Sunday, March 28, 2010

The Kat is Back!


Well kinda of any way. I've been pre-posting a lot of book reviews, CD and DVD's in my blogging absence and while trying to recover. So many of you were thinking I was up and about already back to blogging. Mentally I am but physically not quite there yet.

Steve was super great when I begged asked him to update my blog while he was waiting. I had a chance today to review all your wonderful comments and well wishes and have to say Thank you even though it seems so soft. I want to scream it from the heavens. It's funny when you have those missing hours of your life where you don't know what is going on and then to look back at Steve's blog and see WOW that is where all the time went.

Here's an update:

I went into surgery feeling tired of not sleeping well the night before, not due to anxiety but because I was afraid we'd over sleep or the alarm wasn't set that I'd miss my surgery. So every so often I would wake up and ask poor Steve what time it was. Turns out it was almost every hour on the hour til we had to get up.

I went with absolutely no anxiety or stress that whole morning. No real worries at all. I kept praying that every time I would feel it come, that God would whisk it away.

We got to the hospital at 5am and I was taken in to PreOp at 5:30am. They run through all your paperwork, have you get in your hospital gown, cover your head and feet with these wonderful blue paper things and go to the restroom one final time. I was then given some warm comfy blankets and the remote to the TV if I wanted to view it while I waited. At 7:15am, my doctor arrived and asked how breakfast was, and I responded that my pain meds at 12am were wonderful!

He said he was waiting for my anesthesiologist to arrive and we should be ready in about 10 minutes. I got to meet my OR nurse Bonnie who was super nice. At 7:30am my anesthesiologist arrived and had me sign a consent form and told me I would be given all my drugs in the OR!

So they wheeled me down the hall, I said good bye to Steve and asked him to journal my time, (what a blogger huh?) and they wheeled me just a few doors down into a icy cold blue OR. WOW TV really doesn't do these rooms justice. They are like 5 times the size you see on TV in real life.

Everyone said Hi and told me I needed to get on the OR table. I joked and said this would be my first Olympic Event, the OR table jump, and then said, Now I understand why you get the heated blankets, its super cold in here.

They covered me up and my anesthesiologist said, now come the drugs, and I said just make sure I don't remember anything and feel no pain. I don't remember anything until I woke up in the Recovery Room feeling like I was cut in half and I could hardly talk. I had an oxygen mask over my face and was trying to wake up and speak loud enough for the nurse to hear me say PAIN! It was the only thought I could get out of my head. I was shaking uncontrollably and she said she was going to give me something to make that stop.

I just kept saying Pain, and she said, she wouldn't be able to give me anything else for 10 minutes so I had to be patient. She said they were trying to get me out of the Recovery Area and up to my room so I could feel much better.

Shortly after that, I remember them bringing me into my room (private thanks Jesus) and asking if I could move to the other bed, I told them No, so they moved me onto the regular bed and took away my other sheets and gave me more warm blankets.

At that point my room nurse came in and hooked up my IV and pain meds so I could administer them as I needed every 10 minutes (thanks Jesus). They told me where I was and what to do if I needed anything.

I didn't realize I would receive a catheter to help me in this process and was the first question I asked was when that could go. I was told tomorrow morning. Nice!

At that point my brother came in, and set down some flowers he brought and asked how I was feeling. I told him not well, in a lot of pain, and that I had made it! When he saw my pain meds he joked if he could have some too! I told him, I was going to be selfish and not share.

Steve then joined us at that point where I learned all the details of what I had missed. That the doctor did find that my uterus was movable and therefore should be easy to take out, but later found out that is was really infected and disintegrating on the back side which no one could have seen. Not only that but the left ovary was covered with a cyst and completely encased with endometrial tissue that is bound itself to anything and everything it could including my colon and bladder. It was at this point during surgery that he was asked by the attending doctor and nurses if he was going to open me up for the typical hysterectomy and he said No he wanted to go slow and try it this way first.

It turned out it took much longer but he was able to complete this surgery laproscopicly which meant no stitches and I was just derma bonded with glue in three places on my abdomen. I do have stitches on the inside where I had my uterus removed but other than they he felt I should keep my right ovary since in time when menopause came it would take care of any other issues with the possibility of cysts or tissue on that ovary. It was fine except for a small cyst. (Thanks Jesus again!)

I spent the next 23 hours recovering with some great nurses and a wonderful hospital that catered to all my needs. At 12:30pm I was wheeled out of the hospital and headed home on a drive I knew would really test my ability to endure.

It was the roughness of the roads in the mini-van I had chosen to rent thinking it would offer me a much smoother ride, but it didn't. I was able to recline back because my waist was still bent with my legs having to sit up so high on these seats. They were too high.

Not only that after riding in these types of rough roads and freeways out here,( let me tell you that Obama and our governor are not spending the money on repairing out here in California), for almost 2 hours I felt every bump and rough spot in my stomach like an over inflated water balloon.

