Feeling pretty miserable. I can't seem to get comfortable or keep in a good position for too long. I still have no appetite and anything I force feed myself seems particularly bland. Black coffee seems to go down alright, but the wanted side effects aren't happening. I did take MiraLax, but that has failed to yield results. I know there was a great concern about straining, so I'm waiting for the obvious biological sign that it's time.
While preparing my self for my first shower, I stumbled upon the Dramamine patch behind my ear and one errant electrode still stuck to my side. Since I've removed that electrode, I haven't had any further upper back pain and chest pain. Could I have been sleeping on this for an extended time and once off of it the pain begins? Seems to be the only reasonable explanation. [ I've heard of similar bouts of pain when woman wear a wire bra for an extended period of time.]
My throat soreness has cleared up and my urethra pain is gone. I was told to monitor the temperature of my extremities, but the nephropathy in my feet negates any sensation of cold toes. So I'm wearing socks, even to bed. I'm sure my lack of proper sustenance isn't helping my body to generate heat. I've lost 5 pounds. I just want to go. Of course the mind travels to a dark place and wonders if my colon has been paralyzed. For someone who has been extremely regular all his life, this is a great departure from schedules. I'm not in the best state of mind right now.
On the positive side, I've had no reason to take any pain meds. I know the constipation is a result of meds I received in the hospital after the procedure. Plus there is very little food in my stomach, but I have no appetite or taste. [Looking back at older blogs I can see a similar pattern.]
[Post Script: My sister Leslie said that a symphony has 4 movements. I'm happy to report that I just caught the last movement (BM). Hallelujah!]
I have lined up someone to do my shoveling (and hopefully rake the roof) if this storm materializes into the snow-magedon hyped predictions.
Happy April Fools Day. More to come.
Friday, March 31, 2017
Thursday, March 30, 2017
Going home
Through the night I was troubled by pain in my upper back and around my heart. Earlier that day Dr. Schanzer stopped by and said that I could go home. I
did mention these new pains and he said they are not related to the
procedure, but he did authorize the EKG and blood test. I guess I complained enough that they took an EKG and blood sample to rule out any form of heart attack. The doctor in charge reviewed the EKG and said it looked normal, but the blood test will have the final say.
Around 8AM they delivered a muffin, coffee and a fruit cup. The coffee tasted wonderful and the muffin was excellent. Fruit - not so much.
[Later that morning the blood tests came back as negative on heart attack].
I did notice that when I took a big breath, the the pain worsened. I had just mentioned the incentivizer, when a nurse arrived with one. I used this a number of times and the pain started to go away. I guess I'll never know what caused the pain. Maybe it was being in an uncomfortable bed for too long??
I spoke with Leslie on the phone and told he that by the time she would arrive, I'll be ready to leave.
In the meanwhile a nurse said they were going to give me lunch. Not know the specif timings of everything, I selected a few things from the menu. But really I wasn't hungry. What seemed like only minutes, Leslie arrived. I still had not met with the nurse to go over my discharge instructions, so I just chit-chatted with Leslie. Finally, nurse Donna stopped by and gave me some meds to take, then read me every page from the 8 or 9 page discharge paper work.
The high notes being:
The nurse covered all my meds and when to take them. Leslie was heard to say, 'That's a lot of medication'.
At this point, I felt weak, but was able to walk to the toilet a few times. So it was definitely time to leave. I was told that I would be escorted out on a wheelchair. Leslie was instructed to get the car and pull up the building. I was let off in the lobby. It was finally done.
Leslie was kind enough to take me to Walgreen's to pic up my meds. She even offered to go grocery shopping. I had enough at the house, but she did raise a good point that I was restricted from driving until April 10. That's quite a long time. She did offer to take me to the follow up appointment on 4/10. What a great little sister I have.
Finally home, I was only interested in sleeping. I thought I might take a 45 minute nap, but I slept through the alarm and finally got up at 5:30. I sat in a chair for a spell and fell right back to sleep. I woke up at 9PM. I decided to go to bed. I woke up just a few times, but slept until 9:30 AM today.
I still don't have much of an appetite, but I managed to eat some oatmeal. Still no bowl movement yet.
[Read the paper and found out we are getting 6 to 8 inches of snow. I guess it's something else to be anxious about].
More to come!
Around 8AM they delivered a muffin, coffee and a fruit cup. The coffee tasted wonderful and the muffin was excellent. Fruit - not so much.
[Later that morning the blood tests came back as negative on heart attack].
I did notice that when I took a big breath, the the pain worsened. I had just mentioned the incentivizer, when a nurse arrived with one. I used this a number of times and the pain started to go away. I guess I'll never know what caused the pain. Maybe it was being in an uncomfortable bed for too long??
