Fifa's Surgery 11/10/14 with Dr. Buchowski

[fifa]

Also, regarding the wake up test. I didn't ask about it/wasn't told I'd have one ( I was on neuro monitor entire time to make sure nothing they were doing was going to result in neurological deficit ).

But I can offer insight on being aware while intubated. I was kept intubated overnight -- I did wake up couple of times, but wasn't scared or concerned about the endotracheal tube in my throat. It didn't cause discomfort.

I remember being annoyed at my nurse that she kept on 'hiding' my hands under the blanket when I tried to point at my lips in hopes of getting some lip balm or even a smear of vasaline because my lips felt dry. LOL. She was afraid I'd extubate myself.

For all we know you may end up being annoyed at that bunch of people are yelling at you to do stuff when you feel sleepy and want to go back to sleep. (Which is what happened first time I got general anesthesia and they were waking me up. I was annoyed as heck bunch of ladies were yelling at me because I wanted to sleep for five more minutes)

Hi,

That made me laugh - couldn't they have just handed you a pad and a pen??? Hugs to you - thanks for the info!
Fifa

[PeggyS]

Hi Fifa,

Are you ok? You haven't posted for awhile, but I know you're busy & trying to 'wrap your head' around your upcoming surgery. Did the pre-testing go ok? We're on our way!

[springchicken]

Hi Fifa!
I was reading through your thread and it sounds like everyone has given you so much good advice I probably will just be redundant! But I did want to wish you well so I thought I'd say hi.

I read that you were sad about yoga and I can really relate. Not sure what type you practiced and sorry if you already discussed this, but maybe you could look into Iyengar when you're healed post surgery. It uses a lot of props and emphasizes form and balance.

I miss being able to practice like I did presurgery but I've found I can modify poses and even the gentlest poses bring me a little relief now. Once I get my pain situation under control I hope to keep adding poses.

There is a yoga studio in NY that specializes in yoga for scoliosis and even offers classes for fused folks. So it is possible, just different of course.

Best of luck to you- I will be thinking of you!

[Susie*Bee]

Yes, I remember the wake up test and it was fine. Don't worry about it. And yes, Ed, I had all the wiring or whatever and there was a neurologist watching everything also. It was just one more thing. Fifa, what I remember is that they woke me up, but I was still sort of in a twilight type zone, and they asked me to wiggle my toes and move my feet, etc., and I remember thinking "good, I'm still here"... (big smile) and then off I went back to sleep. I didn't feel any pain or anything. Don't sweat it.

[titaniumed]

I could imagine the wake up test being quite confusing if you own a Tesla. Its electric and has no gas pedal.....or if one uses a horse. “Doc, if I pull on the reins, will that work?” (smiley face)

There hasn’t been much chatter on the wake up test subject since many surgeons rely on SSEP’s and or various nerve monitoring equipment....I didn’t have a wake up test, but they did wake me after my anterior during my stage looking for permission to continue on the posterior. It was like a dream, “Ed you ok? Can we continue on?” Was I going to say no? In and out with a twist of a valve. I was awake for 10 seconds and of course didn’t feel anything at all.

Ed

[Irina]

I remember somebody telling me to move my legs and then saying: "Good enough", and then I dosed off. But I thought it happened in the recovery room, was it a wake up test in the operating room? Linda, do they do a wake up test at UCSF?

[tae_tap]

Hi, all -

I thought I would ask the question I've not seen asked or answered on the forum.

I've been worried about what is referred to as the "wake up test." I'm told that I'll be awakened during surgery and asked to perform some maneuvers with my feet and legs (stepping on the gas, etc.) to make sure everything is still working the way it should. I was told that I won't remember any of this. Do any of you remember this part of your surgery? This scares the crud out of me, mostly because of being intubated and awake, I guess. Were any of you scared about it?

I would love to hear your thoughts and comments.

Thanks!
Fifa

Fifa,
Do not worry about the wake up test. You will not remember it during the surgery. The only time I remember is the very last time and I was still so drugged I didn't feel any pain. You just have a ton of people telling you to lift your legs, point your toes, and push on the gas pedal. I was terrified of the test as well, but rest assure it is one of the many things that will not even remain in your memory bank.

Tamena

[PeggyS]

Our (Fifa & me) nurse told me to review the 'wake up test' maneuvers & to practice them the day before surgery! What?!?

Great idea, Susan - about takings pics of flowers & noting who they're from. It's hard to imagine how 'out of it' I'll be!

Visitors won't be an issue b/c we're 8 hours from home! Last night, some close friends said they want to visit once I'm in the apartment during our month long stay. I was surprised & left my response as waiting to see how things are going. I know they want to see me, but they'd also like to give Rick some help.

