Most people have told me that they do not feel a passage of time when they go in for surgery. Although I have no memory of being wheeled out of the O.R. or anything, I was aware that some time had passed, I just didn't realize how much exactly.
I was semi-conscious for about a half hour and the nurse noticed that I was moving around a little bit but my eyes remained closed. My head was quite itchy for whatever reason so I kept scratching it. I had the energy for that, but I still could not bring my eyes open.
Finally I was able to crack them open and the nurse took the opportunity to ask me how my pain was from a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being the most painful. I was able to answer, in an extremely scratchy voice "Six." She nodded her head and gave me some more pain meds. She gave me liquid Vicadin, Larpral it's called or something like that. This stuff knocked me out for another hour! I was out of it, for most of the time, but I would go in and out of consciousness frequently--still needing to scratch my head!
Scotti had gone out to get my prescriptions while I was in recovery, which was very nice and convenient so I wouldn't have to wait in the car or anything if she had gotten it after I had been excused from the hospital. When she arrived back the nurses said I was ready to go, but Scotti looked at them inquisitively as I looked like I was ready to stay in bed all day. They assured her that I would wake up.
I had been given water and several lemon-flavored mouth swabs that stung (which I found out later was because I had gotten a tiny cut on the side of my mouth from having my mouth open during the surgery). Before I could leave I had to take a trip to the rest room.
Scotti helped me dress and we walked across the room. This was difficult for me since I had been lying around for several hours and my legs felt like mush, but I leaned on Scotti and I was able to make it.
We walked back across the recovery room to get my things, which included my jacket and a packet of those lemon swabs for the trip home. My mouth felt extremely dry. In fact, I didn't feel nauseous on the way home in the traditional sense, but Scotti had brought a pot just in case and I held onto it, but I only felt unsettled because my mouth was dry. I just kept swabbing it and I was able to make it back to Palos Verdes where Scotti's house is.
I went straight to bed and I slept off and on that day. I did wake up to take my medicine (I have Tylenol with Codeine and an antibiotic that is supposed to be strawberry flavored but tastes like mangos to me) and I ended up having a few hours here and there where I was awake but not well enough to get up. So I read "The Last Lecture" by Randy Pausch. It was a good book with a lot of good lessons. I had so many ice chips, it is unbelievable! They help reduce the swelling.
Everytime I would wake up, it seems like I would find another electrode that they left on my body from the surgery. They are throwaway electrode stickers, but it was like a hunt to find all of them, especially when I would come across them when I was only half-awake. It's amazing how much energy it seemed to take for me to peel them off.
Wednesday I had enough energy to shower and that made me feel so much better, you have no idea. I was expecting to have so much more pain, as Dr. Rice had said the day after surgery would be the worst day. That Tylenol with Codeine must do the trick for me because I felt pain, but it was managable. I layed on the couch most of the day, watching "Australia" and "The Majestic". I had ice chips most of the day, but I was able to have a few popsicles.
I felt well enough to sit with Scotti and her husband and one of her sons for dinner, although I ate a popsicle instead of a real meal. There is no way I can have regular food. I am on a soft food diet for 2 weeks and even yogurt seems too thick for me to want to swallow. We'll see how I feel.
Today my throat was in more pain than the day before and I am more fatigued. I've been keeping up with the ice chips, which help to keep the swelling down. It feels as if there is something in the back of my throat but that is just the swelling. I felt very weak this morning, but I figured it was that I hadn't had anything to eat, so I had a raspberry flavored popsicle and felt better.
I'm going home tomorrow. My friend, Stephanie, will be coming to help me home. I'm not sure if I'll be up to driving so she'll either drive me or she'll follow me home. We'll see how I feel.
I really feel that I am blessed by so many people who have offered to pray for me. I truly believe that is why I am doing so much better than expected. I am still tired, so I'll be heading to bed soon.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
UPPP Surgery Experience
Yesterday I had the UPPP surgery. I stayed over at Scotti and Rich Steip's on Monday night because we (Scotti and I) had to leave at 7am to get there by 8am, for a scheduled surgery time of 10am.
Traffic wasn't too bad on the way there, which was fortunate for us. Right after we got there, my sister, Erika called me and the kids each individually prayed for me and Erika ended the prayer for my quick healing. It was really sweet. Erika's children are such prayer warriors!
We didn't have much of a wait before I talked with the surgery clerk, who went over my costs for the surgery and other odds and ends. They put a medical/hospital bracelet on me and had a guy lead me and Scotti up to the 4th floor pre-op room. I had to get changed into the hospital gown and then I talked to the pre-op nurse who asked me a ton of questions.
I felt really confident in Dr. Rice (who was performing the surgery) because several nurses asked how I was referred to him and confirmed that he is the best surgeon in the area.
I then talked to the attending doctor who went over the surgical procedure with me again so that it was apparent I was well informed. Next was the anesthesia doctor, Dr. Daniel, who was a nice older gentleman who sort of reminded me of the quaker oatmeal guy (can't remember his name) but with whiter hair. I also had a chat with his attending who had a cute ladybug patterned surgery cap.
