare the night before surgery, as well as do some teaching."

OK I'm reminded again that this thing is real, and as a matter of fact I think I can barely hear the blair of some air horns? Anyone see any big trucks coming?

I will talk to you again when I get back from the hospital today.
Steve

 

[fisher6476]

Good Morning Ross,
Why are we up so early? I know people say they have a hard time sleeping post surgery, but I haven't been able to sleep well for a year. Ever hear of sleep trouble being related to valve trouble?
PS: That horn sounded a lot closer than I had hoped!

 

[Ross]

Here is a better Truck Horn! I haven't been able to sleep for crap since surgery. Well I never slept well before, but it seems worse since surgery. I sleep maybe 2 or 3 hours and then I'm up for about that. I sleep when I can, which isn't very often.

 

[fisher6476]

With a horn like that, I won't be able to say I didn't know that truck was headed my way. By The way, I was going to suggest that those critters responsible for the sabotoge of your oxygen be sent to detention camp for a while. Then I saw their pics on one of your posts. They are WAY to cute to send away.

 

[Ross]

That picture was when they were 1 month old. They're 7 going on 8 months now. Still cute but much much bigger.

Let me know how it goes at the hospital.

 

[hensylee]

I saw that truck headin your way, but if you are good at dodging, you'll make it. We really should give that dang truck a name! Instead of 'the truck'. All vehicles have names, don't they. Maybe we can just call it Mack?

 

[Kenny F]

Steve

You can't avoid the truck - you may as well just laugh maniacally and leap in front of it!

It gets very real when you start the appointments. Just keep gathering info, ask questions, be positive and, especially, be really nice and cooperative with the health care providers. Apparently lots (most?) of people are NOT, and they really respond to kindness and respect.

Here's my formula for the day before:

Have a huge and pleasant mid-day meal (you want this stuff out of you before you go in)

Have a light dinner.

Enjoy a good DVD.

We had a nice soak in the jacuzzi, with bubbles, candles and Sinatra (but I had ice water - no alcohol the day before!!!)

The final act is the shower with the soap they give you.

As regards sleeping, I will admit to you this was the first night in my life I did not sleep. I was at peace with what was happening, but I guess it is just too huge of an event.

Day of, repeat the above advice - leap in front of the truck, be nice and conversant and keep waiting for the big moment when they give you the "I don't care drug". After that, you'll wake up with tire tracks across your chest and be 4 days from home.

If you need anything from me, please don't hesitate to ask. It is still fairly fresh and I have a lot of ecouraging outlooks on some of the events.

Good luck!

 

[MarciaB]

Steve,

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you all the way. Maybe you'll get lucky and get hit by the same minivan that got Kenny. Take naps if you can. I've heard that your body knows when it is deprived of REM sleep, and will go directly there first chance it gets. I've been sleeping great since getting the go ahead for surgery, even neck stress-ache went away. Then I noticed my hand creeping up to my neck as I read your post! Good luck and eats lots of turkey.

 

[Karlynn]

Steve,
The truck isn't running you over - it's coming to pick you up and take you to your new life of feeling so much better.

Maybe if you're lucky the truck will have a wet bar!!!!!


Karlynn

 

[fisher6476]

Thanks you guys,
I really appreciate your support. I have to run out and get the final dental work done in a minute. I'll check in tonite. I'm not sure if it was a truck or a minivan that ran in to Kenny. I have heard he had on full body armour. See ya later

 

[Christina L]

God be with you

God be with you

Steve,

Regarding your upcoming surgery, my thoughts and prayers are with you. You will be just fine.

Godspeed.

Christina L
Colorado

 

[fyrfytr]

Hey Steve,
Just want to wish you the best and hope everything goes your way.
I don't think Kenny got hit, he got picked up by a Limousine! So lets hope it picks you up also Steve.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Take Care

Dave
____________________________
Surgery: 4/21/03
Aortic Aneurysm Repair
AVR, with a St. Jude Mechanical

 

[Kenny F]

Alright, alright... it wasn't THAT pleasant! I must have a high pain tolerance (and a good surgeon), and don't forget the last item on my Short Course!

I do feel blessed that it has gone well, a lot of which can be attributed to education. I knew more than I needed and expected far worse than it was.

And each incremental pain was tolerable (tubes, dressings, etc.) and brief. I do not know why my chest does not really hurt (unless I cough or laugh).