Wednesday, June 06, 2007

Home from the Hospital

Well I'm home. Surgery went well. The strange mark under my chin there is from a couple of EKG patches that were left on until I changed from my hospital gown into tank top & slacks at about 4 a.m. I couldn't sleep in the hospital. I work there, so sleeping just didn't seem right! Besides, I'd had that dozy twilight sleep on drugs most of the day after surgery.
The shoulder was frozen, Dr Pete said he had to "crunch it loose" (makes me feel ooogie just thinking about it). There was inflammation & gooey stuff that he cleaned up, & he cut the end of the clavicle where it articulates with the shoulder, because there were a couple of burrs there impinging on the joint. So hopefully my mobility will get better with time. I'm very glad to be back home. I just wish I could get along completely without pain meds. I don't like how I feel on them.
I think the experience of this surgery will make me a better nurse. I learned a few things seeing it from a patient's perspective. I couldn't believe how stoned I felt all day. I was glad my Dr. kept me overnight. I could not see myself functioning at home after that.
I also realized that things aren't necessarily done on the floor the way I thought they were.
Normally when I'm sending a patient home in a sling I help them get dressed, then go over the sling to make sure it fits comfortably, & supports them well, but if I'm sending them upstairs I didn't worry about it, because I was sure the floor nurse would do that the 1st time they get up.
I found that I was the one adjusting my sling, & the RNs (though very good otherwise) seemed hesitant to fix the sling for me. I wasn't sure why, maybe it was just because they knew I knew what I was doing.
Thanks for all your well wishes. I'm really doing fine, & the pain isn't bad at all. I had some worse days before surgery. The really good news was my Rotater cuff is in good shape.

19 comments:

Helen said...

good to see you're still able of type ;) the surgery sounds horrible. I hope it really helps and you get full use back again with out any pain. take care hun

Dianne said...

Take care of that shoulder. So glad it all went well!!

Lori (A.K.A. Elkhoundmom) said...

Sounds like you have really been through a lot. I am really glad it went well. Hope it heals up really quickly!

allie aller said...

Your cat is glad to have you home, for sure!
Give yourself lots of time to relax and recover...glad all went well!

Micki said...

Glad the surgery went well. Now just relax and take care of your shoulder.

Françoise said...

Glad to see you back. It looks like Broccoli is taking good care of you! Regards.

The Calico Cat said...

Glad to hear that you are on the mend & have Broccoli to keepl you company. :o)

Terri Stegmiller said...

Good to hear that everything went well. Hope you are feeling just like new in no time. But in the meantime, take it easy.

Rian said...

Glad to hear the news that you're home and all is well. I'm sure you know this, but try Extra Strength Tylenol. It works amazingly well and no klonky head.

Barbara said...

Glad to see you are back! Take care of you !

Anonymous said...

Aiiii--makes me feel "ooogie" to hear about it!! So glad it's behind you and that you will be better than new again soon.

Anonymous said...

Glad to see that you're home and on the med Deb!

Ali Honey said...

Sending you Best Wishes for a speedy recovery Deb. Sounds like it might be a good time to catch up on some reading. I hope the pain eases soon and you can return to doing the things you love.
Hugs from Alison in NZ.

laura west kong said...

Sending you hugs and good wishes. Take it easy on yourself.
laura

Samantha said...

Hope the recovery is easy for you!

Granny Fran said...

Glad to see Brocolli comforting you. Will you be on one of those therapy machines right away? My Mom always told us she felt better after the surgery than before. Hope this is a huge success for mobility and lack of pain. Love you!

Emmy said...

so glad it all went well, take care of your shoulder

Debra Dixon said...

I missed your surgery all together but am wishing you continued recovery now!

jenclair said...

Behind the times, but with my computer freezing so frequently, I can't always comment. Glad to know your hospital stay was brief but successful!