Pre-op began around 6:30 a.m. They collected urine, had me change into my gown, some dead sexy socks with grips on the bottom, and a blue cap. My gown and blanket were heated beforehand, which was a relief because it was chilly. They then took my vitals and attempted to get my I.V. started. Three pokes, three nurses, and an anesthesiologist later, it wound up in my foot, which really wasn't as bad as it may sound. Plus,my anesthesiologist complimented my foot tattoo! Way to keep it human, man. It's the little things, you know?
My husband came to see me and snapped this goofy pic.
He's got jokes, y'all.
Shortly thereafter, Dr. Johnson visited with us, talked again about the procedure, expected time, post-operative care, and answered any questions we had. My procedure was bilateral (both nostrils) and lasted about 2 to 2.5 hours.
Because I was sporting the foot cable, I went for a wheelchair ride to the OR. Once in, the crew helped me up, introduced themselves to me, and the anesthesia was delivered. The last thing I remember before waking up in recovery was telling Debbie, a nurse, how much I liked her funky, pink and black zebra-print Santa hat.
An hour after waking, I was released to go home. Nurse Nicholas, the husband, fed me grape Jell-O and my first round of pills, and I slept in my nest of soft, elevated pillows and cozy blankets.
Here's the face: 
I'm not sad that I'm really not swollen or bruised. They didn't have to break anything internally, so they didn't expect I would have those. What you don't see are my two splints and the dissolvable packing inside my schnoz. My nose only mildly burns when the pain meds begin to wear off. The gauze is slowly collecting blood, and I have only replaced it once, around 5:30 pm. I will take it off tomorrow to snap a better pic.I go in and out of feeling pretty much like my usual self to snoozing and feeling totally wiped.
Nick brought me Sonic ice, which has been a blessing on my throat which is still sore from drainage. Additionally, I ate chocolate pudding, and then instant garlic butter mashed potatoes. Flavors are faint, but present.
Right now, I have a sentry lying guard.
My goal is gumbo with the Hesters on Christmas Day. This may be a bit ambitious, but....GUMBO.
My goal is gumbo with the Hesters on Christmas Day. This may be a bit ambitious, but....GUMBO.Can I get an Amen?
Lauren, I had this surgery a few years ago (Thanksgiving break of my first year of teaching). Recovery really was not bad at all, but I can't take Lortab or other opioids. They make me incredibly uncomfortable, so I switched to Advil as soon as I got home. I was back at work full tilt by the following Wednesday (the surgery was on a Tuesday or Wednesday). The most painful part for me was when the doctor had to adjust my gauze. My turbinate is inverted on my right side, and that was incredibly painful...I hope everything goes well with recovery! Netflix is your friend!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds promising, Ashlee! How were you with the upright sleeping? I am not so great at it.
ReplyDeleteWe watched Polar Express last night and I cried at the end. Even small tears add pressure to my face, so I had to look away and do comfort mouth breathing, if that's even a thing.