I spoke with Leslie on the phone and told he that by the time she would arrive, I'll be ready to leave.
In the meanwhile a nurse said they were going to give me lunch. Not know the specif timings of everything, I selected a few things from the menu. But really I wasn't hungry. What seemed like only minutes, Leslie arrived. I still had not met with the nurse to go over my discharge instructions, so I just chit-chatted with Leslie. Finally, nurse Donna stopped by and gave me some meds to take, then read me every page from the 8 or 9 page discharge paper work.
The high notes being:
- I have a follow up appointment on April 10
- I'm restricted from lifting anything more than the weight of a gallon of milk
- I was given two more prescriptions of drugs that need to be filled
- I needed to buy some over the counter meds: Children's aspirin; Tylenol and a stool softener
- I was given a script for Oxycontin, but chose not to have it filled. I hate taking it because of the side effects. But if I really needed them, I still had some left over from another surgery/procedure.
The nurse covered all my meds and when to take them. Leslie was heard to say, 'That's a lot of medication'.
At this point, I felt weak, but was able to walk to the toilet a few times. So it was definitely time to leave. I was told that I would be escorted out on a wheelchair. Leslie was instructed to get the car and pull up the building. I was let off in the lobby. It was finally done.
Leslie was kind enough to take me to Walgreen's to pic up my meds. She even offered to go grocery shopping. I had enough at the house, but she did raise a good point that I was restricted from driving until April 10. That's quite a long time. She did offer to take me to the follow up appointment on 4/10. What a great little sister I have.
Finally home, I was only interested in sleeping. I thought I might take a 45 minute nap, but I slept through the alarm and finally got up at 5:30. I sat in a chair for a spell and fell right back to sleep. I woke up at 9PM. I decided to go to bed. I woke up just a few times, but slept until 9:30 AM today.
I still don't have much of an appetite, but I managed to eat some oatmeal. Still no bowl movement yet.
[Read the paper and found out we are getting 6 to 8 inches of snow. I guess it's something else to be anxious about].
More to come!
Coming to
After the procedure (which everyone said went very well) I was wheeled into convalescence. My first lucid memory was looking at the clock and seeing it was a bit after two. I believe I was wheeled into the OR around 11 AM. [My sister said that she got the call a bit after one PM indicating the procedure was completed successfully.] So that was relatively fast.
As I came through more, I was in very bad pain. It felt like my bladder was so full and not being able to urinate I was beside myself. The nurses said that I was urinating a lot, but 'feelings of discomfort' was a result of the catheter and the 'inflated bulb' in my bladder. Apparently, this tricked my bladder into urinating, but the Foley catheter was certainly nor my friend. I was given some meds to calm me down. After about 20 minutes the pain went from 10 to 2 on the pain scale. Eventually I was able to eat some graham crackers and have water. It's still fuzzy but some doctors who assisted Dr. Schanzer stopped by to tell me that the procedure was successful.
Around 3PM I was wheeled to a separate section in unit. I was well cared for, but just wanted to sleep. I was told that the catheter would be taken out. [YAY]
Someone had stopped by and said that I was going to have supper. I really wasn't hungry, but I did manage to eat everything offered. As the afternoon slipped by, I was quite intent to take cat naps and watch some TV. There were some movies I hadn't seen, so I took advantage.
Sometime that evening, a nurse stopped by to remove the catheter. OMG did that hurt. But eventually the pain related to the Foley went away, and now I had to deal with urethra pain when I passed urine. I was happy to be in control of my bodily fluids despite the discomfort. I filled a few bedpan urinals which was a good sign [I was told].
As the night progressed, the unit became quieter. I was able to take short naps. But always seemed to be awoken by someone coming in to check my vitals.
The day came to a close, but didn't manage to get any meaningful sleep as I had expected anyway. I was told that I would be discharged the next day.
More to come!
As I came through more, I was in very bad pain. It felt like my bladder was so full and not being able to urinate I was beside myself. The nurses said that I was urinating a lot, but 'feelings of discomfort' was a result of the catheter and the 'inflated bulb' in my bladder. Apparently, this tricked my bladder into urinating, but the Foley catheter was certainly nor my friend. I was given some meds to calm me down. After about 20 minutes the pain went from 10 to 2 on the pain scale. Eventually I was able to eat some graham crackers and have water. It's still fuzzy but some doctors who assisted Dr. Schanzer stopped by to tell me that the procedure was successful.
