I have realised that I didn't say very much about the day of my operation. I woke quite early, but having packed an overnight bag 'just in case' the previous evening, I didn't have much to do. I managed to swallow my meds with the required 'sip' of water, and tried not to let the smell of husband's coffee get to me.
We set off at about 6.40 am, but the roads were pretty clear, and we arrived well before the stated time of 7.15. I booked in and waited to be called. Gradually the other waiting patients disappeared, there were 2 porters on duty, and soon my name was called. I chose stairs rather than lift and we were soon winding our way around corridors to my allocated room. The porter carried my bag. The room was very light and airy, with a small en suite, and an enormous tv., and electric controls on the bed.
Husband had been told he could stay with me, but after my BP checks, high as usual in such circumstances, the nurse started dropping hints for him to go. The consultant popped in and drew 2 arrows on my shoulder with a biro, the anaesthetist came in and was completely unfazed by my nerves and high BP. I signed the consent form, and was soon getting changed into my gown, and measured up for stockings, long white and tight, to keep my circulation going.
I tried hard not to watch the clock; the tv made my nerves jangle, so I settled down to read a Gervais Phynn book, which has a title something like 'over the hill but not out of the woods'. Some of the stories are repeats from his earlier books, but it was light reading. All too soon the theatre nurse came to escort me. They encourage patients to walk to theatre. The anaesthetist was very soothing, and very soon I was fast asleep, and knew nothing of the local anaesthetic inserted into my neck. I woke up in recovery with the consultant saying something about finding a tear, and that I may need further surgery. The next thing I knew I was back in my room, and having a nurse check my BP. 'Oh she said, it's come right down' she sounded disappointed!
Soon I was being offered water, through a bendy straw. The anaethetist popped in and shook hands and asked, ' No more nerves?', The consultant popped in, and said something, but I was still a bit dopey.
Then someone came in and offered me tea or coffee, and asked did I want lunch. Two cups of tea, a chicken panini, and yoghurt later I was beginning to feel human, if slightly nauseous. Another BP test, then I watched some tv whilst waiting for the physio.
Another nurse came in and helped me to wash and clean my teeth. The sister came in with some pain relief, which I refused as NSAIDS do not agree with me. I had no pain anyway, just a dead arm over which I had no control if I removed the sling. I began to realise how helpless stroke victims must feel. The physio eventually arrived, gave me a sheet of exercises and explained them. She also told me that the consultant 'had done a lot of work', including tidying up a tear. She said many people have tears, and lead ordinary lives, so I may not need further surgery. The sister came back with some dressings, and said I could ring husband, who was working from home. He didn't appear to have got the message that I was out of theatre.
I had to wait for him to come to get dressed, as I couldn't manage it all one handed. We managed to locate my dressing gown and slippers, last seen in theatre, and were soon saying 'Goodbye'. I spent the rest of the day resting, and managed to cook fish, potatoes and peas for me, with a little help. Husband went to the chippy!
On Saturday I let him shop, and he mostly stuck to the list I had joked that he would bring home 4 doughnuts, 6 bottles of wine and 5 pork pies!
I managed church on Sunday morning, but I was fighting sleep. I had a good long sleep on Sunday afternoon, so did husband, so much so that neither of us was awake enough for the evening service. The sling came off on the Sunday, the feeling in my arm had returned on the Saturday. Some days I have managed a walk, but I tend to give in when I the tiredness washes over me.Daughter took me to parent and toddlers, I was doing registration which was quite undemanding. then she took me to Sainsbury's. Unfortunately on Thursday the tiredness came flooding back so I missed ladies' meeting. I have been doing my exercises diligently, and Friday, husband worked from home again in order to take me to physio.
The physio was very pleased with me, and took me into the gym, where I used pulleys, and she told me how to rig some up at home. Next week I see the consultant on Wednesday and providing he agrees, will have hydrotherapy next Friday.
Yesterday we went shopping in town, husband carried most of the bags, and in the afternoon we went to the church anniversary meetings. there was still plenty of food for tea, without my contribution. The speaker was the principal of LTS, and he is also taking the services today.
Son in Law is starting his new job tomorrow up in London, Sadly his Dad has been diagnosed with another disease, he already has Parkinson's.This rather took the shine off their news.
Well it's almost time to put the kettle on. I am looking forward to being able to drive again, but have to wait to find out when
PS, my apologies to Gervaise Phinn, his book is actually, 'out of the woods but not over the hill'
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