What in the
world????
Back down to Earth, on the main ward, my first memory
is of a ‘nurse’ speaking to me
reassuringly, telling me that medication was being given to help with
pain. However, I personally found
getting through the discomfort of the first full night was at times, quite
difficult. Throughout the early
hours/day tablets were administered at regular intervals and I was also
encouraged to ask for more if required. This was required, requested, and
granted . A description given to me by staff on how I would feel was that “it would be as if a horse had kicked
me”. I suppose this is something near
the truth, but the readily available pain-killing tablets assisted greatly. The staff were very
understanding and caring which, in itself, is also of great help. Apart from the obvious wounds on your chest
and legs (see the pictures below, taken 4 months after surgery), you awake with
certain other appendages. These include 3 drainage pipes on your stomach
(removal of these give much relief from discomfort) although one of them caused
me to catch my breath more than the other two. There are also very fine wires
protruding nearby. These were, I am advised, precautionary, and to be used if
electrical stimulation was required at any time during or after the surgery.
Removal of these did not cause undue discomfort, only a ‘sensation’.
In your neck,
there is a ‘line’. This is a needle entered into an artery
during the operation and the only visible item is a small three pointed plastic ‘thing’ which enables
staff to easily take blood or administer any drugs necessary. The directness of
the entry is beneficial I am advised. This, whilst in-situ is uncomfortable but
not painful unless you catch it and it moves quickly.
I need to mention the catheter which is inserted during the operation into
your bladder. This is to measure fluids passed by you. Personally, I
experienced a slight discomfort with this, and it was the removal I dreaded. I
need not have worried as the member of staff carrying out this task on the
third day after the surgery, was extremely capable and for this I am indebted.
I felt no pain only a light stinging sensation as it was withdrawn. On day two
after returning to the main ward, you are advised that you will be out of bed
and walking the following day. You think “ Nurse………. you must be joking”