Around 3PM I was wheeled to a separate section in unit. I was well cared for, but just wanted to sleep. I was told that the catheter would be taken out. [YAY]
Someone had stopped by and said that I was going to have supper. I really wasn't hungry, but I did manage to eat everything offered. As the afternoon slipped by, I was quite intent to take cat naps and watch some TV. There were some movies I hadn't seen, so I took advantage.
Sometime that evening, a nurse stopped by to remove the catheter. OMG did that hurt. But eventually the pain related to the Foley went away, and now I had to deal with urethra pain when I passed urine. I was happy to be in control of my bodily fluids despite the discomfort. I filled a few bedpan urinals which was a good sign [I was told].
As the night progressed, the unit became quieter. I was able to take short naps. But always seemed to be awoken by someone coming in to check my vitals.
The day came to a close, but didn't manage to get any meaningful sleep as I had expected anyway. I was told that I would be discharged the next day.
More to come!
Day of the procedure
My sister Leslie had offered to take me in and bring me home. She arrived two minutes late (as she predicted). At lease there was some levity.
I gave her the key to the house and had her log into my computer to find the special file. I had her do everything since she might have to do this solo. She got in and logged into the document and quickly perused it before closing and logging off. We were back on schedule and got into here car where she couldn't find her keys. "I must have left them in your house", she said. Well good now we can see how you do getting into the house. No problems. She found here keys right next to the PC.
We got in the car and began the voyage to Worcester. We were doing well until I got us lost. I checked the GPS and found that we were not far from our destination. We made good time despite the travel wrinkle.
We arrived at the parking garage and quickly found a spot. We followed the signage to the surgical check in. By this time Leslie need to use the facilities. So while she did that I found out exactly where I needed to go. I went looking fro Leslie, and once I found here I said we need to go to elevator D to the second floor. We saw signs for elevators A, B and C, but couldn't find D. Tons of people walking around and we made eye contact with someone who works there. She was extremely pleasant and helpful. She almost walked us to the elevator. I've found this pleasant attitude to be the norm. Everyone is/has been really nice.
Reaching floor two, they were already expecting me. Someone had called there and said I was on the way. Leslie and I were directed to the waiting area were I was called not long after. Leslie was invited in and accompanied my. I met with many nurses and doctors while there. I was told that Dr. Schanzer prefers his patients to be clean (shaved). So I was informed that all hair below my nipples and above my knees had to go. It is what it is. I felt like a sheep being shorned at the rodeo. Eventually it was done. Leslie commented on who long it had taken. A few more doctors arrived and Dr. Schanzer being one of them. He marked me up with a felt tippped pen and instructed the nurse to give me an EKG. So after attaching may electrodes the test was quickly done and I guess I passed. One of the doctors had to attach three IV ports to my poor battered arm. Not my favorite part. At some point, Leslie was informed that she would have to leave. After a good luck kiss, she said she was on the way back to my house to siphon all my money out. Levity is always good under these conditions.
More professionals came and went, then finally I was informed that it was time. I was wheeled into the OR and and the anesthesiology team prepped me for my knock out. Can't remember anything from here until I woke up.
More to come!
I gave her the key to the house and had her log into my computer to find the special file. I had her do everything since she might have to do this solo. She got in and logged into the document and quickly perused it before closing and logging off. We were back on schedule and got into here car where she couldn't find her keys. "I must have left them in your house", she said. Well good now we can see how you do getting into the house. No problems. She found here keys right next to the PC.
We got in the car and began the voyage to Worcester. We were doing well until I got us lost. I checked the GPS and found that we were not far from our destination. We made good time despite the travel wrinkle.
We arrived at the parking garage and quickly found a spot. We followed the signage to the surgical check in. By this time Leslie need to use the facilities. So while she did that I found out exactly where I needed to go. I went looking fro Leslie, and once I found here I said we need to go to elevator D to the second floor. We saw signs for elevators A, B and C, but couldn't find D. Tons of people walking around and we made eye contact with someone who works there. She was extremely pleasant and helpful. She almost walked us to the elevator. I've found this pleasant attitude to be the norm. Everyone is/has been really nice.
Reaching floor two, they were already expecting me. Someone had called there and said I was on the way. Leslie and I were directed to the waiting area were I was called not long after. Leslie was invited in and accompanied my. I met with many nurses and doctors while there. I was told that Dr. Schanzer prefers his patients to be clean (shaved). So I was informed that all hair below my nipples and above my knees had to go. It is what it is. I felt like a sheep being shorned at the rodeo. Eventually it was done. Leslie commented on who long it had taken. A few more doctors arrived and Dr. Schanzer being one of them. He marked me up with a felt tippped pen and instructed the nurse to give me an EKG. So after attaching may electrodes the test was quickly done and I guess I passed. One of the doctors had to attach three IV ports to my poor battered arm. Not my favorite part. At some point, Leslie was informed that she would have to leave. After a good luck kiss, she said she was on the way back to my house to siphon all my money out. Levity is always good under these conditions.
