All done, and I’m still here

I arrived promptly at 7am to short stay surgery and was told I was going down “soon” as I was the only one on the renal surgery list.

Cue lots of forms, questions, tests and a frantic hunt for an XL gown as the one provided was far too small. I didn’t think off the shoulder with a micro skirt was a good look on me. 😁

Dignity well and truly out of the window as I had to step briefly and draughtily from the bed into the operating room, desperately trying not to moon at the theatre staff.

I’ve had lots of operations before and am used to getting a pre med, a nice high and then drifting off to sleep. Not today.

Not sure why but I had to have some sort of line installed into my forearm to measure blood pressure while I was out and this did not want to go in. After at least 4 local anaesthetic injections, the wheeling out of an ultrasound machine and a very unpleasant and painful 20 minutes or so they finally got the line installed. Then someone suggested let’s put him to sleep before proceeding. At last!

Deep breaths in and out then the fentanyl went in and I was out in a matter of seconds. Obviously I don’t recall anything after that until I started to come round in the recovery room.

Apparently my operation was further delayed by another couple of hours as they had more problems getting another central line into my carotid artery. Deep and very full arteries apparently.

The operation then went without issue apparently and it was about 3:30pm when I first started to come around in recovery. Very groggy and very sore on my lower right side, luckily I had an oxycodone pump was in my hand and it was used a lot during the first hour or so. I also have the joys of a catheter, not looking forward to that coming out tomorrow morning 🥺

I finally got back to the ward at about 6pm to loads of best wishes from friends and family. I had a quick video call with Katie, Rhian and Kira and don’t think I made a lot of sense.

It’s now almost 7:40, the pain has dulled a lot. they’re very pleased at my rate of filling my “bag” 🥹, I’m glad I’m good at something today 😁

Still in my gown and very hot, there’s no airflow in here. I’ve also managed a sandwich 🥪

I’m pretty tired still and glad I bought my sleep buds with me as I think I’ll be trying to get some sleep soon

The plan is to get me moving in the morning, remove the catheter, central line and all being well go home tomorrow afternoon.

Thankyou everyone that’s sent me a message, it means a lot to know you all care.