Surgery Thread

[dukedogsmom]

Seeing as how a lot of us have surgery coming up, I thought it would be nice to sort of have a misery loves company thread. Maybe it will help us with our nerves and all. I wasn't going to talk about mine at all here but a few others are having some near me so I figured, "Why not?" Mine is on August 1st and I will finally be rid of my years of pain and problems. I hope nothing jinxes me and it gets put off for some reason. If you don't feel like discussing a lot here(which I understand) feel free to pm me. We can all be miserable together. I'm trying to keep a good attitude about it because I know that's been proven to help in healing.

[GraciesMommy]

I hope yours goes well...and you recoup quick fast and in a hurry!
Hugs to ya

[Toby's my baby]

I wish everyone the best of luck, for there upcoming surgeries! {{Hugs}} to everyone!

I am having surgery on July 28, on my hand. I broke it last August 16, and the nerves got pinched when it broke. They did surgery to set my arm, and everything went well. Then I was having numbness in my hand, and they did a nerve test to see what was wrong, the test turned out to read that my nerves where dying. They did Carpal Tunnel Surgery, but that didnt change anything, and things were still going down hill. So i went to 3 different doctors, finally ending up at Mayo Clinic, in Rochester, Minnesota. Dr. Moran, my doctor at Mayo, ran a few tests, and he said he could fix it. So they are going to have to move the two bones in my arm, and get out the nerves, and put a cushin around them, so the dont get pinched again... :o.

Best of luck to everyone else who is haveing surgery!:)

[Maria O]

Good luck and well wishes to everybody in their surgeries. I am also getting surgery done, but not until October thankfully. That way, I can be off for a couple of weeks in the cold and won't have to drive. Haha. ;) What I am getting done is for Carpal Tunnel and I haven't researched it. Hopefully all goes well and I will also find out what this whole thing is.

[dukedogsmom]

That sounds pretty serious. I hope they can fix it as they said they could. Good luck! You'll have to learn how to type with one hand so you can be here :p

[Toby's my baby]

Originally posted by dukedogsmom
That sounds pretty serious. I hope they can fix it as they said they could. Good luck! You'll have to learn how to type with one hand so you can be here :p

Yeah, I hope so too!! I am getting pretty good at typing with one hand (thank goodness) I have had about 4-5 months worth of casts on my right hand in the last 11 months, so I am getting the hang of it ;) I would litterally die if I couldnt type!!:p

[Toby's my baby]

Originally posted by Maria O
Good luck and well wishes to everybody in their surgeries. I am also getting surgery done, but not until October thankfully. That way, I can be off for a couple of weeks in the cold and won't have to drive. Haha. ;) What I am getting done is for Carpal Tunnel and I haven't researched it. Hopefully all goes well and I will also find out what this whole thing is.

I had Carpal Tunnel Surgery too, and so did my mom, and a few other people I know. For everyone that I know that has had it, it hasnt made a bit of difference. I hope things are different in your case, and I hope everything goes well, and you have a speedy recovery!

[cyber-sibes]

HaHaHa, DukeDog'sMom, I was just thinking "misery loves company" when you answered on my surgery thread. Mine is on July 25th, which didn't seem so close a while ago. Although it's a common procedure, millions of women have gone thru it, it's the first "major surgery" I've ever had to have. I made a "living will" and did all that legal stuff (DPA) -- and had to name two people who I'd trust to make the right decision just in case I can't... makes you think! This all seems important to take care of, after we all suffered along with Terri Shivo's family earlier this year.
I am nervous as can be today (cause I had to go for tests), but by tomorrow, I'll probably be fine.

[moosmom]

I have a book, "Take This Book To the Hospital With You" that I'd be happy to send if anyone wants it.

When I had my hysterectomy, I read it. It's a great book and tells you what to expect and what questions to ask.

Let me know if you guys are interested in it.

Good luck everyone with your surgeries.

[finn's mom]

Good luck to everyone! I'm not miserable right now, but, I love company. I'm not having surgery anytime soon (at least not planned!), but, Finn's recovering well from his. I hope everyone comes through with flying colors!

[NoahsMommy]

Awww! Great idea!

Another tip...a good attitude not only helps you heal, but it attracts NICE nurses that WANT to be around to help you. ;)

Good luck to everyone. I'm actually excited for my surgery. I'm so SICK of feeling like this. My doctors and surgeon all feel I'll be "better than new" after I heal! YAY!!

I wish you all luck with yours. :) ((((((hugs))))))

[dukedogsmom]

NoahsMommy, I feel the same as you! I can't wait to be feeling better. I have a good outlook on mine. The only thing I'm kind of dreading is waking up right after and then the next few days. I'm thinking if I can get past that, then it'll be ok. Of course I'll have to stay at least one night(I hope not more!) I'm going to miss my Duke dog terribly.