On top of that, my bladder was so full from the catheter that I had to go to the bathroom so bad I think my eyes were bulging from my head. I seriously could not get home fast enough. That is where Steve got the brunt of what I was feeling. I mean did he seriously know how much pain I was in, despite tears pouring down my face and sobbing. I could not get out of the van fast enough and could not pull myself out of the van because we were parked on an incline on the driveway so gravity was pulling me to the seat and I wanted OUT!

Once I got to the bathroom and upstairs in bed, and completely loaded up on pain meds, I was much better. I think I even apologized to Steve but honestly he really had no idea how much pain I was in, and he moved even slowly to accommodate my needs to get in bed.

Ah but after 2 full days of being home, I am better in some areas and not so much in others. I still feel like I could rip open my tears in my stomach just by getting in and out of bed. That is still my biggest challenge. Showers take their toll on me too and wear me out. No one likes going to bed with wet hair. So I have to at least dry it.

So now that you have all got my side of things, I need to say thanks! Thanks to all those wonderful prayers that kept me covered in God's protection and comfort because I was never afraid of anything. I am thankful I got my private room, great nurses, pain meds on request, and a short time in the hospital as well as laproscopic surgery even though it really tested my doctor.

I even joked when he came to see me, and he asked if my hubby had told me how difficult this surgery was, my comment to him was, "Didn't you say you like challenges?" The look on his face was priceless because you could see that this was more difficult than anything he ever wanted to experience. I just chalk that up to my prayer with my doctor prior to surgery. Even though he said it would be OK, I asked if we could pray anyway. We did, and God answered. Yes, without a doubt, God does answer each and every prayer!

One last piece of news is my book giveaway winners for book pack one and two are:

Anne Phamilyblog won book pack number 1
Alleluiabelle at Humble As I Go won book pack number 2.

Congratulations to all my wonderful winners and may God receive all the glory from all of this. Praise God to the Highest! Hallelujah!

36 comments:

Mari said...

It's so good to hear from you! The worst is done, now it's just more healing to go through.
I remember waking up in recovery shaking too. It's an awful feeling. When I had my hysterectomy, I had to have an incision so it really bothered me when moving and getting up. I didn't have all the adhesion's and other internal issues you did though.
I'll keep praying for a quick recovery!

Debbie Petras said...

I'm so glad you're home and recuperating. I just know you're going to feel better after this. I had the same thing for endometriosis. They also left one of my ovaries and it was so much better as you don't go into menopause immediately after surgery. It's much easier to adjust this way. I can tell you that I've felt SO MUCH better after the surgery. I pray that you will too.

Praying for you,
Debbie

Mich said...

Hope you continue to mend quickly and feel good soon.

prayers and blessings...

Just Be Real said...

Oh wow Kat! What an ordeal! Thank you for taking the time to share what you went through. Oh, to be home in familiar surroundings I am sure was wonderful. Steve is a wonderful man and support for you. Keep on healing dear one. Blessings.

Parsley said...

I just cringed when I read this. I hope you feel better quickly. Maybe you'll eventually feel painfree now!

Thena said...

No wonder you have been in such extreme pain for so long. Get plenty of rest and don't rush it.
Thoughts and prayers.

SusanD said...

Hey Kat, It's great to hear from you and learn you are on the road to recovery. Still praying here...for you there. Blessings, SusanD

~from my front porch in the mountains~ said...

Glad you are home and resting!
You are so lucky to have had a Lapi! No hip to hip huge scar like me!!!
email when you are up to it!
xo, misha

Danae Hudson said...

Good to hear from you!!! I hope that soon everything feels better :)

LV said...

Kat, there are no words that could express how glad I am you made it though all this. Lord know surly after all you have gone through with the surgery and still a long way to go, things will get better. It will not be easy. Be strong and keep your faith. In no time you will be thankful you did this. Life is too short to live it in pain.

Samantha said...

So glad you are home. Praying you have a quick comfortable recovery dear friend.
Hugs and blessings to you !

Andrea said...

PRAISING GOD with you!! I am a bit behind, but will be sending you a package this week...hope it will cheer you up just a little!

Hugs, andrea

PS: While you are continuing to recover please pray for Lisa. I have posted an update on arise 2 write. I am outraged....her insurance company is denying to pay for the surgery she had or the future treatment she needs.

RCUBEs said...

I'm so glad it's over and continuing to pray for your recovery sister Kat! I know what you mean with those OR rooms. And it is freezing in there! Ouch! I could just imagine what you had gone through going home. Just get plenty of rest and may the Lord cover you with His protection. God bless.

He & Me + 3 said...

Praying that you have a quick recovery and that you will be back to better than normal.
Hugs,
Mimi

Kim @ Homesteader's Heart said...

Oh my friend. It is so nice to hear from you. I'm praying for a quick recovery. And I admire your sense of humor through it all. You are in inspiration.

HUGS
Kim

Terry said...

Howdy Kat
Praise be to God for your beautiful blogging love !
I am so glad you are able to share your take on things .
I am truly relieved to hear you are on the mend.
I will continue to lift you up in prayers sweetie !
Have a wonderful Easter week full of healing ,love,laughter and abiding joy to you and yours.
Gentle Hugs with love from Texas
Happy Trails

Alleluiabelle said...

