Omg

[SandyRN]

Just OMG....I am SO hormonal I want to scream. I had two periods real close together not long ago, and now I am feeling like I am having severe pms, cramps, bladder pain from the irritation down there, cravings for PICKLES of all things, and I go from tears to anger, then to apologies, then back to tears again.

This surgery is going to cause me to go insane....I don't know if things are so off because I am so nervous and have caused my system to go out of whack, or what but this is crazy.

I did get an RX for valium from my GP....what A GODSEND that man is. He didn't falter, just called in the meds for me. I am also having panic attacks where my breathing goes crazy, my toes and fingers go numb, etc.

I saw my pain mgmt doc on Wednesday and he said all post op rx's would come from him, so that is fine....he told me to double up my dilaudid for "a while" and that should do it. I asked what if it didn't "do it"? He said to call in that case....So, I am going to be optimistic (yes, ME, optimistic) and hope that once I get home this will be enough for my pain control. I feel confident he will up the dosage if it's not enough.

I have a pre op with the gyno on Sept 3rd, then with the anesthesia dept sometime before the surgery...that one hasn't been scheduled yet. I have to talk to the gyno about setting up my getting a picc line put in because I have NO veins and I refuse to be stuck knowing full well even if they do get lucky and get a vein it will blow within an hour or so. So, I AM going to have that put in before my surgery because I want NOTHING to stand in the way of my surgery time being ON TIME! I will be worried enough.

So, thanks to valium I am hanging in there. I know I must sound like a weenie, but I worked gyn surgery when I was working so I know what can go wrong....it's what can go wrong that I tend to be focusing on. I try and clean, then I am in full blown panic attack mode.....sigh....

I WILL get through this, I know I am probably worrying myself silly for no reason, but my biggest concern is post op pain not being controlled and that darn cath and getting an infection and then not being able to pee afterward. I have plenty of other worries too, but those are the main ones! LOL I have dreams of my bowels not kicking in and having an NG tube, all sorts of fun nightmare type things.

Anyway, just writing this makes me feel better. When the time comes I will have Tom post on here and am giving sandymarie my direct line to the room at the hospital via Tom and a pm when he gets a chance to get on here.

I know how this sounds.....I do. If I were to read this as a nurse I would tell the person they are worrying for no reason......but it's different because it's ME and I take so many meds as it is I have a VERY high tolerance to opiods...you should see how much they gave me when I have a colonoscopy...my doctor couldn't believe I woke up.

Ok, done rambling! Just give me a hug, please? I need one seriously....

[Mel53H]

Hang in there lady! Just think of all the times, when you were nursing, that things went right. The precentage is probably higher than when things went wrong.

What kind of hysto are you having?

[SandyRN]

Thanks Mel...I really appreciate the post. I'm having a total abdominal hysterectomy....everything out. The only thing I am not sure of is the cervix. I'd like to keep it if I can...

OH, thought of another thing...the vaginal packing they put it when they do take the cervix out.

Oh Lord...see, it never ends for me. LOL I'm my own worst enemy right now...

Really, thanks for the post. I know you're right!

[SharonA]

Sandy...(((((((((((((((Hugs...many, many Hugs))))))))))))))

[dg2901]

Sandy----glad you got the Valium rx.
I still think you're worrying over things that probably aren't going to occur. You'll be able to pee...if not, it only means the cath for a couple of days until the swelling subsides. Your bowels will wake up--oh.hahhaha..and forewarned lady, you will know this! I'll admit that the gas pains were far worse than the surgical discomfort. I'd be walking and the gas pains would hit and I'd stop dead in my tracks..argh!. :lmao:..But as you know as a nurse, this is a good thing, and will pass (no pun intended!:))
Re: the vaginal packing--I had none. (TVH and A&P repair), so unless its protocol for your Dr, dont worry about it. Those that I have spoken with who did have this said there was nothing to it; some didnt even realize it was there until the nurse pulled it out.

Of course things can go wrong...things go wrong everyday within all walks of life. The chances of anything serious happening is very slim, otherwise procedures wouldnt be carried out.
You'll be fine...and deep down you know this.
I'm not dismissing your concerns and emotions so dont take my post that way. Just being on the other side of this procedure, I'm only attempting to be the voice of reality..:lmao:

Now tell me all the same 3 weeks from now when I have my gallbladder and hernia repair. Hey, we should have synched our schedules and been roomies! :hi:

Hang in there, m'dear....
:)
Diana

[SandyRN]

Please....


Help...
Me!

[SandyRN]

LMAO! He just had to get on here....but it made me laugh and THAT is a good thing right now. Diana, thank you!!! I know you're worried after what you went thru with the last hospital. If I was able I'd come up there and start that darn IV for ya! :)

I know the bowels kicking in. I know it's painful and I dread that as well....but I'll just be happy that I've passed the dreaded NG tube that I fear so much! LOL

Thank you for all the support. TOM and I appreciate it! I'm quite sure my kids do too...they really don't know what to do when I cry, then yell, then cry again in apologies! I feel bad for my family sometimes.....the valium does help though so I'll take it and hope for the best.

[VickiB]

Please....


Help...
Me!

Isn't that a scene from "The fly"?

Geeze Sandy, this is certainly a case where ignorance is bliss! The majority of us go into surgery with no conceptions of what is to come and basically just a blind trust in our surgeon. It never occurred to me that for a nurse it's a whole 'nother ballgame!

