Surgery Is a Go

Thank you to everyone who reached out after the last post.  Before I continue, I want to provide some updates regarding some issues I addressed in that blog.

First, I learned that my insurance actually will cover a visiting nurse.  There is a daily copay and I can arrange it if I want.  Good to know, although my doctor doesn’t think I’ll need it.

Second, regarding the drains, several people in the Facebook DIEP Flap group I’m in have said they were able to manage the drains on their own.  The NP I met with last week said if I need help at all, it will only be for a day or two.  I’m hoping she is correct.  The nurses will review the procedure in the hospital, and I’ll have people at home who can assist.  Otherwise, in addition to my brother in law, several people in town who are either medical professionals or have been through a similar surgery have offered to help.  I feel much better about that process.  Since the doctor estimates I may have drains in for 2 to 3 weeks, I’m really hoping to be able to manage this process myself pretty quickly.

Third, several people have had problems accessing the google doc I created.  Some friends have offered to create a Sign Up Genius to schedule meals.  If you already signed up on the google doc, has been transferred over.  Here is the link:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f094da9ac2ba6f85-carol#/

Back to the surgery….

In early July I had an MRA of the pelvis and abdomen.  An MRA—which stands for magnetic resonance angiography–is similar to an MRI, except the doctors are specifically looking at blood vessels.  It provides the doctor with a road map of the blood flow so he knows what to expect during the flap procedure. 

Last Monday I had my preop testing.  They reviewed all my medications, did routine blood work and an EKG, etc to make sure that I’m healthy enough for surgery. There were no issues.

I’ll go to the hospital early in the morning on Tuesday, August 1.  I expect to be in the hospital 2 nights (the doctor said he would approve a third night if I need it).  I should be home on Thursday afternoon, August 3.  The surgery will take most of the day on Tuesday.

The recovery is a bit daunting.  Dr. Dayan wants me to take 8 weeks off from work.  I think I’ll go crazy that long, but we will see.  Dr. Mamtani said 6 weeks may be enough.  My initial plan was to start with 2 weeks, and see if I’m OK reading emails from home.  However, I’ve been told by many people not to rush back, so that may not be realistic.  Bottom line is that everyone heals differently and I’ll have to see how I recover.  

I’ll have lots of restrictions of course.  No driving until I’m off pain meds, the drains are out, and I have full range of motion.  No swimming for 8 weeks. (I’ll be able to shower right away, but no baths.)  No walking the dogs for a while.  Thanks to everyone who offered to help with that!  I’ll be able to do stairs right away, which is good considering my house does not have a shower downstairs.  I already have a host of exercises I’ll need to do to regain my range of motion; I’ll start those in the hospital with a physical therapist.

Someone asked me today how I feel—if I feel nervous or relieved that it’s finally happening.  I don’t feel relieved.  I am anxious.

It wasn’t supposed to be this way.  I wasn’t supposed to do this alone.  My husband was supposed to be by my side, holding my hand as I’m being wheeled into the operating room, by my side when I wake up in recovery, and nursing me back to health.  While I’m truly grateful beyond words for all the support I’m receiving, nothing can replace what I’ve lost.  I’m not anxious about the surgery or even the recovery.  I’m anxious because I’m undertaking this huge life changing action by myself, and because it represents the first of years of major decisions that I will need to navigate alone.