I thought I had it all together...

[TomS]

Two cents more

Two cents more

Take the advice given and tell them to knock you out immediately, first thing. I was given an IV when I walked into the OR and was out within 30 seconds. This will be the easiest part, at least from a physical standpoint. Don't let the waking up part scare you because you won't feel very much at all because of the morphine. Just use the knowledge that you've gained to set your expectations and have your head together when you open your eyes. Despite the circumstance, that's won't be such a bad thing either!
Best of luck.
Tom

 

[baldstuart]

No worries. My husband only remembers "heres something to relax you"! He doesn't remember the swan cath or anything. He even asked if I was there a couple of days later. LOL It will all be fine and we will be here when you safely return. Ours prayers are with you Monday.

 

[SteveK]

I have to agree with the others that there is no reason you should have anything other than an I.V. before you are out. The last thing I remember was getting a cocktail inserted through the I.V.
My wife tells me that when they were ready to take me away, she gave me a little kiss, and I said "Hey give me some tongue!" I guess everyone in the room cracked up and it made her feel a little better letting me go. I don't remember any of this or anything else until after the surgery.
Like you I was worried about a lot of things prior to surgery; as I read account after account of stories concerning the breathing tube, the chest tubes and many other nasty things. I am not making light of any of these things, they all suck!, but at least for me, none of them turned out to be as bad as I feared. Take as many drugs as they will let you, and hang in there, and they will slowly remove things from your body each day. Before you know it you'll be back home and completely wireless and tubeless!

 

[gadgetman]

Andy,

As I was in ICU for four days prior to my operation because my heart-lung pressures were too high. That is one thing the Swan device is used to measure. Because of this, I had it inserted just a few hours after arriving in ICU. They gave me plenty of "happy juice" and with local deadening I felt nothing.

However, about 2 hours later I was informed that a urinary cath had been ordered. This would normally be put in while I was doped up for the swan device but "someone overlooked it". She said it was too soon to give me any more "happy juice" but she would be as gentle as possible. IS THAT POSSIBLE WITH A FOUR INCH (WELL, MAYBE NOT THAT BIG) PLASTIC TUBE BEING PUT UP YOUR------- . Sorry ladies but AIN'T NOTHING supposed to be put in that direction in a MAN. That was not fun. Removal later was not as bad.

As most have said, almost nothing I feared before surgery turned out to be as bad as I had imagined. They will make as much effort possible to minimize your discomfort because it makes their job easier too. Just let them know UP FRONT what you want. You will be waking up in ICU looking forward to your recovery and improved life.

Prayers and good thoughts are coming your way for your climb up the mountain. Try to have someone post to let us know how you do.

May God Bless,

Danny

 

[joanne6]

Pain in the neck

Pain in the neck

I did not even think about the Swan or ?Cordis that would be put in. I also had a preop with an anesthesiologist who mentioned how good they all were at getting the needle into the neck on the first try. I don't think they realize that this is not what you do every day, even if they do. I was long asleep before they did anything with my neck. Only had an IV line put in the preop area.
I was awake and aware when they took the lines out of my neck but there was no pain with that. I also have 2 small scars on the L side of my neck. They are fading and not tender.
As everyone else has said-tell them you want to be out before they put in any lines except the IV.
Joanne

 

[GaryReece]

Hi Athul

Hi Athul

When I went in for my surgery they gave me a shot and I was out like a light. After I was out then they inserted the heart cath in my neck and all the other tubes, hoses, and IV's. The only thing I remember is how cold the operating room was when they wheeled me in. I honestly dont think they will treat you any different. Good luck to you on the 5th. You are in all of our thoughts and prayers.
Gary