I'm sure everything will go fine! We'll all be thinking of you and looking for a post from Tom.

Hugs,
Vicki

[SandyRN]

Thanks mothergoose. I'm glad your surgeries went well. I have a very LOW tolerance for pain which is the reason for my worries. I hate that about me. Tom had an open wound with his bowel resection for MONTHS and hardly complained at all...went off his oxycodone before the wound was healed. Oh how I wish I could do that. I just couldn't get over it. I took care of him then, along with the home health nurse and he got by with very little pain meds...it was amazing. I don't know why my tolerance for pain is so low, but it is. I mean I live with pain every day that NEVER goes away, so I have become used to some daily pain, it's the acute post op pain that I've never experienced that has me so scared.

I sooooooooooo appreciate the responses!!!!!

Hugs, Sandy

[SharonA]

Tom...We are helping you. That is why Sandy posts. It keeps her from causing you great bodily harm. :lmao:

[SandyRN]

Thanks Vicki!!! Tom said it is indeed a line from the fly! LOL Thanks for understanding....it really IS different for a nurse...ask the others on here that are nurses and I HOPE they'll back me up! LOL If they don't then I am, plain and simple, just a weenie!

:)

[SandyRN]

Tom...We are helping you. That is why Sandy posts. It keeps her from causing you great bodily harm. :lmao:


LOL!!!! I hadn't thought of hurting him...yet!!! More laughter...such great medicine! :)

[VickiB]

Tom said it is indeed a line from the fly! LOL :)

Well,....then Tom knows what happened to 'The Fly' too! Careful! :evilsmile

Vicki

[snowgirl]

Just OMG....I am SO hormonal I want to scream. I had two periods real close together not long ago, and now I am feeling like I am having severe pms, cramps, bladder pain from the irritation down there, cravings for PICKLES of all things, and I go from tears to anger, then to apologies, then back to tears again.

This surgery is going to cause me to go insane....I don't know if things are so off because I am so nervous and have caused my system to go out of whack, or what but this is crazy.

I did get an RX for valium from my GP....what A GODSEND that man is. He didn't falter, just called in the meds for me. I am also having panic attacks where my breathing goes crazy, my toes and fingers go numb, etc.

I saw my pain mgmt doc on Wednesday and he said all post op rx's would come from him, so that is fine....he told me to double up my dilaudid for "a while" and that should do it. I asked what if it didn't "do it"? He said to call in that case....So, I am going to be optimistic (yes, ME, optimistic) and hope that once I get home this will be enough for my pain control. I feel confident he will up the dosage if it's not enough.

I have a pre op with the gyno on Sept 3rd, then with the anesthesia dept sometime before the surgery...that one hasn't been scheduled yet. I have to talk to the gyno about setting up my getting a picc line put in because I have NO veins and I refuse to be stuck knowing full well even if they do get lucky and get a vein it will blow within an hour or so. So, I AM going to have that put in before my surgery because I want NOTHING to stand in the way of my surgery time being ON TIME! I will be worried enough.

So, thanks to valium I am hanging in there. I know I must sound like a weenie, but I worked gyn surgery when I was working so I know what can go wrong....it's what can go wrong that I tend to be focusing on. I try and clean, then I am in full blown panic attack mode.....sigh....

I WILL get through this, I know I am probably worrying myself silly for no reason, but my biggest concern is post op pain not being controlled and that darn cath and getting an infection and then not being able to pee afterward. I have plenty of other worries too, but those are the main ones! LOL I have dreams of my bowels not kicking in and having an NG tube, all sorts of fun nightmare type things.

Anyway, just writing this makes me feel better. When the time comes I will have Tom post on here and am giving sandymarie my direct line to the room at the hospital via Tom and a pm when he gets a chance to get on here.

I know how this sounds.....I do. If I were to read this as a nurse I would tell the person they are worrying for no reason......but it's different because it's ME and I take so many meds as it is I have a VERY high tolerance to opiods...you should see how much they gave me when I have a colonoscopy...my doctor couldn't believe I woke up.

Ok, done rambling! Just give me a hug, please? I need one seriously....
Ok I am reading it as a nurse and from one nurse to another you have all these worries because you are an RN . You know too much. You know the saying sometimes knowledge is not good. Sounds good your pain md is on board with you. THe PICC line I hope goes smoothly. Forget the NG I have never taken care of any hyst in all those years that had to have an NG. Use the bo supp for the catheter pain after surgery. Keep taking the valium preop make sure you take some ask anesthesia if you can have valium before you check in can you take it at home as a prelim? I always take xanax per anesthesia before I hit the U. I understand your worries the pain and everything you said is reasonable............. but no NG. Take care Vicky

[stef000]

just wanted to give you hugs and healing thoughts...
surgery is never easy to think about no matter if your a nurse or not and also if its your second surgery or 100th one...
but just know that you have all these women on here thinking the best for you...
i hope it goes well when the time comes and remember it is normal to feel anxious to anything being done from wisdom teeth getting pulled to this...
lots of hugs and good healing thoughts sent your way :smile tee
:pray::pray::pray::grouphug::grouphug::grouphug::kiss:

[SandyRN]

Vicky, thanks for making me feel less nutso about this!!! I needed to hear this from another nurse. On the other hand, I have seen an NG tube with a hysterectomy because her bowels just would not kick in....Tom has had one during his bowel surgery, didn't tell me about it so I wouldn't wreck coming to the hospital...told me he was fine, and I got there and he had that darn tube with tears and sweat running down his face. It's just something I never want to do....ever if I can help it, especially with a deviated septum. BUT, I will do my best to start thinking of the positive instead of what can go wrong. I really will do my best!

