I am repaired!
The port revision went well with no unexpected suprises .. well, that is, if you don't count the incident involving me passing out before surgery even began!
Mmm .. it involved me, a cannula and a ridiculous spike in my blood pressure. As the anaesthetist pierced my skin with the cannula, my blood pressure spiked (as I'm such a weiner when it comes to having needles) spraying blood all over her; the sight of which made me promptly pass out stone cold. I returned to consciousness 2 minutes later hollering, "WHERE AM I?"; with six pairs of eyes on me and an oxygen mask strapped to my gob. The kindly old surgical assistant smiled and said: "Welcome back Alice!". Alice? Who the hell is Alice ... hang on ... is my name Alice? He belly laughed at my sheer confusuion, "No, you're not Alice but hollering like that reminded me of Alice in Wonderland!". What the?! Eh, on second thoughts ... I'll have whatever he's on!
The port repair took longer than the intial lap band surgery itself. Post-surgically though, recovery this time around has been easier. As is was only the port that seemed to be of concern, my main scar site was re-opened and retracted for the repair. No laproscopic camera or the use of CO2 to open up my abdominal space was necessary. The upshot of this is that although I am tender and bruised around the port site; I have a single incision and did not have to suffer the indignity of being naked on a star fish like surgical table (I acutally got to wear paper bloomers this time around!). I am able to bend, sleep on my left side and have not had to suffer any evil, evil shoulder tip pain. I was able to drive within 24 hours of surgery and even braved the public on Friday to purchase some pain meds and jelly. The experience left me feeling a bit like me impersonating MC Hammer as I was sporting the most unflattering, loose oufit, dodgey hair and would internally squeal, "Don't touch me!", if anyone came within spitting distance of me! Dah na na - can't touch this!
I must confess to rushing things a little though. Apparently, I was given a small fill while undergoing surgery. I'm not sure how much was added but on Friday night it was a girlfriend's birthday - so to partake in the celebration, I had about 4 forkfuls of risotto and an ooey gooey fudge ball for dessert. Within two hours I was suffering severe, severe gastric-oesophageal reflux which persisted even when sitting upright. I have now had two horrendous nights shared with some frightening reflux. I am hoping it settles when my gastric swelling subsides but to give it a helping hand I am on Somac, Mylanta & Panadeine (although NOT at the same time!).
I have a follow up appointment with my surgeon on Thursday to have the dressing off and check the progress. I seriously think I may need to have a litte bitty bit of saline taken out when I see him as I have NO appetite (it sounds glorious but feels kak!) and even thinking of fluids makes me feel ill. It will be murder having to have a needle poked into my guts around the still tender surgical site - but that'll teach me for thinking I'm invincible.
** Note to self: risotto and the words "ooey gooey" describing food on a menu DO NOT consitute soft, slushy food! **
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