Post-op

Well here I am sitting in this lovely hospital bed having some much needed quiet time. I'm feeling great with some pain but it's not too bad.

So let me tell you about my day! Aaron and I got here to check in at 1:15 this afternoon. They took me straight back and got me all set up in pre-op. They proceeded to take away my Kindle and my iPhone. Even though I was in literally nothing but a gown, it was the taking away of my dear electronics that made me feel quite naked. Dr. B, some nurses, the nurse anesthetist, and the anesthesiologist all came in to talk to me before surgery. I got the same reaction from each person: They'd look at my chart and then look at me and start quizzing me about my snakebite story. I've got to say that I do get some joy out of actually surprising a healthcare worker. Take it from me, that's not too easy to do when you've "seen it all." I was wheeled into the OR and the anesthesiologist gave me an epidural. Dr. B came in and started.

What a surreal feeling. I am usually on the other end of surgery cases - not the patient. It made me wish I knew much less than I do. I mentally cringed when Dr. B asked the scrub nurse to pass the Rongeurs. Rongeurs are a plier-like tool used to cut small pieces of bone to make an opening. Yikes.

I could not feel any pain, just lots of pressure. Once the lead was in place, Krista from Boston Scientific started testing different areas of stimulation. They hit it right on the money on the first try. After that they started the process of suturing everything in place and closing things up. I then went to the PACU for a bit to recover. Then I went to my room for the night. Mom, Grandma and Aaron were there for a bit to hang out but I pretty much just wanted to rest. I have since been up walking around the unit twice now. At this point I'd say it's time to sign off and start reading for a little while. This whole thing has been a bit easier than I thought it would be. So far so good! We will see what tomorrow brings. Goodnight all and thanks for following up on me!