Steph, thanks for the kind words. It does help to know others get scared before a surgery, nurse or not. I remember I was not too thrilled to have my cysto/hydro done but I did it for a number of reasons, all of them for the best....so, I know this is for the best and I can do this too. (I think) :)

Hugs to all of you and thanks for the laughs and kindness!!!! Tom and I BOTH appreciate it! LOL

[Mothergoose]

Hi Sandy you wrote this today:

SandyRN Thanks mothergoose. I'm glad your surgeries went well. I have a very LOW tolerance for pain which is the reason for my worries. I hate that about me. Tom had an open wound with his bowel resection for MONTHS and hardly complained at all...went off his oxycodone before the wound was healed. Oh how I wish I could do that. I just couldn't get over it. I took care of him then, along with the home health nurse and he got by with very little pain meds...it was amazing. I don't know why my tolerance for pain is so low, but it is. I mean I live with pain every day that NEVER goes away, so I have become used to some daily pain, it's the acute post op pain that I've never experienced that has me so scared.

Well I was researching sleep this week, and read a few interseting things, firstly people who have chronic pain have their rem sleep disrupted frequently, the rem sleep is when your body heals and restores, it is this sleep you need to wake up refreashed. So with reduced rem sleep our bodies can't heal themselves, so we expirence more pain, and are tired and have a harder time dealing with pain. so this could be why you have a lower pain tolerance it is rooted in a lack of rem sleep. They know that people with fibro suffer from basicly the same thing and they wake up very sore and achy worse if they don't get enough restoreative sleep.

Some research is beeing done on treating people with fibro with GHB, GHB seem to restore the rem sleep for fibro sufferers,

So my only point being is maybe there is a very real reason for you to have a low pain tolerance.

I sleep but I have mostly lucid sleep, this also disrupts the rem sleep, I have been searching the net to see if I can find info on how not to have lucid dreams. But it seems most people seek to have lucid dreams, I have them and I just want to sleep soundly. I call it kinda twilight sleep, I dream I know I am dreaming but I can direct my dreams as to where I want them to go, I am aware of everything that goes on around me, cats moving, husband getting up to use the loo etc. I get up more tired then when I go to bed. after quite awhile of doing this I got a severe migraine which lasted 4 years, till I started to use sleeping pills, I felt all along my headache was rooted in my sleep, just took a while to prove it.

Anyways this is kinda off the topic but thought you might be interested in this info.

Mothergoose

[sleekgirla]

what day is your surgery? I will be sure to be praying for you the night before and morning of...praying the all goes smoothly as possible and that any pain u may have afterwards will be controlled thru any medication needed. I understand your fear. when you know you will wake up and possibly most likely be in pain, how can you just be okay with it. nobody could easily just walk into a fire, so how could any of us just walk into a surgery without lots of fear. at least you know your feelings right now are very normal. But at least you know once the surgery is over and you have healed completely you will have better days! so its good you have something to look forward too! god bless!

[Dreamlove15]

Hi Sandy,

I hope that everything goes smoothly with your upcoming surgery. Im sorry your going through all this, it must feel like "roller coaster"!

Ugh. I really hope this surgery changes things up and your pain starts to decrease!

Ill be praying for ya.

Let me know if ya need anything.
take care.
:angel:

[SandyRN]

My surgery date is the 12th of Sept, so it's coming up. My pre op with the gyno is this Wed....so, I'm really getting nervous. I have a huge list of questions to ask him. I hope he has a lot of time saved for this appt! LOL

Tom took me yesterday to get an Ipod, a new gown and robe too.....I felt like a kid playing on Itunes yesterday. He's hoping it will distract me in the hospital....it distracts me fine right now, so maybe he's right! LOL

Anyway, I REALLY appreciate the replies.....they make me smile and maybe not freak out quite so much!!!

Jaime, I really need to get over to myspace to see ya!! I haven't even logged in there in about 2 weeks....I've had kind of a scattered mind....but thank you for the post....I hope you are doing ok by now as well.

Thanks everybody!!

Sandy

[sandymarie]

Everything will be fine. Think about all the wonderful things that you can do with no period 2 xs a month. Take a good tape with calm music and listen to it so you will be distracted from all the bad thoughts. Leave the fear to TOM, men tend to be more attentive when they are worried about you.LOL try to focus on trying to rest and all the angels that God has put around u to take care of you. Think of all the post I have lost in cyber space and wonder what they said , that will take you a while. I don't even know what I wrote . LOL I will be in touch with you, I promise that it will be over b4 u know it. Get on a joke site and or book and read things that will make you laugh. The second time I had a hydro, my mind had me convinced that I was going to die and I am still here. I hate fear, it the worst thing in the world and the it is just a lie from hell. There are 365 fear nots in the Bible , so you have one for each day of the year. I am rumbling on and on and I am not a good psy., so I will shut up, but I am here for you, along with all the other ladies here on this site. I cannot wait until you get out of the hospital and are home feeling so good , u can clean your house in a day. Sound like you have everything under control and in order except your head. I know how that is too. Hang in there, make believe that u are not a nurse. I will be in touch, I love u and are sending many hugs. Many prayers that God will give you peace and will guide u every step of the way thru the surgery and that he will give the doctors wisdom and compassion for you and that everyone you come in contact with will have a heart of love and compassion and mercy and take good, good, care of one of the sweetest people I have ever met. I also pray that right now that you will have complete peace and will be worry free and know without a doubt in your mind that you are on your way to better health. You have hurt so long , you are so sweet to help others and I also pray that the Lord will give you many pain free days in your future.


