My surgery on was Thursday, October 14, 2010. Surprisingly, I was asked to leave the hospital on Sunday, October 17, 2010. That is not a typo. I was shocked when my doctor recommended that I discharge as early as three days after surgery, especially since my post-surgery pain had barely begun to be managed within the previous 24 hours.
I doubt anyone in their right mind actually wants to be an in-patient at the hospital. I’m sure there are quite a number of people in their right mind who are apprehensive about leaving the hospital after major surgery. I’ve been evaluated and given my walking papers. WTF? Really?
Just like when our training wheels were removed, we knew we did not need them even though we were scared we’d crash without them. Was being an in-patient my training wheels I was afraid to remove?
After having a longer discussion with my doctor, we decided I’d check out on Monday, October 18, 2010, stay at the hotel an extra day to be near the Mayo in case anything unexpected happened. And then begin the drive home on Tuesday, October 19, 2010. One way or another, my training wheels were coming off before I wanted.
The Long Drive Home
The drive home should take 10-11 hours. This drive took two days because we had to stop every hour or so to let me out and walk for a few minutes. The intermittent walking helps to keep blood-clots from forming. The unexpected benefit of stopping so often is you get to see quite a number of interesting people.
After a painfully uncomfortable 10 hours of driving and walking and people watching and driving, we finally stopped for the day in Kansas City.
Our one night stay over in Kansas City was supposed to be a respite. Yet, my pain meds really didn’t feel like they were helping as much as before. The gut-wrenching pains in my stomach and bowels were like I had swallowed spurs and they were being tossed about like lottery balls. My intestine was furiously trying to kick-start itself.
Did you realize that your intestine will actually stop working during a surgery like mine? One of the nurses explained that when the intestine is exposed to the outside world, it “goes to sleep”. After everything is put back in place, the intestine slowly begins to wake up. Piece by piece. Section by section. And each re-awaking screamed and clawed its way back to life; at least that’s the way it feels to me.
Perhaps it was the anticipation of finally being home and getting things back on track. Maybe it was because I had doubled up on my pain meds. Whatever the case, day 2 of our drive home seemed to go much better than the first day.
Finally Home
I’ve been home now for around 5 days. The anticipation I had previously felt about being home quickly turned into constant pain, frustration and sleepless days and nights.
I realize I sound like a whiny little cuss right now. Don’t get me wrong, I am as giddy as a child at a playground that my surgery has gone so well. The aftermath of the surgery has really taken a toll on me, though. If I sound negative, well, I may be just a bit. I think that’s understandable.
These past couple of months have felt like years. Things I did last month feel a lifetime ago. And right now feels like I am home. Regardless if I feel like ass right now, I’m still home!
Thanks for listening.