More professionals came and went, then finally I was informed that it was time. I was wheeled into the OR and and the anesthesiology team prepped me for my knock out. Can't remember anything from here until I woke up.
More to come!
"We said our goodbyes, ah the night before" [The Beatles]
I had spent a number of days following my pre-op just putting my affairs in order. Not only was this an impetus to clean the house, it made me look at any and all documentation, policies, bank accounts, and email accounts I have. My father used to say, "If every I should leave you..." [From Camelot] when he wanted you to pay attention to those things someone other than he needed to know in the event of an untimely passing. I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, for I created a folder on my PC with a password protected document meant for my sister's eyes. Here she would find just about everything that's needed to be known, "If ever I should leave you".
On Monday, I said goodbye to anyone I was dealing with; friends; family; and band members. Of course everyone said that I would be fine, but did appreciate my being candid about my health. I also made sure that any pending bills were paid. Was I over-worrying? Yes, but my mother always said you have to worry just enough.
I was given a check list that needed to be completed Monday night into Tuesday morning. I had special antiseptic sponges to shower with and a horrible tasting mouth rinse. I knew I had to be up and at 'em early, but once again, I got little sleep.
More to come!
On Monday, I said goodbye to anyone I was dealing with; friends; family; and band members. Of course everyone said that I would be fine, but did appreciate my being candid about my health. I also made sure that any pending bills were paid. Was I over-worrying? Yes, but my mother always said you have to worry just enough.
I was given a check list that needed to be completed Monday night into Tuesday morning. I had special antiseptic sponges to shower with and a horrible tasting mouth rinse. I knew I had to be up and at 'em early, but once again, I got little sleep.
More to come!
Saturday, March 25, 2017
Green light for the EVAR (EndoVAscularRepair)
The latest chapter of my challenge is becoming real. On Thursday, March 23, 2017, I was given the approval to "proceed to go" [for fans of Monopoly].
I had my pre-op appointment with the anesthesiologist for my Triple A (Abdominal Aortic Anuerysm) endo-vascular procedure schedule for early next week. My appointment was at the UMass Memorial campus in Worcester. I'm happy that the weather cooperated and the bright sunshine provided positivity and hope. UMass Medical is huge, really huge. But, thankfully I was able to find parking in a lot right outside of the building I was visiting. [Reasonable price too - $3].
Not knowing where exactly to go, I was guided by exceptional signage and arrived 25 minutes before my scheduled appointment. Everyone was extremely friendly. After being directed to the waiting room, I was called in to pre-register. Since I had already updated my patient portal, most of the work was done and it was merely checking to see if anything had changed. Within a few minutes I was given a patient bracelet and asked to return to the waiting area.
It wasn't long at all before my name was called. I was instructed to follow the nurse to the examination room section and quickly had my vitals checked. I was informed that I needed to provide a urine and blood sample. Easy enough, I had to 'go' anyway. The phlebotomist was great. Despite the condition of my veins in the only arm available for this (due to lymph removal in my left arm), she was able to fill a few viles with minimal discomfort. I told her that others have had much trouble taking blood in the past. She said, "I've been doing this for 25 years". Experience has its benefits.
Dan Smith, the Nurse Practitioner arrived with a few questionnaires and some paper work that I needed to sign. He was very thorough. I was surprised on what I needed to do prior to and following the procedure. I was given two antiseptic sponges that I needed to use in the shower the night before and morning of the procedure. In addition, he said that he would prescribed a special (mouth) rinse that I also needed to use on the same schedule. Both were designed to prevent infection and pneumonia. I was also informed that I had to use a lung 'incentivizer' to help stretch my lungs after the procedure. Apparently, lungs shrink under anesthesia, and this device helps 'stretch' them back. [I had never heard of this and was not given this devise for any other surgery that required anesthesia]. I had mentioned this and Dan told me that the type of procedure I was going to have is very serious. [Apparently]. He finished up the paper work and quickly ran through the order of events and my responsibilities. He did say that he would call in the prescription for the rinse and a anti-nausea patch that I need to apply the night before. [I'm wondering what the morning shower will do to the patch..?] He said to expect a call on Monday informing me on the time of the procedure. [That's off-putting].