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 a hope and a future." Jeremiah 29-11 This is really the only thing that I could think of that really might help. Hugs

Sandy

[SandyRN]

sandymarie, you know you are the best thing since sliced bread! :D If it's ok I plan to have Tom send you a pm with my room number, and the direct line to my hospital room you can give out to those who ask for it, and also my cell phone. He'll keep everyone updated.

I've been keeping myself busy...spent all afternoon yesterday loading songs on my Ipod and having fun! I love this little creation....I used to think they were for kids but I can see using it in the hospital for a distraction from, well, from everything in the room really! I put some calming songs on there too and some really fun ones....all in all I've managed to get 150 songs on it, and adding more today with the help of my very hip 15 yr old daughter! LOL

So, we're getting things in order, slowly. When it gets closer I'm sure the nerves will kick back in but for now I'm doing OK! I hope to keep it that way.

Thanks again for the support!!!

[IC SARAH-CPP]

I just wanted to chime in and wish you luck Sandy and let you know that I would most likely be even worse than you! I worry all the time that if I do have to have another surgery that it will be almost impossible to A.) keep my asleep during and B.) keep me okay afterwards! They had a hard time keeping me out last time and I was only on 50 mg of hydro a day at that point! Oy!

I would love your direct line and hospital number. I will ask JJ about it. Sending healing thoughts your way my love.

Sarah

[SandyRN]

Thanks Sarah....I'm sure I will need all the support I can get in the hospital.

I have my GYN pre op appt in an hour and a half and have a list of questions for him. Then on Friday afternoon I have my anesthesia appt. All of this makes is so much more real for me and I had a serious meltdown last night. I waited til my kids went to bed then just crawled into Tom's arms and he held me for a while...that was all I needed.

I worry because having the PICC line put in is a separate procedure that I really need done because my previous Crohn's attacks have taken all my veins with the nasty antibiotics, phenergan, and other caustic meds they gave me by IV so many times. They have trouble drawing blood from me and always have to take it by a tiny vein in my hand. So, this is really unavoidable. It's not pleasant either particularly. I have to be sedated, then in radiology they insert dye to find a deep vein, dig down in there, insert it, then it has a port to use to I don't have to be stuck multiple times for IV's or to draw blood. In the end it's worth it, but it still sucks to have to have it done.

So, I sit here with my teeth clattering, about to take a valium to I can speak to the gyno like a reasonably sane woman which I am not right now!!

The anesthesia people want me to bring ALL my meds...they ought to get a good kick out of that! sigh....

I wish this was over..............

[ICNDonna]

Hang in there! This will be in your past before very long.

Hugs,
Donna

[SharonA]

I am glad you have Tom to give you comfort. They do come in handy, don't they. (((Hugs)))

[stef000]

and even more hugs and healing thoughts down to you...
i hope all this goes quick and your recovery goes well and quick too
:pray::pray::pray::grouphug::grouphug::grouphug:
keep us posted :smile tee

[SandyRN]

Gyno visit went well. He was very kind and answered all my questions. He's going to put me on the Vivelle Dot patch, don't know what dosage yet. We talked about it and he's going to take out my cervix too....told me that women who had pain with sex often found some degree of relief with it gone, plus that takes away the risk of prolapse down the road. I paid them my part of what the insurance didn't cover, which was only 239.00!! I thought that was pretty fantastic actually!

So, next stop is the anesthesia on Friday, then the picc line insertion sometime next week I guess, then the surgery next Friday.

Oh, he also said he thought an epidural would be a great idea if anesthesia is willing to do it...so we'll see what they say.

I just can't give enough thanks to everyone here who's supported me on the board and in pm's and off the board. You guys are wonderful and I don't know what I'd do without you all.

Oh, to top things off, I believe I am about to start a period of some sort too....I can just tell it's coming. I was hoping I'd get thru this without having anymore of those nasty things ever again!!!

Everyone I owe a reply to a pm to I will write tomorrow....I'm exhausted and am going to bed soon...just had to get on real quick to update the doc visit.

Thanks again!

[monica78]

God bless you honey!! I work in the medical field also, I am an ultrasound Tech. I think that since you know these things it makes you worry more.
I would be doing the same thing. Good luck to you and make sure you hug that honey of yours. Sounds like he is a really good one. I will be praying for you to have a fast and speedy recovery and everything to go smoothly.

[Mothergoose]

Just letting you know I am still praying for you. Hope the next week goes fast for you, and your recovery goes well. It does seem you have covered all your bases.

