After reading these forums to help make a decision about what to do, I made a clear agreement with myself to come back and post about my experiences in case there was another person out there looking for advice.
Usual story, I'd been lurking for a while and have been traumatised by my condition since I was 13/14 (now 34). Holidays in the sun have been a nightmare, clothing is carefully picked, hunched shoulders and a longing for winter coats is the norm. A shame when I'm incredibly active, and have completed numerous endurance events between 8 - 24 hours in length. I was a large lad in my early 20's and just thought by losing weight (from 110kg down to 72kg) it would go away, but it didn't and I knew something needed to change.
Fast forward about 7 years from when I was at my lightest (now about 79kg, and 182cm tall) the straw that broke the camels back was the end of my 2 year marriage, where my lack of self confidence and unwillingness to 'get over it, nobody cares' was one of the reasons that she is citing in our (very recent) separation. That was the moment I took action, and while I don't think going to the lengths I have will save my marriage, I don't want it to ruin any further relationships I may have.
So about a month ago I made the decision to visit
Dr. Karidis upon recommendations from this forum. He confirmed what I thought, and spoke in a very matter of fact way. I was determined to see it through and booked there and then. I even discussed a small amount of stubborn fat on my abdomen that never seemed to move and agreed to have that taken out as well.
The day arrived (yesterday, 3rd Oct) and I got to the hospital at 9am. I didn't really tell anyone I knew about the process, what it was all about or anything but a few people knew I was in hospital for surgery (described as 'just correcting a few things'). The check-in process was smooth, people at St J & E were very nice and before I knew it I was marked up and ready to go. I purposely didn't ask questions, as they wouldn't influence the outcome. I was more worried about the recovery! A quick jab and 10 seconds later I was asleep.
I woke up in the recovery room about 90 mins later and I'll be honest, didn't feel comfortable. I was struggling with my breath and just felt very anxious. The vest was tight (as expected) but I couldn't calm down. Deep breaths didn't seem to help, nor being hooked up to oxygen. I was wheeled into my room, and a dr came in and saw me and checked me out and said I was fine, and finally someone adjusted my vest which made a bit of difference, along with a codiene tablet! Finally relaxed I spent the afternoon trying to drink as much water as possible. I wasn't hungry but realised they weren't going to let me out unless I ate and also passed urine! Managed both around 5.30pm thankfully.
I was going to do this thing alone, but the girlfriend of my friend who I have moved in with was very keen to come along. At 4pm on the day I relented, and sent her a text asking her to meet me which made such a difference. The taxi was booked for 5pm but moved it to 6.30pm and got home with her carrying my stuff at around 7.15pm.
I had set everything up in my room so I just went in, got myself sorted, put the sheet down to protect the bed from any blood seepage (hasn't been much as yet) and slept on and off until around 6.30am this morning. I felt much better this morning, could eat, but the pain is more problematic today with the pressure of the vest. It isn't easy, but neither is the alternative. Short term discomfort in a long term goal is what I am telling myself.
The shower was an experience I won't forget. I was shaking with fear, and nearly cried taking the bandages off. I didn't know who I was, and the enormity of it all just hit me. It wasn't the pain at all, it was just the nervousness of seeing what has happened. There are bumps and lumps, but I know this is a 3-6 month game, not a 24 hour game. Give it time, so that's why I didn't really want to look today (unlike everyone else who seems really keen to see what has gone on!!) There is a definitely a difference though.
It's now 11.50pm the day after and am struggling for sleep. I'm not sure I will tonight but not bothered, as can sleep at any stage. I realise this is a long and boring post but I hope some of the info here can prepare some of you lurkers for what is to come. Don't think, just do. What is money really if it can't buy you happiness, self-confidence and a new lease of life. It won't happen in a day, but look at this site, the photos, and see what can happen over a longer period.
To all those that post here and continue to update, I salute you. Your bravery has saved many souls, including mine. It's almost like I've been given a second chance, and feel like I've wasted so much of my adulthood already. I've seen the world three times over, but this process is already making me want to go and see it again (with my shirt off!)
Will update and probably post a few photos as I continue to recover...
Topic: Surgery with Karidis - 3/10/13 (Photos now up) (Read 2674 times)
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