Dan left and shortly after, the anesthesiologist arrived. [I can't remember her name]. She reiterated some of the information that Dan covered and answered some of my questions. She did go over the risks and possible outcomes, but felt confident [because of my age and health] that things would go 'the normal route'. She mentioned that Dr Schanzer is 'the best' and does hundreds of these types of procedures. [This is my hope]. I did learn that the entry point will be in my groin, not my gut as I had thought. She mentioned that there will most likely be two entry points for the needles (and guides), but sometimes the doctor needs to cut into the dermal layer to reach the femoral artery. Generally, she said this would happen for patients that are morbidly obese. [I guess I'm just obese...LOL] It is what it is.
I asked if the plan was to still have one night's stay. She said, "Depending on the time of the procedure, you may need to have two nights. But everyone is different". She asked if I had any further questions, and with my saying no, she said, 'You're free to go - and good luck".
Now the waiting. I hope the procedure isn't too early, but not too late. Although I'm getting a ride, no one wants to deal with commuter traffic. Unlike my other surgeries, this procedure is 'way' inside. So my anxiety level is very high. One can't help but have thoughts of their own mortality under these situations. All I can do is be hopeful and optimistic that the hands of my medical professionals are capable and that everything (for me) is 'normal'
More to come.
I had my pre-op appointment with the anesthesiologist for my Triple A (Abdominal Aortic Anuerysm) endo-vascular procedure schedule for early next week. My appointment was at the UMass Memorial campus in Worcester. I'm happy that the weather cooperated and the bright sunshine provided positivity and hope. UMass Medical is huge, really huge. But, thankfully I was able to find parking in a lot right outside of the building I was visiting. [Reasonable price too - $3].
Not knowing where exactly to go, I was guided by exceptional signage and arrived 25 minutes before my scheduled appointment. Everyone was extremely friendly. After being directed to the waiting room, I was called in to pre-register. Since I had already updated my patient portal, most of the work was done and it was merely checking to see if anything had changed. Within a few minutes I was given a patient bracelet and asked to return to the waiting area.
It wasn't long at all before my name was called. I was instructed to follow the nurse to the examination room section and quickly had my vitals checked. I was informed that I needed to provide a urine and blood sample. Easy enough, I had to 'go' anyway. The phlebotomist was great. Despite the condition of my veins in the only arm available for this (due to lymph removal in my left arm), she was able to fill a few viles with minimal discomfort. I told her that others have had much trouble taking blood in the past. She said, "I've been doing this for 25 years". Experience has its benefits.
Dan Smith, the Nurse Practitioner arrived with a few questionnaires and some paper work that I needed to sign. He was very thorough. I was surprised on what I needed to do prior to and following the procedure. I was given two antiseptic sponges that I needed to use in the shower the night before and morning of the procedure. In addition, he said that he would prescribed a special (mouth) rinse that I also needed to use on the same schedule. Both were designed to prevent infection and pneumonia. I was also informed that I had to use a lung 'incentivizer' to help stretch my lungs after the procedure. Apparently, lungs shrink under anesthesia, and this device helps 'stretch' them back. [I had never heard of this and was not given this devise for any other surgery that required anesthesia]. I had mentioned this and Dan told me that the type of procedure I was going to have is very serious. [Apparently]. He finished up the paper work and quickly ran through the order of events and my responsibilities. He did say that he would call in the prescription for the rinse and a anti-nausea patch that I need to apply the night before. [I'm wondering what the morning shower will do to the patch..?] He said to expect a call on Monday informing me on the time of the procedure. [That's off-putting].
Dan left and shortly after, the anesthesiologist arrived. [I can't remember her name]. She reiterated some of the information that Dan covered and answered some of my questions. She did go over the risks and possible outcomes, but felt confident [because of my age and health] that things would go 'the normal route'. She mentioned that Dr Schanzer is 'the best' and does hundreds of these types of procedures. [This is my hope]. I did learn that the entry point will be in my groin, not my gut as I had thought. She mentioned that there will most likely be two entry points for the needles (and guides), but sometimes the doctor needs to cut into the dermal layer to reach the femoral artery. Generally, she said this would happen for patients that are morbidly obese. [I guess I'm just obese...LOL] It is what it is.
I asked if the plan was to still have one night's stay. She said, "Depending on the time of the procedure, you may need to have two nights. But everyone is different". She asked if I had any further questions, and with my saying no, she said, 'You're free to go - and good luck".
Now the waiting. I hope the procedure isn't too early, but not too late. Although I'm getting a ride, no one wants to deal with commuter traffic. Unlike my other surgeries, this procedure is 'way' inside. So my anxiety level is very high. One can't help but have thoughts of their own mortality under these situations. All I can do is be hopeful and optimistic that the hands of my medical professionals are capable and that everything (for me) is 'normal'
More to come.
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