Mothergoose

[hdb1982]

If you have enough room you should download some movies onto your iPOD. Adam has a few on his and I use it on road trips. Then he can listen to the radio, Katie her movie and me mine without interrupting. I know you will probably have a TV in your room but maybe in pre op or something. Something more than music. I know I can focus more on something if it has a visual effect to it, more so than sound alone. I can't remember, is your room private? I hope your nerves calm enough for you to get some rest before hand. Good luck!!! I hope this gives you the relief you are looking for.

[SharonA]

I am so glad your appointment went well. I am sure it helped you immensely. (((Hugs))) and lots of good vibes coming your way. :):):)

[zanne]

I will be thinking of you on Sept 12 and hope all goes well with your surgery. Let us know how you are doing. I am planning to have a hysterectomy also. I have endometriosis and I did 6 mos of Lupron injections and they helped alot and I was doing really well and now I have some pain again, not like I had before the Lupron, but I will probably have surgery next year. I keep putting it off, you sound just like me, being nervous, and I don't think there is anything wrong with that, surgery is a very big choice to make and sometimes we don't have a choice, it is either to live in pain or have surgery and hope that solves all the problems. Good luck to you and try to stay calm and take your valium. Take care and keep us informed as to how you are doing after surgery.

Sue

[aleet7]

Hi Sandy,
you really have the best support system in the world(Tom and all of us here)! You are so loved and cared about! You know that I'm praying for you and everything will go smoothly! I'm so glad the your gyne appointment went great, I kind of knew it would(who would mess with a nurse)? You're going to get extra special attention so take a deep breath and don't forget to breathe!
Hugs and Love,
Teela

[SandyRN]

UGH!!! I did start a period last night and feel like a mack truck hit me today. My anesthesia appt is at 2:15 and I'm a little nervous, but mostly hope he'll agree to the epidural so that after I wake up they can dose that and keep me feeling better for a while. We'll see.

I was crying this morning from the cramps and the pain I have gets 100x worse with these periods. Tom came home from work early and surprised me and is going to take me to my appt!!! What a lucky lady I am. He even brought me lunch knowing full well I hadn't eaten today.

I have SO many pm's to answer....please know I will get to them, my life has just been consumed by this surgery so I haven't had as much online time, but I WILL reply.

At least I spent the extra dollar fifty to get the good tampons instead of the store brand!!! I figured when I bought them that if I had to go through this h*ll again one more time I was going to do it in style! LOL

So, wish me luck this afternoon and hope the doc gives in to my requests...gotta run and get ready .

Hugs to all, Sandy

[SharonA]

Everything that can be crossed is crossed for you, Sandy. (((Hugs)))

[sandymarie]

I second that one Sharon, With me posting the new thread, it looks like I knew about her period before she did. :lmao: She is trying so hard to get things in order. We do love u SandyRN.



sandy:pray::pray::pray:

[aleet7]

Sandy,
I'm praying that your visit goes well. Tom is definitely a keeper(he covers all bases for his sweetheart). Let us know how your docs appointment goes.
Hugs,
Teela

[SandyRN]

Well, the anesthesiologist visit couldn't really have gone better. He agreed to an epidural to dose me before, during and after the surgery with pain meds!!! He said they would also continue to dose it when I am on the floor in my room...don't know for how long, but that thrills me. He said that I probably will need something IV as well since I've been on meds for so long. I was thrilled he understood. He told me I looked "unwell" and anemic so they drew the standard labs but he said he expected to deal with the anemia at some point.

About the IV....he said he preferred to do a central line, which for those who don't know is a line that goes in the internal jugular. This I am not thrilled about and frankly it scares me. He looked at my arms, my hands, etc, said he thought there was one vein they could use to start an IV to get me to sleep, then they would do the central line when I am asleep. They can administer fluids thru it, draw blood thru it, etc.

The epidural will be done on the OR table while I'm still awake so I can get into a ball for him so my spine is in the right position.

I have been living on advil because I have hurt so bad all over, and now with this darn period I have cramps that don't respond to anything else so I need to take it. I have to stop all of it by Sunday. He gave in so that I could have the weekend to recover from the worst of the cramps and get done what I need to get done around here.

So, all in all it went well. I'm still afraid. I know just enough to be scared, know the dangers of a central line and what can happen if a nurse doesn't do things correctly.....but I am getting what I asked for for the most part.

He told me he would do his very best to keep my pain manageable. Thank God....it brings me to tears.....I told him my fears of the floor nurses not taking care of my pain and he said if they didn't help me to let the surgeon and his office know!!! Now THAT is a first. He was VERY sympathetic when he saw my list of diagnoses and even said he knew that IC was very painful. Soooooooooo....just WOW...

My sweetie was with me and that was great as it was hard on me to even leave the house with the first awful day of this period. The cramps are still terrible, I'm exhausted as it was a long day, but it was a good, productive day and I do feel a bit more relieved now that this step is over and know that the central line will be put in while I'm asleep. He knows I'm a nurse and told me he sympathized with knowing too much! LOL

I STILL owe pm responses but I have to go lay down....I just wanted to let you all know how the appt went. Just have to figure out how my body is going to move at all without my advil. I am lucky I can take it with the IC....really, I have no choice but to take it, but I don't feel like needing a transfusion for bleeding out on the table, so I'll stop it like he said.