Finally Dr. Rice was out of the surgery right before mine and we chatted for a bit. He told me I'd have a blazing sore throat for a couple of days but that I shouldn't try to be a hero. It doesn't heal faster without the pain meds.
The anestheia attending and the surgical nurse wheeled me to O.R. 24. On the way, the attending asked if I wanted some "happy meds" on the way. I said "Sure." She asked me to tell her when I knew it was working and I answered "Well, I'm smiling for no apparent reason so it must be!" We arrived at O.R. 24 where the attending surgeon and the anestheisologist were already prepping. I said a prayer before I moved to the operating table and realized Erika was right--it is a very thin table!
As they strapped me in and attached electrodes to me, they discussed Avalox, the antibiotic that gave me hives a few years ago. They were discussing how they wished all these drugs were generic so they didn't have to figure out what these fancy marketing names really meant! Then the anestheisologist commented that I had very fair skin and that's the last thing I remember!
I'll post how post-op was tomorrow. It's medtime which means bedtime!
Traffic wasn't too bad on the way there, which was fortunate for us. Right after we got there, my sister, Erika called me and the kids each individually prayed for me and Erika ended the prayer for my quick healing. It was really sweet. Erika's children are such prayer warriors!
We didn't have much of a wait before I talked with the surgery clerk, who went over my costs for the surgery and other odds and ends. They put a medical/hospital bracelet on me and had a guy lead me and Scotti up to the 4th floor pre-op room. I had to get changed into the hospital gown and then I talked to the pre-op nurse who asked me a ton of questions.
I felt really confident in Dr. Rice (who was performing the surgery) because several nurses asked how I was referred to him and confirmed that he is the best surgeon in the area.
I then talked to the attending doctor who went over the surgical procedure with me again so that it was apparent I was well informed. Next was the anesthesia doctor, Dr. Daniel, who was a nice older gentleman who sort of reminded me of the quaker oatmeal guy (can't remember his name) but with whiter hair. I also had a chat with his attending who had a cute ladybug patterned surgery cap.
Finally Dr. Rice was out of the surgery right before mine and we chatted for a bit. He told me I'd have a blazing sore throat for a couple of days but that I shouldn't try to be a hero. It doesn't heal faster without the pain meds.
The anestheia attending and the surgical nurse wheeled me to O.R. 24. On the way, the attending asked if I wanted some "happy meds" on the way. I said "Sure." She asked me to tell her when I knew it was working and I answered "Well, I'm smiling for no apparent reason so it must be!" We arrived at O.R. 24 where the attending surgeon and the anestheisologist were already prepping. I said a prayer before I moved to the operating table and realized Erika was right--it is a very thin table!
As they strapped me in and attached electrodes to me, they discussed Avalox, the antibiotic that gave me hives a few years ago. They were discussing how they wished all these drugs were generic so they didn't have to figure out what these fancy marketing names really meant! Then the anestheisologist commented that I had very fair skin and that's the last thing I remember!
I'll post how post-op was tomorrow. It's medtime which means bedtime!
Insurance Issues
Monday night I had a last minute problem with insurance approval process. I had turned in my sleep study to the scheduling nurse and when she talked to Blue Shield they told her she didn't need to fax the report over to them. That was two weeks before the surgery, so they waited until the day before to tell the scheduling nurse that I wasn't approved. Mona called to tell me that I'd have to reschedule if she couldn't convince them to expedite it.
Thankfully right after I got off the phone with Mona, my sister, Erika called. She has had to deal with a lot of insurance people over the years and so she gave me the advice that I should call the insurance company myself so that there are two people making the request so they can't ignore you.
So, that's what I did. The first woman I talked to, Lorraine, who Mona had talked to earlier in the day, was very rude. I started explaining the situation and she said in a snotty tone, "You are my 86th call so you're going to have to give me your ID number." So, I gave it to her, even though I was taken aback. I asked to speak to a supervisor and her response before transferring me over was "If it makes you feel better."
Instead of getting angry I stayed calm and was transferred to a woman named Sue who was very professional. I explained the situation and she asked for my number and asked whether I wanted a call back or to be put on hold. I opted to be put on hold, since that would be added pressure to look into my situation immediately.
Mona was on the line with another insurance woman--reading the sleep study results over the phone before that woman finally had her fax it to her. They were able to get me the confirmation code at 4:45pm and let me tell you how relieved I was!
Since I am a single woman, I had to arrange for someone to take care of me (my sister's mother-in-law, Scotti) and she is going out of town on Friday. I don't have a spouse or close family that can use sick time to take care of me so rescheduling the surgery would have been inconvenient. Not to mention that I timed my surgery so my absence at work would be felt minimally by my coworkers.
I was saying thank you LORD when I got the approval!
Thankfully right after I got off the phone with Mona, my sister, Erika called. She has had to deal with a lot of insurance people over the years and so she gave me the advice that I should call the insurance company myself so that there are two people making the request so they can't ignore you.
