Let's talk recovery! This post is going to be about my recovery in this process so far. My dad has a very different journey than I do and while I have a real understanding of some of what he's going through, it's also a much bigger ballpark. Does that analogy work here? Oh well, it's going to stay.
First and foremost, I need to give a huge shoutout to Brandon. Brandon stayed with me at the hospital every single night I was there. He was always ready to help adjust me on the bed, get me some fresh water, or yet another pillow for the bed. He spent each of those nights sleeping in a reclining chair next to my bed, while staff would come in at all hours to get vitals, lab work, checking my drain, etc.
He has been a super trooper and I have been very very grateful to him for that.
From what I can remember in the ICU, coming out of anesthesia wasn't the best experience. One symptom that I was dealing with was uncontrolled shaking of my entire legs at just random times. It was crazy. Luckily, it was done by the time I transferred to my new room. I also needed some extra oxygen that first night just because I was having a little bit of a hard time getting those deep breaths, especially while I was sleeping. Both completely normal.
Moving to my new room, I think I had about three ports for IVs, a chip thingy in my wrist that watched my blood pressure during surgery, a catheter and a drain. I don't really remember much about that first day after surgery. I wasn't in too much pain. I mostly felt like I had zero mental capacity to do anything.
When I was starting to think about what I needed to bring to the hospital, I was thinking I should bring things to keep me busy - my phone, a book, coloring books, etc. Luckily, I kept things simple. Those first couple of days, I didn't even want my phone. I know people were reaching out and so I want to apologize for not getting back to many people very quickly. But I was mostly out of it.
Instead, I relied on comfort movies and TV shows. Ones I've already seen and didn't really need to pay attention too. Luckily, TBS was doing a marathon of Friends Thanksgiving episodes. That was perfect.
On Saturday, I felt more alert, but also in more pain. Jacob came over from Mankato with his Nana to visit both Papa and I. It was really really good to see him and he did a great job. He doesn't like any sort of "medical talk" so I wasn't entirely sure if he would want to visit at the hospital, but I'm so glad he did. He even came bearing gifts.
Before the surgery, I was told a couple of different times that the first two days after surgery generally go really well and then the 3rd day, you feel like you hit by a truck. (very subtle) So there was some discussions on what day three means - three days after your surgery? The third day after counting surgery as day 1?
On Sunday, I was feeling much better. I was being told that I looked better, sounded better. So that was all really nice to hear.
Many people kept coming in and out of the room, nurses, techs, doctors, surgeons, dietitians... many people. :) But every report was coming back good. The labs were looking good, vitals were good. I was told the incision site was looking really good, "nice & small" - I'm going to say that depends on who you're talking to!
Once the catheter, was removed, it was time to start getting up and moving. This was a little nerve racking at first, but each time it got a little bit easier. On the transplant floor, they encourage patients to take laps around the two nurses stations. 44 laps = 1 mile. If you completed 1 mile, you got a Methodist Mile t-shirt. Well, we all know I'm all about that swag!
Once they started talking about discharge, I made sure to tell people I wasn't leaving until I got my laps in so I can get my free shirt! Ladies & gentleman, you'll be glad to hear, I got my shirt. Even better, once my Dad was up and moving, he started working on his laps as well and I'm very proud to say that he also left the hospital with a Methodist Mile shirt. I was able to walk down the hall to see my dad a couple of times too. Every time he was looking better and better, which was so good to see.
Okay, time for some hard honesty for a little bit. I hate all things blood, medical, etc. The idea of getting blood drawn - hate it. Hearing about other people's procedures - hate it. I get light-headed and faint if it goes on too much.
Despite all of this, I still signed up for this surgery. I kind of figured it's one of those things that once you're dealing with it, you just have to deal with it. It was similar with my c-section with Jacob. I survived that, so I knew I could survive this. Even if I didn't particularly enjoy it.
So this whole time, I've been doing great with all the things happening to me and my body. Even getting the drain out wasn't as bad as I was anticipating, although the doctor did tell me a story I really wish he would have kept to himself.
So it comes time to get my first shower in. And of course, I'm having to cover up the port I have left, they're telling me how to care for the incision site when washing. As we were standing, waiting for the shower to heat up, I started to feel light-headed. It was getting to be just a bit too much to think about. So I pulled the plug and went to lay down.
I am happy to say that this was the only time since the surgery that I felt light-headed over something. I am also happy to say, I did finally get a shower in. ;-)
Monday was discharge day. There was a lot of information and a lot of collecting items from all over the room and you don't really remember where they all came from. But we managed and I made it back to the house we're staying at here in Rochester temporarily.
It was great to be out of the hospital. I was really looking forward to feeling more comfortable at home and getting some more sleep. I am extremely disappointed to say that really hasn't happened. I've really been struggling to find comfortable positions to rest in.
Honestly, you have no idea just how much you use your core muscles for until you no longer have the strength in those muscles. I still needed quite a bit of help getting adjusted. The one recliner wasn't electric and I didn't have the strength to put my feet down and chair up so I could get out of the chair myself.
So sleeping was very similar to in the hospital - short stretches of time and not the constant napping I had been looking forward to. :) Now that my dad is also home, I mentioned to my mom that I was surprised by the fact that he didn't seem to have as much trouble as me in getting comfortable enough to rest. But (as always) my mom made a good point.
Before the surgery, my Dad had been sick. And he had been sick for a while. It was already hard for him to sleep and get comfortable. For me, I generally had no issues falling asleep and getting comfortable. But this surgery knocked me down and it's going to take some time to get back to that normal for me. And it's going to take some time for my Dad to get back to a place he was before he started getting sick.
But every day, every night, every time I get up and move around, it gets easier. The pain starts to fade. And that's really encouraging.
So I'm doing my best to take advantage of the situation I'm in. Trying to get those naps in, definitely enjoying the snacks and trying to make as little sudden movements as possible. Letting other people take care of me, bringing me the things I need and making sure I follow those lifting restrictions.
Luckily, I've got a really good team of caretakers.
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