Thanks again for the support!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm a very lucky lady to have this board and Tom by my side...my children have been very caring and worried too....I don't want them to worry, but it doesn't hurt that they're more than willing to help me around the house right now! LOL

OH, and Tom even cooked DINNER for us tonight!

Can't get much better than that.

[aleet7]

I'm so happy that your visit went great!
See Sandy, things are going to be just fine! The doc sounds like a winner! I love it when they show that they actually do care.

Tom is a good man! Does he happen to have any brothers? I'm just kidding but he sounds like the perfect gentleman! I'm glad that you have such a great support system.

Just hang in there Sandy, things are going to work out fine.
Hugs,
Teela

[SandyRN]

Thanks everyone.

I'm having major pain right now because I have been relying on Advil in between my pain meds for the fibro pain. I know it's bad for the bladder but it doesn't cause my bladder much pain at all and it helps me to move, which is pretty much critical!

Well, I can't take it, or asprin of any sort because it increases the risk of bleeding more during surgery......so I'm basically non functional and I have so much to do!

I'm scared and now I hurt much worse than normal and I know stress isn't helping that.

I hate to keep complaining but hurting so bad right now doesn't help me get my house in the order that I wanted it before I left for the hospital.....it stresses me out so much more.

I just want to sleep the pain away but then I really don't get anything done..... :(

My list has gone from cleaning the whole house to getting the bathrooms done basically and the floor swept. If I get that done I'll be happy.

[ICNDonna]

Do you wear glasses? If so, clean them last so you won't see anything out of place in the rest of the house! Seriously, you need to take it easy on yourself.

Hugs,
Donna

[SharonA]

Sandy...Please stop stressing about your house. I bet if you asked the kids, they would do it. Of course they wouldn't do it the way you would, but at least things could be dusted, swept, moped and vacuumed. They might even learn not to make such a mess in the bathrooms if they had to clean them. Think of it as preparing them to be out in the world on their own. Besides, they are going to have to do it while you are convalescing. Might as well start it, now.

Calming and gentle (((hugs))) coming your way.

[aleet7]

Sandy,
If I were anywhere near you I would clean your house for you so that you can take it easy! I think you are putting way too much on yourself that's why the pain is so intensified! I know that's the problem because I do it too! Please let Tom and the kids handle things. You really need to relax.....some.

Do what you can and what you can't please try not to worry about it. The house chores can wait. You really need to take a day and really just lay down and take good care of yourself sweetie!
Hugs
Teela

[SandyRN]

I do wear glasses sometimes....oddly enough I have to take them off for the computer and reading. Me thinks something is wrong with my prescription! LOL I did get some cleaning done...now all I have to do is clean one more bathroom, mop the kitchen floor, wash the sheets, pack and I'm done. I did a light cleaning of what I could this afternoon.

I would get my kids to help, in fact we were going to clean on Sunday but spent the whole day waiting on the animal control people and the whole day just slipped away. Now they're in school with so much homework and after school activities they are exhausted when they come home. They want to help and they will do what they can for me tomorrow. But I see the light at the end of the tunnel...and I didn't kill myself today either. I did what I could then I stopped...and Tom's cooking again!!! God I love that man!

I promise to be better and chill out some...Thursday I am doing nothing at all, nothing....just watching tv, sleeping and taking my valium!!!

I know I'm being too hard on myself and today I decided what I needed done and that would have to be enough...and it will be enough. I promise...and what I have left to do isn't so strenuous that I'll be ok, I think....and if I'm not I'll stop! PROMISE!

I wish this was over, SO bad!

[VickiB]

At least I spent the extra dollar fifty to get the good tampons instead of the store brand!!! I figured when I bought them that if I had to go through this h*ll again one more time I was going to do it in style! LOL

I'm still chuckling over this one!:biglaugh::biglaugh:

Glad to hear you've decided to take it easy on yourself. I know I tend to obsess over what shape my home is in, but the reality is,...so what! Sometimes you have to take care of yourself and just let the dust bunnies procreate. During some especially nasty flares I've gone ahead and given my bunnies names because they lived here for so long!

Vicki

[mary124]

Sandy: good luck with your surgery on the 12th. You will be fine!
Don;t worry about your house and the dust bunnies- they will still be there for you after you recover!! Before I had my rotator cuff surgery last month, I cleaned the house from top to bottom--even gave the dog a bath!!(see, its easier said than done in regards to the house!!). Thankfully I had my youngest home on this days off and he more or less cleaned for me. Even my eldest came around to cook dinner for me-- I told him as long as you can go down from 400 or so people to about for 6 people (he is in the Army Reserves)
Went back to work a few days ago, as I was afraid I would do too much damage by cleaning, so here I am trying to type with my left hand).

Again, everything will be fine-plus the fact you have a good support team at home. Make sure Tom posts so that we will know how you are doing.

[Vicki]

Well, the anesthesiologist visit couldn't really have gone better. He agreed to an epidural to dose me before, during and after the surgery with pain meds!!! He said they would also continue to dose it when I am on the floor in my room...don't know for how long, but that thrills me. He said that I probably will need something IV as well since I've been on meds for so long. I was thrilled he understood. He told me I looked "unwell" and anemic so they drew the standard labs but he said he expected to deal with the anemia at some point.

About the IV....he said he preferred to do a central line, which for those who don't know is a line that goes in the internal jugular. This I am not thrilled about and frankly it scares me. He looked at my arms, my hands, etc, said he thought there was one vein they could use to start an IV to get me to sleep, then they would do the central line when I am asleep. They can administer fluids thru it, draw blood thru it, etc.