Hi Sweet Friend,

I haven't been making it around to blogs much, but I saw you on here so I had to come and say I'm so happy that this surgery is over with and now you are on the mend. Praise God prayers were answered and you WILL be pain free. I'm so glad that you didn't have to endure the pelvic cut from one side to the other, it's horrible as that is what I had done. Any way you look at it, it's not a pleasant surgery to have to go through.

I love you sweet friend.

I was so surprised to see that I won the second pack of your give-away. That surely lifted my spirits as I am going through a difficult time right now.

Again, love you so much dear one.

Hugs,
Alleluiabelle

Four Buttons said...

Hi Kat!! Praise God for a great surgery requiring no stitches, I didn't even know that was possible!! Glad to hear it all went well., You are so strong to manage the incredible pain you must be in! I will continue to lift you up in prayer during the recovery! Thanks for keeping us all updated on it all :) Hugs, Lindsey

Dogmom Diva said...

Oh Kat so happy all went well, you are indeed fortunate to have had the uterus, et al..removed by lap. I had my hyst in 1999 vaginally and both are such an easier recovery..you will be up and around soon. I told Steve that when you are recovered in a few weeks I will be up to see you girl. so thanks to God for prayers answered!
Also, congrats to Anne and Alleluiabelle for their winning the books!
hugs
Barb

Rita said...

Glad to have you back and it's wonderful that God answers prayers! Hang in there and it will get better! Love ya!

Skoots1moM said...

congrats on surviving that surgery...had my hysterectomy in June/2008...and it's been a long road to recovery but so glad i'm not in pain any longer and no longer anemic.
Our prayers WERE answered for you. May you continue to get stronger each day and feel better and better :)

Anonymous said...

It's so good to read you Kat! I'm really happy that all went well and that God answered all of your prayers!

Take it slow, and give your body the time it needs to recover from this.

God bless you and may the healing process be quick.

xxx

Wendi said...

Good to hear from you! So glad that things are going well. I know some times are still tough, but hang in there. My mil says she feels like a new women about a month after her surgery!

Charlotte said...

Hi Kat -- Thanks for update. We've all been worried. It sounds like you've been through a battle that would make the best of us cringe. But thank goodness for pain med's! So don't skimp on or try and play braveheart, just allow others to care for you. Even if that involves having Steve dry your hair and/or serve TV dinners for next few weeks. So cuddle up and get's lots of rest as you allow your body to recover. The blog world will be here when you return.

Blessings,
Charlotte

Tea with Tiffany said...

Hi Kat,

Welcome back..So thankful you are recovering. Being away with family on spring break made it hard for me to check my emails and the blogs. My parents didn't have wireless. And my husband's computer was slow. Anyway, sending you more get well wishes. I hope you are no longer going to deal with the pain you've had. Lord, continue to heal Kat. Allow her to recover completely...

Hugs and love from Colorado,

Debby@Just Breathe said...

I'm glad your back. I wish you were feeling better and pray that that is soon to follow. Rest and take care. God Bless.

Darcie said...

Wow Kat! What an experience you have been through. I am so glad that is all over for you now, and maybe the road to recovery will be just a bit more smooth for you. I hope you take is slowly and before long you are feeling back to yourself.

Hugs to you my friend!!!

Girly Muse said...

What an ordeal! So glad you're feeling a teensy bit more like yourself. Praying that the recovery process will speed up and that you'll feel ALL BACK soon.

Saleslady371 said...

Thanks, Kat, for filling us in on the details. So glad this operation is over and the news is so good. Praising the Lord with you for His healing. I continue to pray for you and hope each day brings QUICK healing!

Love you,
Mary

Denise said...

So great to hear from you sweetie, praising God with you. I love you.

Beth E. said...

What a blessing to read a post from you!

Praying for your quick and complete recovery.

Gentle hugs...

Edie said...

Oh Kat I'm so glad you have the hardest part behind you and that you are okay. I have been praying for you to have a complete and quick recovery with no complications, and for complete healing in your marriage as well. Pain takes a serious toll on us.

Much love to you!

Annesphamily said...

I am so excited that I won one of the giveaways! I feel very blessed! Thank you! Blessings to you! Anne

COUNTRY MOM said...

Kat, I am so happy to hear your are feeling a little better. I have been praying and thinking about you. My prayers will continue for you my friend. Love you lots.

Leslie said...

You poor thing! I've had annoying, weird ailments for the last 2 months, but nothing like what you've been through!! And you're a champ because you still blogged through all of this! I wish I could have gotten here sooner so that I could have joined in praying you through your ordeal. I'm sending prayers up now!

Love & Hugs, Leslie

Deborah Ann said...

Wow, what an ordeal! I didn't forget you on my vacation, I sent up prayers for you, and even felt a little close to you when we were in CA.

We serve an awesome God! I trust that He will bring you to a joyful, pain-free place!