I'm Back

[bbest]

I had my surgery on February 5th and spent 6 days in the hospital. All I can say is wow. This was a tough surgery. I was in surgery for about 6 hours and woke up in the ICU on a ventilator - again (my surgeon didn't anticipate this as I was posterior only). My husband and my mom were with me and I was in excruciating pain and very coherent. I motioned for the nurse to give a pen and paper so that I could write. I wanted to know why I was on a vent, what happened, and why was I in such pain. Apparently, I loss a lot of blood. During surgery I was given 9 units of blood. My blood pressure was extremely low and they were not able to safely sedate me or control my pain. As my blood pressure came up, they were able to give me medicine to make me comfortable but it seemed to take forever. At one point I apparently looked at the chaplain and mouthed the words "help me" through tears. It was a rough start. In all, I was given 12 units of blood. Over the next few days, my vitals improved and I was able to start PT. It amazes me how much we improve from one say to the next. By the 5th day, I was able to give myself a sponge bath and get myself dressed. I can't write about my whole experience right now, but this is a start. I'm not real comfortable sitting in this chair and it's time for me to take my meds. I just wanted to let everyone know that I am doing ok.

[bbest]

I also wanted to point out that every experience is different. Because I had a difficult time doesn't mean you will. Ii don't mean to scare anyone off, but I don't see the merit in sugar coating either. The vast majority of patients get through it without any major complications.

[CHRIS WBS]

Brandi,

So good to see you report back to us. I was wondering how you’re doing. It sounds like you really had a tough time of it. Your comment about mouthing the words “help me” through tears brought back memories of my own experience in ICU. I mouthed those words many times without anyone coming to my assistance. I spent three days in the ICU from hell. I wasn’t sure I’d make it out of there alive. Wishing you a better recovery than your first one, Brandi. You deserve a break. Chris

[Singer]

Hi Brandi! So glad you're okay and so sorry to hear you had such a rough go of it in the hospital. It IS amazing how resilient we are, isn't it?! Best wishes for an uneventful and steady recovery.

[Susie*Bee]

Yes, Brandi-- it's so good to hear you are ok and you are able to post. That must have been a scary time for you and your family-- but at least that's behind you and you are getting stronger. I'm looking forward to more installments on your hospital story... but only when you feel up to it. In the meantime, gentle hugs-- Susie

[debbei]

Brandi,

I'm sorry you had such a hard time in the hospital. It must have been very scary for you to wake up that way. I'm so glad to hear that you're doing much better though. Take it easy and rest as much as you can.

((Hugs))

[txmarinemom]

Hey, Brandi ... just noticed we share a surgery date. I was 2/5/2008.

I wonder what happened?

So very sorry to hear you had so much trouble! Thank you for pointing out (even with all you're going through) that most don't have problems. Mine was also a posterior approach (albeit an initial surgery, not revision), and I didn't even really require the one unit I'd banked (I just made them run it back in vs. tossing it).

Take good care of yourself: Eat well, rest as well as possible, and let others help when they offer. Fingers crossed you're on the mend and feeling MUCH better soon. It'll get better, hon ... just hang in here and stay positive. Sending good thoughts your way ;-).

Regards,
Pam

[always smilin']

Brandi - I'm terrible with dates (and hadn't used the calendar until Susie Bee posted info on it yesterday - thanks Susie) , but noticed that you hadn't posted in a while and was a bit worried. I'm sorry things were so hard in the hospital - but it sounds like you're doing a little better. Know that you were/are in my thoughts!

Take gentle care,
Always Smilin'

[JenniferG]

That was hard to read but it helps all of us *this* side to be aware that something like this might happen.

You deserve a smooth recovery Brandi, I hope you get it.

Jen

[Louisse]

Hi Brandi,

I just wanted to say Hi and send you my best wishes for a smooth recovery now after all the setbacks and problems you've encountered.

I've loved reading your blog (thanks for sharing) so strange how when we read little snippets of info we often feel like 'we know someone' a little!?

I really hope that this sorts everything out for you now you have been so much. Sometimes when I write messages of 'good luck' and 'best wishes' they seen so crass but I genuinely feel for you and hope that this time your recovery goes smoothly.

We can't wait for you to post the whole experience thing later..yeah, you rest, take your meds and take it easy. thanks for letting us know you are ok.
With many best wishes
Louisse

[pmsmom]

I had my surgery on February 5th and spent 6 days in the hospital. All I can say is wow. This was a tough surgery. I was in surgery for about 6 hours and woke up in the ICU on a ventilator - again (my surgeon didn't anticipate this as I was posterior only). My husband and my mom were with me and I was in excruciating pain and very coherent. I motioned for the nurse to give a pen and paper so that I could write. I wanted to know why I was on a vent, what happened, and why was I in such pain. Apparently, I loss a lot of blood. During surgery I was given 9 units of blood. My blood pressure was extremely low and they were not able to safely sedate me or control my pain. As my blood pressure came up, they were able to give me medicine to make me comfortable but it seemed to take forever. At one point I apparently looked at the chaplain and mouthed the words "help me" through tears. It was a rough start. In all, I was given 12 units of blood. Over the next few days, my vitals improved and I was able to start PT. It amazes me how much we improve from one say to the next. By the 5th day, I was able to give myself a sponge bath and get myself dressed. I can't write about my whole experience right now, but this is a start. I'm not real comfortable sitting in this chair and it's time for me to take my meds. I just wanted to let everyone know that I am doing ok.

Thanks for checking in Brandi. I had been wondering how you were doing.

The biggest thing is to take care of yourself right now. You update us when you can.

Marian

[abhbarry]

Brandi,

You are in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry to hear about your experience - especially after all you've already been through. It will get better - you know it will! Take care of yourself.

Best,
Anya

[LynnMarie74]

My thoughts are w/you....we all know how tough it can be & we all know it ends up being okay. So glad you were able to post....please take care & I hope you are feeling better.

Lynn

[LynnMarie74]

That was hard to read but it helps all of us *this* side to be aware that something like this might happen.

You deserve a smooth recovery Brandi, I hope you get it.

Jen

Jen---- Thinking of you w/you up coming surgery. Hang in there....Im sure your pretty fearful about now....I know I sure was. But when it came down to that day....for some reason I was pretty calm....I think I knew everything would be ok.....as it will be for you. Take care of yourself....relax alittle...get all of your "chores" done that you wont be able to tend to while your out...maybe pick up a good book that will keep your interest. Of course you will not want to read until about 2 weeks after, but then you will have something to take your mind off of everything. Take care....

Lynn