The epidural will be done on the OR table while I'm still awake so I can get into a ball for him so my spine is in the right position.

I have been living on advil because I have hurt so bad all over, and now with this darn period I have cramps that don't respond to anything else so I need to take it. I have to stop all of it by Sunday. He gave in so that I could have the weekend to recover from the worst of the cramps and get done what I need to get done around here.

So, all in all it went well. I'm still afraid. I know just enough to be scared, know the dangers of a central line and what can happen if a nurse doesn't do things correctly.....but I am getting what I asked for for the most part.

He told me he would do his very best to keep my pain manageable. Thank God....it brings me to tears.....I told him my fears of the floor nurses not taking care of my pain and he said if they didn't help me to let the surgeon and his office know!!! Now THAT is a first. He was VERY sympathetic when he saw my list of diagnoses and even said he knew that IC was very painful. Soooooooooo....just WOW...

My sweetie was with me and that was great as it was hard on me to even leave the house with the first awful day of this period. The cramps are still terrible, I'm exhausted as it was a long day, but it was a good, productive day and I do feel a bit more relieved now that this step is over and know that the central line will be put in while I'm asleep. He knows I'm a nurse and told me he sympathized with knowing too much! LOL

I STILL owe pm responses but I have to go lay down....I just wanted to let you all know how the appt went. Just have to figure out how my body is going to move at all without my advil. I am lucky I can take it with the IC....really, I have no choice but to take it, but I don't feel like needing a transfusion for bleeding out on the table, so I'll stop it like he said.

Thanks again for the support!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm a very lucky lady to have this board and Tom by my side...my children have been very caring and worried too....I don't want them to worry, but it doesn't hurt that they're more than willing to help me around the house right now! LOL

OH, and Tom even cooked DINNER for us tonight!

Can't get much better than that.

I want to wish you luck. I had the epidural instead of morphine for my abdominal hyst. because morphine throws my bladder into turbo spasms. The epidural was fabulous. I also got some Toradol for the first day or two to supplement the epidural. Interestingly enough, I had a partial hyst. abdominally and then they had to go back in six months later to remove the remaining ovary. Both surgeries were abdominally with an epidural for pain control. I went into a remission after both surgies. It lasted about 8-10 weeks. My docs think it was from the steroids in the pain meds they pump into the spinal column. It settled down all of the irritated nerves. Unfortunately, my IC reared its ugly head again but it sure was nice while it lasted.
I am one of those unfortunate people that ended up with an NG tube. I did not even know that was a possiblility. However, it really was not that bad. I am truly a weenie when it comes to tubes being placed into orafices on my body and I came through with flying colors! Odds are you won't have to deal with that. They had to remove part of my bowel so then they had to do a bowel re-section and that is why I had to do the NG tube.
I really had bad IC flares from ovulation right through the second or third day of my period. The hyst. has been helpful in that respect. It did not cure my IC but it helps it not flare so terribly where I can't hardly leave the house. It takes a while to for some people to find a balance with the hormone replacement so you just have to hang in there. I highly suggest hystersisters.com to talk with other women regarding hormone replacement therapy. It really helps educate you just like this website helps educate ICers. Feel free to PM me about anything.

Best of Luck,
Vicki

[formom]

Best of luck to you and lots of prayers your way. Surgery is not easy no matter what is being done, but everyday after you recover more and more. By this time next week, you will be recovering and the whole anticipating part will be over. I know nothing anyone will say right now can take your nerves away but just pray and everything will work out. Good luck and God bless.

[SandyRN]

All I can say right now is thank you all so very much for the kind words, prayers, the wisdom and for just understanding me. I'm having a hard time today. I have everything done, I'm packed except for a couple last minute things and I have found myself with nothing to do but watch tv or read....I did take a very long bath with my best friend my australian shepherd next to me just making sure I was ok....she's the sweetest dog.

I had a thought about the foley and called the doctor and asked if I could take some pyridium in the morning. He said yes....so then I proceeded to write out ALL my meds, in 'nurse speak' so that the nurses/doctors could easily read them, and hopefully ALL my meds will be given to me as I would take them at home. I know, fat chance of that, but I did all that I could to make sure there were no misunderstandings. The anesthesiologist has a list of my meds, but I thought I would make it easy. All the doc has to do is sign it basically and I'm good to go and they can order up my daily meds, plus my daily pain meds, etc. I added motrin to that and pyridium as well. They may think I'm a pushy nurse, but, well, I guess I am. I know how hospitals work and I don't want them getting my meds straight 2 days post op!!

Sooo....I guess this is it. I didn't think I could get anymore nervous but the IV in the jugular vein freaks me out a little...ok, a lot. I've got a whole list of things I worry about.....

My son is coming home from college to see me this weekend. I warned all my kids that I would have this ugly thing on my neck and told them I wouldn't be pretty. They don't care, they just want to see me, but I thought it was best to let them know what to expect.

My youngest said he had a dream that I died during this and I realized just how hard this is on my babies. OMG that made me cry. I reassured him that I would be fine, that if I thought I would die I wouldn't have it done...and that after I healed I would feel better. Now I've got to believe my own words.

