Paula's Surgery--Part 3, Hospital Kicks Her To The Curb

[Guest BeckyTG]

Friday—Final day in hospital. Paula has finally figured out how to overcome her fainting when first standing up. Her legs have been wrapped in pressure wraps, which increase and decrease pressure to keep blood moving. When these are suddenly undone, so she can get up, apparently it changes blood flow substantially and alters blood to the brain. So, she’s been putting one leg at a time over the side of the bed in order to alter blood flow.

This has done the trick and she can now stand up without getting terribly faint. Way to go, Girl.

They’ve disconnected the catheter bag and left her with a tube with a stopper in it. She now has to get up to pee. This will be the last time ever for her that she will have to do this standing up. She just pulls the cork and lets it drain, then reinstalls the stopper. She reports that the pain and swelling make it difficult to determine when she does have to pee. There have been times when she flooded the place and other times when all she got was a dribble. She says it’s a strange feeling.

Saturday¬---She was kicked out of the hospital late Friday, but not until she got her last supper at the hospital. She was transported to a beautiful Bed and Breakfast in New Hope, now used by all the “McGinn Girls” for her next week of recovery. She’ll stay there a week and, hopefully, start home next Sat.

She reported that she’s had a rough time Friday night and Saturday with gas pains that she just can’t get to go away and she’s quite uncomfortable. I think that perhaps the logistics in getting out of the hospital, getting dressed, the car ride and all that just might have contributed to all this. One thing is certain, it sure isn’t over yet and she may face some tough days and nights ahead.

Her Doctor’s orders were clear—stay in bed, be a good girl. She can get up to pee and maybe do a little light walking, but that’s it. This is the hard part, because there are times when boredom can get to you and you get impatient.

She says that getting out of bed is the most difficult thing she’s done so far. Well, duh. She has to get to a sitting position to get up, think about what happens when she does that… Oh, my. She says getting back into bed is easy, but getting up, not so much.

Sunday morning---She said she’d watched a movie Saturday night. I wonder if she had any popcorn? The bed and breakfast apparently prepares and serves wonderful breakfasts, she’s being treated well.

She’s been feeling herself to see where things are now. She says she can see where the catheter tube goes into her and, for some reason, she says that area is amazingly smooth… There is some swelling, but, apparently, she can detect some changes to her anatomy. I hope she doesn’t peel any dressings away to see.

She’s still in for a few tough days, as her first Dr. visit is Tuesday. That’s when the packing comes out and she gets to see the results. From what we’ve both heard about that sight, she’s prepared for a bit of a shock. I hope she can bear it (that’s for Sally).

She can probably read all this, but will have a tough time posting herself, as she only has her little phone. She could be in for a bear of a time, so keep her in your thoughts.

That’s all from here, now back to the Forums…. Maria?

Becky, Cub Reporter (not) at the scene.

[Guest]

Hi Paula,

So sorry to hear about your difficulties, but, you're doing great! Hang in there - keep those pain pills handy - and take care.

We'll be thinking good thoughts for you.

Love, Kat

[Guest Miss_Construe]

Paula,

Mend well and get tonnes of sleep.

<3

Amy

[Guest ranse]

Here's to a speedy recovery, Paula. Feel like yourself soon!

[Guest John Chiv]

Paula,

Wishing you a safe, healthy, pain-free recovery and welcome home (here) and soon, another welcome when you are home.

John

[Carolyn Marie]

Thanks so much for the update, Becky. You're a peach.

I know its a tough slog, Paula, and you knew well that it would be. It's major surgery, and no picnic, so all you prospective SRS patients out there take note. Just keep your eyes on the prize, Paula. The worst is over, and the best is coming soon.

Love

Carolyn Marie

[Guest ~Brenda~]

Paula,

As you recover from your needed surgery, keep in mind that you are perfect in health and spirit. You have always been Paula, and what you are going through are just the physical manifestations of body, not mind.

Your blood pressure will stabilize, and you will be able to move as you always have been able to move.

You have arrived

Love you Paula

Brenda

[Guest Elizabeth K]

Paula - you said this many times - baby steps to a successful end!

We are cheering for ya!

THANKS Becky!

Lizzy

[Guest Opal]

Wish you a speedy recovery Paula!

Huggs,

Opal