Sunday 17 October 2010

Home from hospital!

I got back last night. Lance asked the black cab driver to drive extra slow as I had just had surgery, and he was a gem. Drove so gently and slowly round the bends etc. Was a difficult journey but the easiest I could have had I think.

I cannot shower as I had an allergic reaction to the plasters they used, am quite blistered. Lance (bless him) has bathed me, and I've been for a short refreshing walk in the garden. My abdomen feels so weird.

Given myself the anti DVT injection (Enoxaparin Sodium) which stings like hell and makes (yet another) glorious bruise, but it has to be done every day for 2 weeks.

Surgical team were fantastic, ward staff were (mostly) excellent. Had a good night's sleep, hardly slept in the ward, due to pain, and the ward staff are so noisy.


But I had trouble with cannulas. So they had to come out and I had dissolved/injected pain killers. After the first 2 cannulas (one in each wrist) had to come out as they were hurting too much after the first night, they tried to insert another 6 cannulas in different areas, all failed. I have small delicate veins I think. And I bruise so easily. Looks like I've been in a punching match, my arms are so bruised.

I have 6 key hole wounds (they are bigger than we thought they'd be tbh - the shortest is about 2-3 cms long), and a bigger drain wound. That hurt like hell getting out, even though they morphined me prior to taking it out.

Amazing to think it took me 6 months from start to surgery, it took others in the ward at least 1 year to surgery, I was fast tracked for sure. An answer to prayer. W
e are delighted that the surgery went okay too... just over 4 hrs in surgery, 5 hours in recovery, 3 days in hospital, not bad for major abdominal surgery! 

I have not taken any painkillers today, am very sore (especially in drain site) and achy, but am bearing it and will try and use painkillers as little as possible.

Hubby has taken some lovely gory pics, will paste them on my blog. He is also cooking me some chicken vegetable soup... with everything in it... chicken, stock, carrots, onions, chickpeas, tomatoes, celery, potato etc. and it is smelling divine! He will strain it for me, as I can only have clear liquid for 2 weeks, then onto pureed for a month, softer foods for a month... then slowly building up to more solid food.


Onwards and upwards, small steps... and in my case... small sips :)

10 comments:

  1. So happy you're home my Jen Jen! I am so proud of you.

    Lance x

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  2. Anonymous10:26 pm

    Woohoo... glad you're home. Hope your recovery is quick!

    Justine

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  3. Rosalyn11:29 pm

    You are amazing girl!
    I hope this will be the beginning of a new chapter in your life - symptom free!
    Hugs from N/ Ireland!
    Roz xxo

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  4. homanded11:31 pm

    Love you lots Jen.
    I'm hoping for your speedy recovery so we can have you back.
    We miss you in the Kitchen Crowd!!! Love and Hugs.

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  5. Anonymous11:40 pm

    God is good Jen. You may hurt now but you got fasttracked an that is awesome. I hope each day becomes better for you. Lance has to be one very special husband. I hope I can meet him some day.
    Stay strong Jen,
    Love
    Diane

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  6. Anonymous1:57 am

    This is my second try to post Jen so I hope this works. I am so thankful you are home and I will pray against the pain. Each day should see some improvement but already you are doing so well.
    Have you ever thought of cloning Lance?. What a great guy! I hope someday that I am fortunate enough to meet him.
    Love,
    Diane

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  7. Praying you heal well and quickly, Jen. It's a rough time you're going through, but quite a blessing to have your hubby to help you!

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  8. My dear dear friend. Your story of faith, hope, perseverance, love and extraordinary courage is immensly moving for me. And I am so thrilled that you have such a wonderful loving husband in your life. I really can't wait to see you both again soon.

    Lots and lots of love to you both.

    J

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  9. Anonymous1:20 pm

    The bruises will heal sweetie -- and a new lease of better life is ahead :) yeiiii ... you just take it easy and you have a great man to help speedy recuperation... your body will do the rest. Lots of love xxx Iris

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  10. Anonymous3:47 pm

    Happy healing Jen! So glad you're back from the op and Lance is looking after you well.

    Take care and you know where I am if you need a listening ear.

    Grete xx

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