Well I am now 4 days post-op so I thought I would do a quick write up of my experience with the genius that is
Dr. Karidis.I have
I travelled down to London on the day of surgery, I left Stafford at 530am and arrived at the hospital of St John and St Elizabeth at 915am. I reported in at reception and my name was ticked off the list, I was asked to take a seat on the leather sofas in the waiting area. After about 5 mins a bloke in a suit came and showed me to my room, I filled out a few forms and then he left me to settle in.
I was really impressed wititg the nurse that I was having a nice dream, by the time my eyes could focus on the clock it was 1230pm. I was wheeled back to my room, I was starving so I asked if I could have some toast and a cup of tea. I spent the afternoon watching sky sports news and crappy day time tv. I had a really nice meal, tomato soup, beef sandwich and cheese and buscuits. At about 3pm Chantelle came round to see how I was doing, she gave me all the post op advise and said i would be able to go home soon.
At 4pm the nurse came round and said that I was able to go home. I had an ok journey home, not too much pain. I really struggled to sleep on the first night, I think it was a mixture of drugs, adrenaline and the tight compression vest.
The next day I changed my dressings and saw the results for the first time. My chest looked unusually flat but I think that was down to the compression garment, I had been warned about this so I wasn't too shocked. I have to say I was really impressed with the reults! I know it's early days!
The next couple of days I really struggled with the tightness of the compression vest, especially in the evening when my stomach gets bloated. The swelling seems to be peaking now and i haven't had to take any pain killers for the last 2 days. I am just taking my Arnica and pineapple. I have been taking a 10 minute break from the vest twice a day to keep me sain!
I will be taking the plasters off on friday so I will take some more pictures and post them then.