[cyber-sibes]

Another tip...a good attitude not only helps you heal, but it attracts NICE nurses that WANT to be around to help you.
Thanks for the reminder!
I've not been having a great attitude lately, I'll work on it.

[K9karen]

What a great thread, Val! I had no clue there were so many SirJurys going on! I certainly can relate since I'm still recovering from mine. The first few days are always the worse, but it does get better. Walking is the key, regardless of the discomfort because you have to get blood flowing. I agree with Kelly. For once I was as quiet as a church mouse and had the nurses eating out of my hand. They said they were sorry to see me leave. I guess cause I didn't bother them. They really do work hard and it's not easy. Everyone will be in my prayers for speedy recovers and painless, normal futures. I still have the utmost regard and confidence in medical science. Val..Ok if I call you?

[NoahsMommy]

Originally posted by dukedogsmom
NoahsMommy, I feel the same as you! I can't wait to be feeling better. I have a good outlook on mine. The only thing I'm kind of dreading is waking up right after and then the next few days.
Are you worried about this because of the pain? If so, ask your doctor for a PCA (I think that's what its called)...its the pain pump where you can give yourself pain medicine when YOU need it. That way, you determine how much pain, if any, you'll be in.

I wish you lots of luck, health and healing. :)

[dukedogsmom]

Originally posted by NoahsMommy
Are you worried about this because of the pain? If so, ask your doctor for a PCA (I think that's what its called)...its the pain pump where you can give yourself pain medicine when YOU need it. That way, you determine how much pain, if any, you'll be in.
I wish you lots of luck, health and healing. :)
Thanks! Yeah, I'm a chicken when it comes to pain. I guess it's because it's going into the unknown. I'm trying not to dwell too much on it because that might make it worse. I'll just be so glad to have it over! Good luck to everyone else, too. I guess July is THE month for surgeries.
k9karen: Sure you can call me! In fact, after working tonight, I don't have to be back at work until a week from Thursday evening.

[dukedogsmom]

My good friend Betty has surgery on the 27th. The doctor said radiation isn't an option and she's getting nervous about it. They have to be careful because if they make a mistake, the nerves in half her face might not work right. There will be approximately at four inch cut along her jawline. I'm going to try to be there for her but I work the night before and have to work the night after. Her surgery is in the morning. I hope she does well and they get all the cancer.

[NoahsMommy]

Oh Val...poor Betty! That has to be so scary for her. :(

My surgery moved to July 26th...the sooner the better!

[K9karen]

The countdown to better lives are on! Can't wait for this year to be over, though..it's been rough.

[cyber-sibes]

Her surgery is in the morning. I hope she does well and they get all the cancer.
Prayers going out for Betty that her surgery goes well and she fully recovers!

[Oggyflute]

Best wishes and thoughts to everyone. I'm being positive & I know that things will go well for you all.:)

[NoahsMommy]

Our surgeries are fast approaching so I thought I'd make a list of when to pray/think of everyone.

Cyber-sibes: Monday, July 25

Me: Tuesday, July 26

DukeDogsMom's friend, Betty: Wednesday, July 27

Toby's my baby: Thursday, July 28

DukeDogsMom: Monday, August 1

MariaO: October

Does everyone know how long they expect to be in the hospital? I'll be in for 5 days, at least.

[dukedogsmom]

I think I'm going to have at least 3 days. I'm sure not looking forward to being away from Duke that long. Of course, I'll be so drugged up I probably won't realise it. I know we'll all be glad when July is gone!

[cloverfdx]

Good thoughts on the way for all upcoming surgeries {{Hugs}}.

[cyber-sibes]

They told me 2 days, but I have more tests Friday, will post when I know more.

[trayi52]

Good thoughts for everyone of you that is facing surgeries here in the near future. Hope you all come through with flying colors.

Know that my heart is there with you.

Willie:)

[dukedogsmom]

NoahsMommy, thanks for making that list. I was going to do it and just didn't get around to it. Thanks for all the well wishes for all of us. Just remember that we'll all be better off for these and we can all support each other once we're out of bed.

[luvofallhorses]

Prayers and well wishes for everyone for a speedy recovery (((hugs)))

[dukedogsmom]

Cyber-sibes, I wish you good luck on your surgery tomorrow! I hope everything goes smoothly for you.

[King Spartacus]

Eeeeek! Add me to the list! I'm going in for a laparoscopy on Thursday (the 28th), and I'm all excited and terrified at the same time! Hopefully they'll find what's wrong, and be able to fix it (excited - no more pain, hopefully!), but I'm really worried about the anasthetic. I've never been "under" before, and is really scares me. Also, I don't really know much about the lap, as doctors here are not too willing to tell, and I'm not too willing to ask! I know a lap is just a routine op for the doctors... but it's not for me! Eeeeeeeek!

