Surgery Day

Best Laid Plans....... went to crap.  Harlan my 5 year old woke up with a fever.  I didn't know what to do.  There was no way I would consider cancelling my surgery for a fever that could resolve in a few hours.  But I also didn't want Harlan to suffer with feeling crappy ad not have his regular care givers be here for him.  A decision had to be made in the best interest of Harlan.  Who stays with him?  Who comes with me?  And then I got selfish too.  I wanted the right people with me too.  This was a big decision.  Lots of factors to consider.  After much hushed discussion in our dark bedroom snuggling our feverish and sick baby, Tim and I decided to change the plan.

Tim stays home with Harlie.  My sisters, by choice not blood, Sara and Sarah would come with me to the hospital. A few quick texts and a phone call were sent to get Sarah to come pick me up and have Sara meet us at the hospital.  I showered, blew my hair dry, decided against straightening it since I was having surgery not going to a fashion parade. Got dressed.  Took off my Jewelry.  Double checked my bag.  Took my thyroid meds with the smallest sip of water.  Then I kissed my 4 babies goodbye, gave my husband a hug and a kiss and tried not to cry.

Sarah chatted my ear off on the way to the hospital.  We talked about nonsense... or at least I don't remember what we talked about.  Sarah achieved her goal in keeping me outta my head and in a good mood.  Sarah and I got to the hospital first and went to check in.  Sara was a few minutes behind us.  We did the business end first.  Answered next of Kin, advance directive type questions.  Signed the consent to treat forms and then went back to the waiting room to meet up with Sara and wait some more.

Next step was to actually admit me into the hospital.  This part I had to do alone.  They do not allow family in the prep area.  I'm sure it makes it faster for the staff but it is nerve wrecking for the patient.  I just wanted my sisters.  I had to put on the ugly gown, and gross slipper socks. The took a urine sample to test me for pregnancy.  First time in my life I ever prayed for a pregnancy test to be negative!  LOL  It was.  Then they put my IV in.  I was very happy she found a juicy vein in  my wrist that was the perfect location for the IV and did not bother me at all my whole hospital stay.

Here is my selfie of my IV!

I am pretty sure they also gave me a dose of antibiotics in my IV as well.

The Anesthesiologist came in next to clear me for surgery.  He examined my throat and asked about previous anesthesia experiences.   All was good.

I asked for my sisters.  The Nurses FINALLY let them come in. I felt relief just seeing their faces.  They brought me a heart shaped rock.  I finagled all the surgical staff and my Dr to let me bring the rock into the operating room.  In a plastic bag.  I think they put it in my sock!

Here are my Girls.... Keeping things light and happy!

I can not even begin to say how much I love my sisters.  Through thick, thin, divorce, breakups, weddings, moving each other 100s of times, job losses, abusive boyfriends, weight loss journeys, lost pregnancies, infertility, health issues, deaths of close family, births and everything in between we have stood strong together. My other "not by blood but choice" sisters Stephanie and Megan were with me in spirit. I could feel all the love of these strong women surrounding me!

Every person that walked into my room was fun and cheerful and so caring,  The nurses laughed and joked with us.  My surgery nurse was so sweet and nice as well.  I just felt loved and cared for.  I was not scared or fearful.  Just so much anticipation and excitement!

Dr. Buchanan walked in and I felt such a sense of ease with him in the room.  He was interested in meeting my sisters and immediately figured out we were having fun and kept to business with a big splash of fun!  He had me sign the HUGE official 10 page consent form for surgery.  He signed too,  It wasn't scary to sign, even though the info on those pages can be a bit daunting.  Dr. B gave me a copy to review the day before so I knew exactly what I was signing and I had time to formulate some questions which he answered before I signed.  I just can't say enough good things about Dr. Buchanan's bedside manner.  He is a dream come true in a Doctor.  He is caring and compassionate, professional and efficient.

Next came the most important part for me.... when Dr. B drew lines all over me to show where he was gonna cut and liposuction.  We discussed how my tummy is asymmetrical and how he would fix that in surgery.  He drew the lines where he though he would liposuction. My sisters took some pictures.  I will post the cropped pictures below.  Feel free to not look! ;)

Side view - Red Marks are Liposuction areas.  Black line is the area of skin to remove.  Basically from Belly Button down will be cut off!

Front view - The arrow line shows my midline is asymmetrical.  He will repair that when he moves my belly button.

Lots of extra skin needs to be cut off!  Let's get it DONE!

Lisa, my awesome nurse puts these nifty inflatable socks on my legs to help prevent blood clots.  I also got a shot of heparin for the same reason.

Here are my socks!

Dr. Buchanan told me he will see me in the operating room and then Lisa tells me to hug my sisters and that it was time to go.  I give my sister love and just know in my heart that I would be fine.  All the love in my little world and the skilled hands of my doctor and the awesome nurses would bring me through!

I was wheeled into the operating room down the hall at 11:08am.  I remember transferring myself from the bed to the table, the nurses strapping my arms down and pushing the relaxation medicine into my IV.