The surgery went well, no complications. I felt a little uneasy trying to get everything planned since I felt they gave me no information going into it. I called a couple of times and asked specifically "Which device will he be using? Will this be inpatient or outpatient? Will I be spending the night? What is the recovery time?" Apparently no one in that office could answer, the people who could answer, weren't there. Although they did tell me I would not be spending the night unless I wasn't doing well. (this from supposedly one of the best cardiologist offices in the state) When I showed up to IMC, one of the first things I learned was that I would be spending the night, it was protocol. Jesse had to run home and get me my toothbrush, change of clothes and you know-basics. That alone made me completely annoyed as I have to everything planned out. I didn't make a fuss, but yeah, I was annoyed. The Cardiologist was still super annoyed with me and it was obvious he didn't think I needed this surgery. (And actually asked us how we got it through the review board. Oh if he only knew the things I was going to unleash. I hadn't even gotten to it yet.) We smiled and nodded and just let him go on and on.
I was awake for the surgery, but no one told me I wasn't supposed to ask questions. Me being me, I need to know everything that is going on. So they would start talking and I would interrupt and ask a questions "Are you using a Gore Helix Device? What size are you using? Has it been locked in place yet?" Things like that, just joining in the conversation. (I was being a bit wicked since I could tell he just wanted me to shut up, but he never TOLD me any of this before hand, what do you expect?! He wasn't paying attention when I said I have a high tolerence to these drugs, BAWHAHA!) Every time I asked a question the Dr would have them give me more Versed ("Uh nurse? One and a half more." LOL I believe he said that at least 3-4 times) I was high as a kite when they were all done. At the end he asked me if I was awake. I said yes, and he said "Repeat after me: Moses supposes his toes are roses" I repeated it and went on to repeat the rest of it (HELLO Singing in the Rain is one of my favorites! Totally easy...puh-lease.) He walked out of the room with nothing left to say. He was pretty annoyed with me, since I wouldn't shut up. I just wanted to torture him :)
For anyone who's interested here is a video on what they did. Don't worry it's not gross, it's animation.
I had to lie flat for 3 hrs after, so that the incision in my leg could seal itself. The nurses took turns putting a LOT of pressure on it. I couldn't move my arms or legs, but I was STARVING! (I had to come in fasting) So Jesse fed me my lunch.
He then took a picture of it and put it on Instagram, because he is a darling like that. He was literally shoving it in my face, but it was the best sandwich I have ever had.
Dessert
I spent the night there, it was like a mini vacation. I sent Jesse home to help with the kids so I could just sleep off the drugs and hang out. Went home, and have stayed down since then. I'm not supposed to lift over 10 lbs and I had to be careful with my incision in my leg. I'm on a lot of blood thinners, so making sure it healed correctly was key. They said no stairs, but my house is nothing but stairs. It's worked out, I stayed upstairs pretty much. I'm supposed to walk a little bit every day, so I would pace the hallway. Super exciting! (or not) My heart races a lot and my chest aches, but it's just my body getting used to the device. It's normal. It does make me feel like exhausted, I feel like I've just run miles. So I do feel like I've been through put through the ringer. However, I wasn't very strong to begin with since I have essentially been down since Sept. I should be getting stronger as the days go on.Things on the home front have gone well. I like to be super prepared ( have I mentioned that?), so I have planned these last two weeks down to the minute. Seriously. We have a calendar to keep it all straight, there is always someone scheduled to be here, carpools are all arranged, meals have all been brought in, Housekeeper coming in and cleaning and the cupboards were stocked for a good month or so. I would feel so bad when people would ask if there was anything they could do, and really, there wasn't, I wasn't trying to blow them off just everything was arranged and covered. It literally involves 20 people or so, lol. I DO like to think it takes 20 people to replace me :)
When I was trying to find a Dr, I found this girls blog. Her experience was very similar to mine. We've been communicating through email. She's been very nice, and gave me a lot of encouragement. Her story's here. here and here. She had her surgery through St. Mark's, lucky girl.
So in all, so glad I'm on this side of things. I can tell a bit of difference in my head, I don't feel so disoriented and it's easier to concentrate. I may be able to navigate conversations again! (watch out! lol) I haven't had any mini strokes since then, (although I haven't lifted anything yet!)