Good luck to all who's going in! Fingers crossed for a speedy recovery to you all!

Best wishes, Sylvie, KS' mom

[dukedogsmom]

KS, don't worry. I was really scared when I had a mild procedure a few years ago. It wasn't an operation but I was still put under. It was the best sleep I've ever had! You wake up feeling so rested.

Updated list:
Cyber-sibes: Monday, July 25

Noahsmommy: Tuesday, July 26

DukeDogsMom's friend, Betty: Wednesday, July 27

Toby's my baby: Thursday, July 28

King Spartacus: July 28th

DukeDogsMom: Monday, August 1

MariaO: October

[cyber-sibes]

Thanks for all the good wishes and prayers! I've started the pre-op procedures dutifully drinking all that stuff to clean you out. I decided to just take the afternoon for myself, did a bunch of weeding, going to go brush the dogs for awhile. Getting a little light-headed out in the sun (can't eat all day either), so I'll take a PT break. I go in Mon. am , surgery is at 11 am ET.
I'm going to print off our little surgery list, you are all in my prayers as well, that everything goes well, the surgeries solve our problems, and we all have a speedy recovery!
And I mean it, thanks for all your prayers!

[Lexi_Lover]

Good luck Pat!

I wish you all the best! And don't worry yourself, its a great sleep! ;) You'll do great! Prayers and ((((HUGS)))) coming from Canada, and for a SPEEDY RECOVERY!

-Paula

[NoahsMommy]

Cyber-sibes:
I wish you lots of luck and healing tomorrow. I'll be praying you aren't scared and you get out of surgery feeling like you're on the road to recovery...and a healthier life.

Good girl on drinking that lovely stuff!! I start mine tomorrow at noon....yummy! ;)

[gini]

What a wonderful site this is - that all of you can share your upcoming surgeries - THAT WILL CURE AND HEAL ALL OF YOU!

I will print out the list and say prayers each day for you all.

Kelly, I will call you tomorrow............big hugs to you!

[Toby's my baby]

Good luck to everyone!
Cyber-sibs- good luck, I hope everything goes good!

Mine is coming up here, we are leaving on Tuesday because it is in Rochester, MN and that is 500 miles away. I will hopefully be leaving the hospital the same day, but I will probably end up staying over night, because things usually go wrong :o

[carole]

Val just wanted to stop by and send you my best wishes for everything to go super smoothly and a speedy recovery, I have heard many a woman say they feel like a new person after it is all over and done with, and I am sure you will too, a new lease on life, take care and HUGS and also to everyone else I wish you all the best as well.

[Logan]

Good luck today, Cyber-sibes. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers today. And Kelly, as you prepare for tomorrow, you are in our thoughts and prayers as well.

Logan

[Pam]

I am wishing successful procedures for you all and a life free of whatever it is that has been causing you discomfort! We should remember to keep the surgeons in our prayers also so that they do their very best work!

For those undergoing the "prep" for tummy procedures my heart goes out to you just for the prep! Though I haven't had surgery, I have had a colonoscopy and the prep was much worse than the procedure. I guess once you drink the "potion" we won't hear from you any more (unless you can take a lap top in the bathroom!) :) ((((hugs)))) to you all!

[Maya & Inka's mommy]

KS, don't worry about your laparascopy! I had that 24 years ago, and it doesn't hurt at all. They enter you belly at your belly-button, and blow in lots of air. Now they can easily "see" all they want! The only pain you will feel afterwards is in your .... "shoulder"! This is a result of the air the blowed in! I didn't know this before my lap, and was very confused..!

To all who is having surgery soon, good luck!! Trust your surgeon and don't be nervous! I had primary surgery to my back 2 years ago .Here you can find an interesting animated description! Click on the 13th pic, Artificial Lumber Disc Replacement!
http://www.espineinstitute.com/AniOperations.htm

[dukedogsmom]

Kelly, good luck on your surgery. I hope you feel 100% better after the operation.

[cyber-sibes]

I'm back! :)
Well, I lived through it! Came home yesterday and today I have enough energy to check my e-mail & send a few messages. But boy do I ache!!:mad:
All went well except for a botched epidural and a bad experience with one of the drugs. It's good to be home! I got BIG greetings from my Sherman and Star. Especially Sherman, he just kept sitting by me to be petted and tap me with his paw for more, shedding gobs of fur all the while!
I'm praying that all has gone well for Kelly, Beth, Betty and will go well for KingSpartacus and DukeDogsMom coming up. Thanks for all your prayers for me, I believe they helped - no complications!;)
(And yes, pam, the prep was definitely the worst - somebody should warn you to keep a tube of Preparation H on hand - ouch ouch ouch!)

