Medical Update

4/18/09 Medical Update
Monday’s (4/13) surgery was #3 in the mix. I would say “but who’s counting”--- but I am. 12:45 surgery took 1 1/2hr. and recovery took a little longer than anticipated b/c of a spike in my blood pressure. (not sure why) A dose of something fixed that so I got back to my room at 4:50---they kept me for awhile, making sure I could go to the bathroom, stand, eat and not get sick, etc. Praises all around for sweet Dr. Cook who once again gave me the “perfect cocktail” so I didn’t get sick. I might have to schedule my next surgery around her b/c she told us she’s expecting. Finally was dismissed around 6:30---yea---didn’t have to spend the night. By 7:00 I was snoozing at the Ridley’s.
Since then, my body has told me to rest, so I do. Two RN friends told me that anesthesia can suck the life out of your body for weeks---I tend to believe them---no complaint, just awareness.
Larry left today—hard to see him go---and Diane and JoLynn, are coming to “nurse” me and take me to 3 doc appts. next week. I will get the stitches in my lips out on Monday morning and see the mohs surgeon that afternoon. I will see Dr. Ha (plastic surgeon) on Thursday morning and hopefully be dismissed to go home for a long spell. That’s the plan as I now know it but I have learned in the past few months how easily plans can change.
I have moved from liquid diet up to “soft” though lack of “control” in my mouth has made me prefer to eat unobserved. Drooling seems to be an acquired feature with my new lips. Talking to the nurse on Wednesday, she explained that my “out of control mouth” experiences were common and most folks need physical therapy---I had strange visions of my lips doing calisthenics. Truly, I have no complaints---just can’t wait to brush my teeth!