Sandymarie will have all the info and a call from Tom when he learns I'm in recovery. When he learns what room I'm in he'll let her know too, and the room number if anyone wants it...just give me a day to come back to life...I know I'll be out from the anesthesia all day Friday.

I just can't thank you guys enough for the pm's, the words here, the phone calls, the notes on myspace, just everything. I appreciate it all so very much. There is no better place on the web!!!!

Hugs to all of you, Sandy

[ICNDonna]

Just think --- very soon you will be back telling us how your surgery went.

I'll be thinking of you and sending well wishes.

Donna

[formom]

At least it sounds like you have everything in order and that is great! Will double my prayers for you tonite and tomorrow. You will be fine and you will help out many people when you get back with your experience, so that is great as well. Lots of luck and God bless you and the surgeons hands tomorrow. :pray:

[SharonA]

I am so looking forward to hearing that you are in recovery. I have been thinking about you and praying for you. Everything you can do to prepare is done. Now, just sit back and think about how wonderful it is going to be not to bleed every month. Take it from someone who knows. It is the best!!!! :woohoo:

(((Hugs))) and lots of love coming your way. *Thumbs Up* :):):)

[stef000]

soon this will all be over....and no periods....YAY:woohoo:
i hope it goes well and a speedy recovery
:pray::pray::pray::pray::grouphug::grouphug::grouphug:

[aleet7]

Hi Sandy!
I'm thinking of you. I know that you'll do just fine on tomorrow. You've certainly taken care of business with your docs on all the fine details. I can't wait to hear that it's over with and that you got through it with flying colors!
Best Wishes and big bear hugs(maybe soft tender hugs instead),
Teela

[VickiB]

Will be thinking of you and waiting to hear that all turned out well!

Vicki

[SandyRN]

Thanks guys. Tom has gone to the store to get my "final meal" LOL...I picked something really bad for the bladder, but I don't care....tonight I want to eat what I want to eat. I'll have pyridium and pain meds for the flare that I will most likely get from the surgery anyway. Tacos, with pico de galo (sp?) Blue Corn chips with artichoke dip........yum...and ..............LEMONADE! LOL I know, I know...bad, bad, bad, but my doctor knows and understands IC and will make sure I am comfortable.

BTW, did anyone have to wash with hibiclens before their surgery? I have to shower from the neck down tonight, then again in the morning....then the dreaded fleets which prolley won't work for me anyway but I'll do like I'm told.

I know you guys are cringing at the choice of my dinner, but this is one of my favorite meals and by golley I'm gonna eat it.

My kids left a bit ago to go to their dads and as soon as the door was closed I lost it. Tom held me and understood...Just gonna miss them as they're going to be at his house for at least a week, maybe longer....

I'm a little, no, a lot lit on my valium....I needed it by the time the kids left. I didn't want to lose it in front of them. I was allowed 10mg but have been taking 5mg, but today that just wasn't enough...so now that my duties are done I am taking what I'm allowed and relaxing...sorta!

I really hope I sleep tonight. I'm so exhausted I ought to sleep. I'll have to get up by 4 to shower a second time with the hibiclens and I'm gonna be drooling over Tom's coffee! LOL

I can't think of anything else I need to do so I'll just eat til I pop, until midnight anyway, then try to sleep a few hours. I figure if I can't sleep it doesn't matter as I'll be out all day tomorrow anyway.

Should probably stop typing as I'm not doing a very good job of it right now...thank goodness for spell check!!

Wish me luck and I'll see ya on the other side!

Hugs, Sandy

[Bessie]

Hi Sandy,
Enjoy that wonderful meal.....it sounds so yummy :smile tee
But seriously, I will be thinking of you and praying for you. I pray that all goes well with your surgery. You are in good hands and God will protect you :pray::pray::pray:

I know you will feel so much better after you recover from your surgery. Just think.....no more visits from your little friend :woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo:

Take care and I can't wait to see you back on here posting :hi:

[Sally939]

Hi, I just read this thread. I have been in company training out of town for a month and a half. I wish you all the luck during surgery and during recovery. I am sure it will all go well.

[Briza]

Best wishes and many prayers, Sandy. Hoping for an easy recovery and that you will feel better after all is said and done. Take care and hope to hear soon that all went well.:pray:

[SharonA]

You may be in surgery already, but I wanted to come here and post knowing you will not be able to read this until later after surgery. Hon...I am praying for you right now. Please know that I will be holding you up in prayer this day. I am also praying for the surgeon, anesthesiologist, nurses and anyone else who comes in contact with you before, during and after the surgery. I am looking forward to hearing from Tom that you are in recovery and doing fine. Then I am looking forward to your first post after you are awake and able to post.

Sending more (((hugs))), all be it very gentle ones, and lots of prayers.

:pray::pray::pray::pray::pray::pray::pray::pray::pray::pray:

[sandymarie]

Tom just called and sandy is out of surgery and did fine. She is still in the recovery room. He will call back in a while and let me know what the room number is. When he does I will be sure to post and let u all know how she is again. For those of you who want to know the info to get in touch with her and do not have the number., pm me and I will get back to you.ok.


JJ:)

[formom]

That is great news. Thank God everything went well. Still praying for her!:pray:

[SharonA]

I didn't think it would be that soon. I am really happy to hear she did fine. Thank you so much for relaying the message.

:):):)