So, that's what I did. The first woman I talked to, Lorraine, who Mona had talked to earlier in the day, was very rude. I started explaining the situation and she said in a snotty tone, "You are my 86th call so you're going to have to give me your ID number." So, I gave it to her, even though I was taken aback. I asked to speak to a supervisor and her response before transferring me over was "If it makes you feel better."
Instead of getting angry I stayed calm and was transferred to a woman named Sue who was very professional. I explained the situation and she asked for my number and asked whether I wanted a call back or to be put on hold. I opted to be put on hold, since that would be added pressure to look into my situation immediately.
Mona was on the line with another insurance woman--reading the sleep study results over the phone before that woman finally had her fax it to her. They were able to get me the confirmation code at 4:45pm and let me tell you how relieved I was!
Since I am a single woman, I had to arrange for someone to take care of me (my sister's mother-in-law, Scotti) and she is going out of town on Friday. I don't have a spouse or close family that can use sick time to take care of me so rescheduling the surgery would have been inconvenient. Not to mention that I timed my surgery so my absence at work would be felt minimally by my coworkers.
I was saying thank you LORD when I got the approval!
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Finally an Official Church Member
Even though I've been attending King's Harbor Church since I came back to California (Sept. 2002) tonight was the first time I ever signed up to be a church member (at any church) and actually attended a church meeting.
It was a really good meeting. It started with a pot luck dinner and then the meeting portion was fun and informational.
The new group that I started with Nicole, Lisa, Darcy and Bryan, B.A.S.I.C. Brothers and Sisters in Christ, was introduced tonight. We all stood up and Chris (the pastor) mentioned some of the events we are doing. It is very grass roots but we are all excited about it!
Tuesday is my surgery and although I am a little fearful of the pain, I feel very blessed by the community that has surrounded me during this time. Thank the Lord Almighty!
It was a really good meeting. It started with a pot luck dinner and then the meeting portion was fun and informational.
The new group that I started with Nicole, Lisa, Darcy and Bryan, B.A.S.I.C. Brothers and Sisters in Christ, was introduced tonight. We all stood up and Chris (the pastor) mentioned some of the events we are doing. It is very grass roots but we are all excited about it!
Tuesday is my surgery and although I am a little fearful of the pain, I feel very blessed by the community that has surrounded me during this time. Thank the Lord Almighty!
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Tax Revolt 2009 Rally
Today I met up with my friend, Angie, and her friend, Paula, to drive to Fullerton (about a 45 min. drive east from where we live) to attend the Tax Revolt 2009 Rally by the Slidebar Cafe.It was a miracle that we were able to find a parking spot--the traffic was crazy and there were limited spaces so close to the rally. According to the police, an estimated 10,000-15,000 protestors attended the rally.
Angie and Paula had created the greatest signs for us the hold up. One said "Turncoats" with cutouts of coats and teabags taped to the banner and the other one said "Terminate the Terminator!" There is an effort here to recall Schwartzenegger.
Here we are exercising our 1st amendment right!
There were so many creative signs that people brought:
This person took old movie posters of Arnold and changed the names from "Last Action Hero" to "Lip Action Zero". It also has a fake pig's head stapled to it with money sticking out of it's ears and snout.
This crazy picture was the biggest sign out there:
Protesting is hard work because I was starting to get back pain, so I had to sit on a curb to rest it. 
Because my back was hurting, I decided to brave weeding my way to the outer area through the crowds. After about 10 minutes, I finally made it to the outside where I found several informational booths as well as fun and games booths.Here is the Political Trader Shoe Toss:
The original campaign was called "Heads on a Stick" so that is what you are seeing here. Arnold, however is skewered by the Conan the Barbarian sword. He's special. ;-)
Here is the Flush-a-Nator, where people went in, sat down and got soaked!
This is a game where you have to try to get over the hump (of taxes) without having the bowling ball come back!
Saw this guy on the way out:
We heard later, he was beheaded with the sword. Here we are
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Nervous
I'm starting to get nervous about my surgery. My friend, Seona, shared her experience getting her tonsilectomy and it scared me half to death! I pray that I am a quick healer!
Smile Detection
A few weeks ago I went to Griffith Park for a hike. While we were at the highest point with the "Ollywoo" view, my friend, Darcy was about to take a picture when Chris asked if Darcy's camera had a smile detector. Nicole immediately said, "You are kidding around! There is no such thing!" Darcy concurred and asked me and also Gretchen. Neither of us had heard of it. Chris kept saying "No...really it's available now." Nicole's response was "I may be blonde, but I'm not dumb!"
Darcy looked through all of her camera options and discovered she does have a smile detection option. So, she tested it out. After putting it on that setting she didn't touch the camera and had us frown and then smile and sure enough it took a picture when it detected smiles! We have no idea how it works, but it does!
I was laughing at Nicole (next to me) and Darcy. Gretchen is doing the non-smiling thing during this picture!
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