(The story continued…)
I see now why they have you sign all kinds of papers and discuss living wills before surgery. There is a very real chance you won't make it out of the OR. Surgery is rough-stuff, not for the faint-hearted.
My second procedure was to remove the left ovary as well as do a complete hysterectomy. Pre-cancer cells had been found and my doctors were scrambling to stay ahead of them. Because I had just had my right ovary removed 7 weeks earlier, it was decided to do this next operation with a robotic machine called the Da Vinci. This would result in less scarring and faster healing. It also meant that my surgery would take place at the community hospital rather than the plush, new center I had previously experienced.
On the morning of my surgery, we arrived very early and began the check-in process. I had to endure some pretty humiliating, unexpected prep work because of the area being operated on. Right about this time one of our pastors came by which was wonderful, except I lost some of Ed's attention. I was feeling sorry for myself and very isolated. The nurse was unable to start the IV (no surprise there) which meant I didn't get those initial drugs that take the edge off.
We began the long trek to the first floor where the operating room is located. Tension and fear were welling up in me as well as a deep sadness. As we reached the doors of the OR I was so surprised to see some of my family. Eddie's mom, Bonnie, along with my Dad and his wife, Sue, were there. Well, I think I saw my Dad. He quickly glanced over the top of the gurney and disappeared. This was all quite tough for him and he was doing his best to handle it. It's funny because I felt like I really needed him – wanted a bit more connection.
Eddie kissed me and I lost it… the embarrassing kind of "lost it." While SOBBING, the nurse wheeled me through several sets of doors all the while speaking words of encouragement to me. My doctor was a bit shocked when he saw how upset I was and asked if I was okay. The nurse answered for me and they both agreed I needed some drugs ASAP.
The IV was finally started and I was brought in to the operating room. It is so intimidating in there. I was too awake for my own good. Glancing around I noticed the sterile-like environment AND a huge robot positioned over me. My doctor explained that he would be in the corner running "Steady Eddie" from the computer station. I had to smile at the nickname of my robotic surgeon… very appropriate.
It was taking awhile to get underway and I was starting to crumble again. The assisting physician kindly held my hand as the anesthesiologist cranked up the IV and the count backwards from 10 began.
Hours later I was in a hospital room, dazed and sore. Steady Eddie, in the flesh, was with me. As the afternoon wore on it was apparent I had some problems. Something was wrong with my eye. I couldn't get relief. About the middle of the night, with the help of an opthamologist, it was determined that my eye had been scratched somehow during surgery. Very strange, since they weren't supposed to touch my eyes! I also had quite a bit of pain and a weakening at the top of my left leg. This would persist for almost a year. My throat, too, was scratchy and my voice would remain raspy for over 6 months. And… there was dried blood all around my nose. What had gone on when I was out??!
Eddie stayed the night with me making sure I was okay. I was discharged the next afternoon and very grateful to be back home. This had not been an easy process at all. I felt quite beat up from my hospital experience.
As I began recovering over the following weeks, there was a sense of relief that the worst was behind me, or so I thought. I'm thankful I didn't know at the time what the next year would bring. "Steady Eddie" and I kept operating on faith, knowing God would be with us, whatever came our way.
Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
(Sept. 19, 2008)
Alright, this one almost made me cry! 😉 No wills! 😉 Love it, like always! 🙂
Love the Steady Eddie story! Great!!!!!
Okay, that almost seems like yesterday! O that eye thing wassooo sad!!! I love your play on words with 'steady eddie'!!!love you my friend!time to celebrate life tomorrow on your birthday!!!
So gripping…I'm hanging on every word and I did cry as I remembered that horrible ordeal!!!
What a mighty God we serve!
Okay. That's my new goal… to make you cry! Stay tuned… you haven't heard anything yet. This was all the easy part. Thanks for reading Brook! Love you!
Thanks, Rhonda! Thanks so much for reading! You know how much it means to me.
Thanks Kelly!!! I SO appreciate you reading and commenting.
Lori,
Thanks for taking the time to share your story. My eyes welled up with tears.
Steady Eddie story is touching. Though I don't know all the details of your journey, it is amazing to see, and know how God has brought you through!
Linda! So happy to see you on here. Thanks for reading!!
Love , Love, Love the steady Eddie story!! It does seem like yesterday when this all happened! I'm so glad it's over! You did great Lori! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Liz!! You know I love that you're reading these! (and commenting, too). =)
The Da Vinci machine. My husband just had a prostatetectomy using the Da Vinci machine. You answered the question abou the raspy voice. My husband has always had this beautiful deep voice. I was begining to wonderf if the prostate had something to do with his voice! Thank you for sharing.
Thanks so much for reading. I'm still not sure if the raspy voice was from tubes down my throat or what. It was all very strange!I hope your husband is doing well. Surgery is no fun!