[Lexi_Lover]

YAY! I'm so glad that you're doing alrigth Pat! :) You even got your own little thread too! :)

Hoping for a nice, fast recovery! :) There are a couple threads on how Kelly is doing, and one before Beth left to Mayo. :)

(((((HUGS)))) to you and the Huskies!

[gini]

I am so glad that you are doing alright and each day you will feel better and better!

[dukedogsmom]

Pat, I'm glad you're doing better now. The botched Epidural doesn't sound pleasant. Thank goodness I don't have to prep like you and Kelly did. I know that's not fun at all. I kind of envy everyone else because their's are over with.

[cyber-sibes]

dukedogsmom, yes, I don't think I'd ever agree to another epidural again. My husband filed a complaint immediately with the hosp. authorities, and we are satisfied with their handling of it. The anesthesiologist took full responsibility and the group he's with will no longer be practicing in that hospital (not directly related to our complaint). It's over with now and I don't expect any long term damage, thankfully.

Your surgery is coming up soon enough, and I'll be sending you lots of prayers for a successful outcome, too. I must say, in spite of recovery pains, I am feeling better than I have for the past couple years! YEAH!

[cyber-sibes]

Dukedogsmom will go in on Aug. 1st, sending you lots of prayers!

How's everyone doing? I know there are seperate threads, but thought it would be nice to "check in" here too---

Noahsmommy- July 26?
dukedogmom'f friend Betty - July 27?
toby'sMyBaby - July 28?
king spartacus- July 28?

[NoahsMommy]

Lots of luck tomorrow, Val!! I'll be praying hard for you...I know its so scary, but it'll be over soon and you have lots of people that care about you sending our requests to God. :)

((((((hugs)))))

I'm at home with mom, checking on the cats...one of my daily field trips. We were just going to have CiCi hang with them, but its NICE for me to be able to see my sweeties and I can catch up with you all online.

Right now mom is vacuming for me. Isn't she the greatest?? I think she would have made the BESTEST nurse, right after BESTEST mom in the whole wide world.

OK, I'm off to check email and all that. THANK YOU ALL for your many prayers, cards, gifts, etc. You're all the greatest!!

Love ya,
Kellly :)

[dukedogsmom]

Thanks so much! I didn't really sleep last night. Wasn't too worried about that since I can get plenty today. I've been about sick all weekend so will be glad to have it over with. Everyone that's had this done say they feel so much better so I can't wait. This week or so of major recovery will be worth it. Glad you're doing a lot better, too.

[Maya & Inka's mommy]

Today, my dad will be having surgery: rupture in his abdomen.
I know this is a routine operation, but my dad is 82!! He is so scared for the genenal anestesia (sp?). He should have let this be done months ago :rolleyes: ; but he kept postponing it because he takes care of my mom,and she hasn't been well lately. She has Multiple Sclerosis since 45 years now (she is now 82), and needs constant help. She cannot do anything on her own, so my dad does everything he can for her!! He hated to leave her alone for 2 days.....! But my older sister Lieve suggested to go and stay with my mom during the time he is in hospital. That is awfully nice of her,as she is very sick too (her back too). My dad was glad that mommy would have company, so he was very thankful towards my sis!
I hope I can go and visit him asap. Our plan was to go yesterday, but my back and neck hurt to bad to go and sit in a car during 2 times 1 hour....:(
Please pray that he will make it fine through surgery. His heartbeat is always much to low (only 45 beats per minute!), so that's an extra risk.... ;
Mommy , don't worry to much; dad will be home with you asap
:)

[Maya & Inka's mommy]

OOPS, nobody saw this... :( .
Well, I just heard that dad made it through surgery. The operation was a success; if he has a good night, he might be allowed to go home tomorrow in the evening!! Super, right!!:)

[luvofallhorses]

I hope your dad has a speedy recovery, Lut. ((((hugs))))

[Maya & Inka's mommy]

I hope so Krista!! he HAS to, for my mom's sake...:(

[gini]

Dear Lut, I am sure you are sitting there worrying about everyone.

Let us worry for you too - I hope your Dad will be well enough to go home as planned. I am sure your sister is taking good care of your Mom while your Dad is in the hospital.

Now, don't forget to take care of YOU!!

[NoahsMommy]

Oh Lut! I hope your dad's recovery goes quickly and safely. You'll all be in my prayers.

How is Val? Has anyone heard?

[cyber-sibes]

Lut, Glad to hear your dad made it ok, hope he recovers soon, surgery can be pretty rough at that age. And I hope you are feeling better too.

DukeDogsMom, you are probably out of surgery now - hope all is going well. Get alot of rest and I'll pass on a tip I got that really helped - keep a heating pad handy -- I've kept on on my incision all week when I've slept, and I think it really helped.

All the incision bandages were removed today and they said I'm healing VERY well - I think the heating pad helped everything heal up quickly. I feel MUCH better than I have for a long time, I'll bet you will too! Sending you prayers!