February cont'd

20 - Surgery.  Everything went wonderful.  My surgery only took 1 hour and 10 min.  Dr. Endres is amazing.  I don't remember going under or being in the recovery room at all.  My first nurse, Anthony was soooo awesome and caring.  My surgery was at about 2:30pm and Anthony had me out of bed and walking by 10:00pm that night.  It wasn't as hard as I thought it would be, but then again, we didn't go very far either.  Getting in and out of bed is the toughest part.  I didn't get ice chips until about 4:00pm the day after surgery (Friday) which was also around the time they took my IV out.  My mouth was sooooo dry until then.  It was almost more bothersome then my belly.  They finally gave me these sponge things on a stick that I could rub in my mouth (but not swallow any water... not even two drops).  They were the most awesome things...I got my first broth and jello by about 6:00pm on Friday and it went down ok.  I didn't eat much of course.  22 - Released from Hospital at noon.  I am (yes, I am writing this as soon as I got home) very sore, but not much "pain" really.  All-in-all it has not been nearly as bad as I thought it would be. 23 - Every day I have been feeling a marked improvement but today and yesterday have been the same pain/discomfort level so I am a little down. I think its just because I am home now and can't nap as much as I could.  I am still trying to walk about every two hours though. 24 - Wow!  I woke up today at 4:00am and went for a walk.  I didn't hold the hand rails as I went down the stairs, I didn't have to hold my belly when I walked, and I walked standing straight and at almost a normal pace!  What a difference!  I am stoked!  Had my first outing today.  I just went with a friend to a Dr. Appt but it was still tiring.  25 - When to my classes at Alvarado on what/how to eat and physical activity information.  I had my Upper GI and X-Ray and everything looked good.  I went to Pacific Beach for a sunset even though the weather was sort of crappy and met the most wonderful people at the Green Flash.  My Uncle knows everyone there.. he is a hoot.  We did get a sunset.  I was simply amazing.  It looked like there were 3 suns for a while.  If my pic turns out, I will post it. Note: One somewhat painful thing was I got these hiccup things.. they didn't go on and on like normal hiccups.  They seemed to happen when I moved from a laying to a sitting position and also when I walked.  They are pretty much gone now.  The new thing now, is gas which I hear is pretty common and from what I hear, its here to stay. - yeah! haha 27 - Final discharge.  I can leave the San Diego area today.  I AM DOWN 15 POUNDS since surgery a week ago! I got my drainage tube out and said good-bye to fellow by-pass patients.  There were 18 of us that had surgery the same week.  I made good friends with a few of them.  I wish them all speedy recoveries!  Special thoughts out to Robin, Elaine, and Gayla. 28 - Arrived in Las Vegas last night.  I had to stop every hour or so and get out and walk.  I don't want one of those pesky blood clots.  My left leg and left arm were slighly tingly so I am sort of paranoid but I am sure I will live.

March

1 - I laid flat in a bed and even slept on my right side. 5 - I am doing great!  I can sleep on both sides comfortably now.  I am down 22 pounds in less then 2 weeks.  I am only eating a stick of string cheese and about 3 oz of yogurt a day.  I feel weak and tired sometimes but I also caught a cold a couple days ago too so that doesn't help.  I am taking 3 flinstones vitamins a day and trying to get my water in but thats hard to do because I can only sip so it takes forever.  I try to walk a bit but I tire more easily now.  So far, I haven't got sick from food which is great.  The other day I was out too long and got hungry so I got a little cup of refried beans from taco bell (no sauce and no cheese) and it went down ok... but it went right through me.  I am going to try some tuna with a little mayo today.   Maybe Friday or Saturday I will try some chicken. 8 - Today is the first day I regretted having the surgery.  I feel aweful; sick, weak, dizzy, nausious, etc.  It was an effort to take my shower this morning.