[JenniferG]

I was told I'd be having the wake up test as well. I worried I would be in pain and paralysed. My surgeon told me I wouldn't remember it and I don't. Please don't worry about it. I'm not even sure of the wisdom of telling patients this, because it sounds very scary but it's nothing to worry about. Put it out of your head and give yourself some peace.

[green m&m]

Also, regarding the wake up test. I didn't ask about it/wasn't told I'd have one ( I was on neuro monitor entire time to make sure nothing they were doing was going to result in neurological deficit ).

But I can offer insight on being aware while intubated. I was kept intubated overnight -- I did wake up couple of times, but wasn't scared or concerned about the endotracheal tube in my throat. It didn't cause discomfort.

I remember being annoyed at my nurse that she kept on 'hiding' my hands under the blanket when I tried to point at my lips in hopes of getting some lip balm or even a smear of vasaline because my lips felt dry. LOL. She was afraid I'd extubate myself.

For all we know you may end up being annoyed at that bunch of people are yelling at you to do stuff when you feel sleepy and want to go back to sleep. (Which is what happened first time I got general anesthesia and they were waking me up. I was annoyed as heck bunch of ladies were yelling at me because I wanted to sleep for five more minutes)

[green m&m]

Speaking of visitors, I had to make an "allowed to visit" llist and gave it to nursing and security to prevent some cousins from visiting. They haven't been in touch forever and all of sudden wanted to reconnect. Apparently my BP shot up when . found out they wanted to visit while still in special care unit so my best friend, boy friend, my nurse and I thought it'd be best at to make sure there was no chance of anyone unwanted popping in - leading to the somewhat drastic ish list of allowed folks. Helped put my mind at ease.

[fifa]

Need Your Truth About The Wake-Up Test

Hi, all -

I thought I would ask the question I've not seen asked or answered on the forum.

I've been worried about what is referred to as the "wake up test." I'm told that I'll be awakened during surgery and asked to perform some maneuvers with my feet and legs (stepping on the gas, etc.) to make sure everything is still working the way it should. I was told that I won't remember any of this. Do any of you remember this part of your surgery? This scares the crud out of me, mostly because of being intubated and awake, I guess. Were any of you scared about it?

I would love to hear your thoughts and comments.

Thanks!
Fifa

[fifa]

Pardon my repetition if I have said this before!

Visitors: just very close family that you like. Said before: it's all about you. I do not remember any visitors except my husband and daughter, both of who spent the night with me. I made a comment to My husband: "why didn't you spend more than one night with me?" He answered, "I was there 4 nights". I had no idea!

Might be a good idea for someone to wrote down who sends flowers and take a cell phone picture of he flowers. I do not remember having flowers although relatives told me that I did. So, I did not even thank the sender!

Private Room: I highly recommend. Many hospitals will not allow someone to spend the night if you do not have a private room. If you can guarantee that a roommate: has no pain, does not order strong smelling food when you are nauseated, does not have TV on when you want to sleep, sleeps 8 hours, does not say a word or play loud music, does not snore, does not have obnoxious visitors, goes to bed when you do, does not fart, does not cover up the window in the room....just easier to have a private room.

Susan

UGH - Susan, I had forgotten about food smells when nauseated. Yuck. Thanks?? (ha) You're in health care, too - was there something with the Affordable Care Act about private rooms? It seems everything here in town when that direction in the last year or two.

Take care - sending e-hugs and e-prayers!
Fifa

[fifa]

I didn't know about requesting a private hospital room. I need to call Megan, TODAY! Heck, I'm paying out-of-pocket for BMP, what's $88 for a private room going to matter! LOL - sadly!

Hi, Peggy -

Yes, I was a little shocked that they have double rooms. Every hospital here has gone to private rooms, and they all have pull-out couches so family can stay bedside. I'm happy to pay the extra. Have shared a hospital room before, and it can be awkward with each other's visitors, television, etc. Hope you get on the list! Megan told me there were no guarantees, but it is worth a shot!

Talk to you soon!
Fifa

[susancook]

Pardon my repetition if I have said this before!

Visitors: just very close family that you like. Said before: it's all about you. I do not remember any visitors except my husband and daughter, both of who spent the night with me. I made a comment to My husband: "why didn't you spend more than one night with me?" He answered, "I was there 4 nights". I had no idea!

Might be a good idea for someone to wrote down who sends flowers and take a cell phone picture of he flowers. I do not remember having flowers although relatives told me that I did. So, I did not even thank the sender!

Private Room: I highly recommend. Many hospitals will not allow someone to spend the night if you do not have a private room. If you can guarantee that a roommate: has no pain, does not order strong smelling food when you are nauseated, does not have TV on when you want to sleep, sleeps 8 hours, does not say a word or play loud music, does not snore, does not have obnoxious visitors, goes to bed when you do, does not fart, does not cover up the window in the room....just easier to have a private room.

Susan