Wednesday 9 January 2013

Needle, Freeze, Chest Tube

****I've been going back in time so as not to miss anything that's happened during my recovery. I was discharged from hospital on the 7th and have been snuggled up with the G-man ever since. So sit back, take a deep breath, really feel that breath, then keep reading...I'll catch up to real time soon.****

January 4th - 126 lbs 

This is it. June had just arrived when a porter slammed through the door ready to take me down for my spanking new chest tube. I plastered a smile on my face, pretending to be brave, and said "let's do this". I even wore my slippers so I'd look good for the medical team...cause they'd go easier on me if I looked hawt, right?

The staff was awesome. I immediately felt at ease, as they were receptive to my humour and even gave it back. I bonded with the nurse (Deb you are so cool, you held my hand and I didn't even have to ask) and even had Terry technician guy (sorry don't know your actual title) scratching my eyebrow as I wasn't able to move once inside the "donut" aka CT machine. 

After Terry reviewed the procedure and the risks, I advised them that my favorite colour was red...you know, I figured that was important. Might as well get to know each other a bit.

What a difference between my expectations and reality. 

The surgeon had me terrified of the pain that was to be inflicted on my already tortured body. The worst part was the freezing; needle was jammed into my upper right chest, freezing went in, a couple seconds of burning, then nothing. Needle came out and I said, in total disbelief, "that's it?" Next a big arrow thingy was stuck in my chest and I went back in the donut. I came back out, was marked and the tube was threaded into my body. There was pressure. It wasn't completely comfortable, but it wasn't awful.

The best part is that I felt like Kelly was with me throughout the entire thing. 

I got back to the room after taking the VIP elevator with my porter buddy - although I was disappointed that the red carpet seemed to be missing. 

I felt like a freaking superhero! I did it! I got through the scary chest tube insertion and I wasn't even sore!!!


Oooooops.

Spoke too soon.

Thank you medical world for the invention of pain meds. Once the freezing wore off I felt like I'd been hit by a bus. Or...had a chest tube inserted.

My right side felt paralyzed. So heavy; could barely move my arm or turn to the right. I would have been an interesting one to watch on Dancing With The Stars or WipeOut.

June spent the rest of the day with me; it was so great to catch up. I don't know if there was a moment of silence, as once the pain meds kicked in I was golden. Well maybe silver. 

Regardless, I kicked butt in Sequence (board game). 

12 comments:

  1. Omg. Home in less than 4 weeks. That is amazing!!!

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    Replies
    1. Haha, I know...I was so ready mentally a few weeks ago :)

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  2. Oh God! I am dreading being awake for any insertions of anything!!!

    So glad to hear you made it through like the super hero you are ;)

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    Replies
    1. It really wasn't too bad. The staff made it so much better. Plus the antiseptic is a reddish colour, so you know.

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  3. Hi,Jess Soooo glad to hear your out of the hospital, Griffen must have wiggled his little butt off when he saw you.Take lots of time to snuggle with your little buddy who is with you all the way. Everyone sends their love, Love Forever and Always Aunt Heather xo xo

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    Replies
    1. The G-man went nutso! He made my heart happy. Miss you and love you all!

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  4. Moving onto bigger and better things all the time Angel. Glad to read your blog and once again enjoy your sence of humor in writing. All the best from friends in the east - Lee and Gladys. Love ya ♥

    ReplyDelete
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