So far, So good

I’m writing this offline (over several days) since the wireless network at the clinic is still down. I’m done calling everyone today (Sunday) and need a little time to collect my thoughts. I don’t need internet for that! Here is my “saga” up to this point.

Dr Sauceda arrived at the hotel a little past 7:30 AM Saturday morning. He loaded up my bags and brought me to the clinic. I filled out a little paper work, took my belongings to my room, secured my valuables in a locker, got undressed and into a “modesty” gown, and then the fun begin. If taking a little white pill, getting an IV and being scrubbed down with iodine is fun. I was asked to lie down on the operating table and that’s about all I remember. My next memory is waking up but still being too asleep to open my eyes. I could move my arm a little but that was it. When I finally opened my eyes, I was wheeled into recovery. I was there for 3 hours or so. I was still a groggy so the time went by quickly enough.

They gave me back my backpack which contained my valuables (cell phone being one of them). I was able to call my mom, Marlene, and my girlfriend, Dody, before nodding off again. I really have to thank my work for putting me on an international plan for this month. It’s nice to be able to pick up the phone and call anytime I need to. The nurse checked on my through the night so I mainly got cat naps since I’m a light sleeper. I didn’t have any real pain to speak of that point other than some discomfort when pushing myself up in bed.

That morning I was brought some Jello and juice for breakfast. The pain was still very bearable. I called some more friends plus my mom and girlfriend again. I was eagerly awaiting the doctor with the hope that he would let me get out of bed. Staying in the bed too long is always uncomfortable for me. I did have a visitor before the doctor saw me. Heidi from the Obesity Help forums stopped by after she has some of her stitches removed. It was really nice to talk with her and see where I’ll be in a week and a half. The doctor stopped in shortly after Heidi left and told me wanted me to sit up on the edge of the bed for 30 minutes then try to stand. If I didn’t feel dizzy I could have a nurse walk with me.

Getting in a comfortable sitting position was difficult. It even took several attempts to sit up without too much discomfort. I might have been stopped by the pain if the doctor hadn’t told me I could it. I trust Dr Sauceda’s experience in these matters. After getting into a sitting position I watched the clock closely. I was definitely eager to get up but I waited 30 minutes. I did some Facebook updates from my phone to pass the time. Compared to getting into an upright seated position standing was a piece of cake. It felt really good to finally break free of the bed. I rang the call button and the nurse walked me around the room for a bit. I sat on the loveseat while she made the bed. She removed the IV tube and then took out the catheter (OUCH!) – A little pain with a lot of reward. The catheter was very uncomfortable.

Getting up and down from the loveseat was a little painful but I managed to learn a bit a slide and stand routine that helped. I got up to get my phone and a book to read. I put on a gown and sat back down. It was pleasurable to have a freedom of movement again, even just confined to my room. I called mom and Dody and gave them an update on how I was doing. Both were thrilled that I was getting along so well. I was thrilled myself.  After the phone calls, I just sat and enjoyed my book. I got a little tired so I go back into bed and only got back up to get ready for bed. Hey, I nearly forgot to mention my first solid meal. I don’t know exactly what it was called but it tasted amazing. It was a fried chicken cutlet with mashed potatoes. Muy Bien!

This morning (Monday) I felt really good. I finally got a good amount of sleep and that made a big difference. Getting out of the bed is easier and less painful. For breakfast, I got an omelet with beans and fresh made tortillas. By that time, I was hungry so it tasted as good as the chicken from yesterday. Before breakfast I called mom and Dody. I’m really missing them both but talking to them on the phone helps. I’m ready for internet access so I can use my webcam with Dody. That might not come until I’m back at the hotel.

My hope for today (Monday) is a shower. To put it simply, I stink. I’m carrying nearly 3 days of funk around with me. My hope came true around noon. When the nurse said “shower” I was sooooo ready. Getting out of the compression garment felt a little strange, it’s like a second skin and you get used to the feeling. The nurse removed the gauze and I got my first look at the incisions. They are nice and straight and I think the scars will look great after treatment in a few months. The nurse had a chair in the shower for me and told me to sit just in case I got dizzy. I took my time in the shower, gentle scrubbing the stitches and being a little more aggressive with my more stinky “parts”. After drying, another nurse put on my gauze and helped me into my spare compression garment along with pants and a shirt. The first nurse had gone to wash out my original garment. When she brought my garment back, I got a very pleasant surprise. I was told I could go to the hotel today, if I felt like it.

The nurse and I couldn’t pack fast enough. I was really ready to be back at the hotel and have internet access. The doctor came to see me shortly after I finished packing and he too asked me if I felt up to going to the hotel. He said it wouldn’t be a problem if I wanted to stay another night in the clinic. I was ready to go though and said as much. He grabbed my bags and led me to his car. I enjoyed the 80 degree weather and freedom of being outside again on the short trip to the hotel. After he checked me in, he took my bags to my room and helped me settle in. I rested for a bit and got online to post my victory on the forums. Antoinette is two rooms down from me so I stopped by to introduce myself. We chatted until Dr S came back with my meds and gauze. It’s really great to have someone to talk to down here that has been thru the exact thing you’ve been thru.

I probably over did it today (Monday) because I was very tired after talking with Dody on the webcam. I took my meds and fell asleep in the recliner. I moved to the bed later that night and slept pretty well. I did wake up shivering at one point but I just turned up the heat and put on the comforter. I’ll send an email to Dr S asking him about it and make sure it’s not a symptom of anything. This morning I’m finally finishing up this LONG post that I’ve written over several days and getting to upload it to my blog. I’m going to take it easy today and not over do it. After the hospitals pain meds wore off, I notice the pain more now. It makes me be extra careful so that’s not really a bad thing. I’m thankful, that once I get into a good position I don’t have any discomfort.

I’ll update tomorrow on my day today.
Mark