OK then the operation was a success and I'm currently lying in bed at home feeling slightly sore but nothing too bad at all. Here is my little run through of how the past couple of days have gone.
I was booked in to arrive at 10:30 on the 29th so my time limits for eating at drinking were 06:00 and 08:30. I decided not to wake up before 6 to eat anything because 1- I like to sleep too much and 2- It would give me extra time to worry if anything. The night before after a normal eating pattern throughout the day i had a spinach shake as a snack at about midnight (recipe- 3 handfuls of spinach, portion of whey protein, tbl spoon peanut butter, 1 whole banana, portion of blueberries, ice and milk) and had a bowl of pineapple and some mixed nuts. Chugged two pints of water and got to sleep by half 1. Woke up at 08:00 and had a few small sips of water, long shower and set off by 09:30. The journey was simple, my parents drove (please, tell someone if you can. It makes it so much easier) Got the the hospital 15 minutes early and was guided up to my room within 5 minutes of notifying reception. A small tour of the room (how the bed works, TV etc) then a procession of nurses came in filling out various forms, taking blood pressure, heart rate and temperature. I also ordered what I wanted to eat for lunch and dinner later that day, and wad advised to go for something cold for lunch, so I could be flexible with time. Paul also popped in to say hello and let me know I was next. This process was so quick, the next thing I knew I was in the sexy gown and stockings (kept boxers on underneath) and having a brief chat to the anaesthetist. He asked a few questions and kept my at ease. I was then walked down the the GA room, It's a very odd feeling, I was still blocking out what I was about to go through. From the bed I was lying on to be put under, I could see the room full of people I'd be having the operation. Paul marked me up and took a few pictures. I was then asked a number of questions about what I'm doing at University next year, when I felt a cold surge up my arm, my head wen't drowsy and the next thing i knew I was awaking from a tired hangover minutes later! I had a few cups of water within 20 minutes of waking up and was wheeled back to my room after a few checks. I was feeling sleepy at this points but in no pain.
Over the next few hours nurses popped in with food, meds or to complete some tests. My parents popped in, as did Paul to talk over the operation. He said it wen't perfectly and showed pictures of the glands. They looked huge, he said they were about 30g each side, with about 200cc fat. Much bigger than I thought they would be. This really justified the process and showed my parents how big the problem truly was.
From then on You're left on your own for the most part, but nurses are on constant call if needed. They pop in every few hours with meds and to check up. I slept a bit during this time (around 5) before dinner arrived and the Paralympics opening ceremony was on. This was a godsend, as I was getting very bored, there was not much else on, despite having sky sports 1 and 2, sky movies premier, sky 1 etc. By this point I was drinking a lot of water and pineapple juice. This resulted in getting up to go to the loo often. Even with the drains in, this is easy, there's just about no pain thanks to the meds. I tried sleeping at 2am but just couldn't, don't know why. I watched some of the Murray match, but this was the worst part yet. It's wasn't a painful night, but a very disruptive one.
Morning finally came, after 5 hours of clock watching. The meds and check-up came, followed by breakfast. Paul then stopped by the answer any more questions and to check on the drains. They were fine to come out to he turned off the vacuum. He said "leave it 30 minutes and they will slip out", had a small chat about post-op care. I'll arrange a consultation for a months time. He's off to Geneva for a 5 day conference.
Then, after a 30 minute break, it came to the dreaded drains. I've read mixed opinions on these boards. Some say it's a breeze, others say it's horrible. I'm hold the latter view, unfortunately. They are quite deep and the tape used to fasten them is "secure" to say the least. I would recommend shaving the armpits, I didn't and regret it slightly. when they were pulled out, I had a sharp pain, accompanied by a loud squelching noise and a view of blood. I must be squeamish, because I wen't white as a sheet, felt sick and nearly passed out. This only lasted about 10 minutes max, I was given an anti-sickness pill and was left to get changed on my own (easy). My dad turned up about 10 minutes later, giving me enough time to fill out their review form. I was packed off with 3 boxes of pills and some spare dressings then I was off.
The journey home was a breeze, I was still slightly feeling the effects of the drains coming out, but felt like a normal drive home to be honest.
In conclusion, I'm very happy I went though with it. It's fairly easy on the whole, but I found the 22 hours in bed a challenge. I wouldn't be up for doing it again straight away, because I'm tired but with a fresh body, I'd do it in a shot. I'm now looking forward to a quick recovery, full of the usual worries and concerns!
Thanks for reading, hope it makes sense, I'm very sleepy! I'll be updating quite regularly.
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