Liquid diet, Lovenex shot & Surgery

Aug 29, 2009

Dietician told me that I would have to go on liquid protein diet for a week for sure, longer would be better because I was borderline in weight.   I took her advice, I wanted my liver to be clean.  14 days prior to surgery I started a liquid protein diet.  The first week I allowed my self protein foods like nuts, cheese.  The next  5 days it was strict liquid protein drink. The final  2 days before surgery I had only clear liquids & no protein drinks as directed by the dietitian.  No bowel prep required. I think that is good.  I was probably less dehydrated not having to do a bowel prep.

That night before surgery I had to give myself a blood thinning shot, Lovenex. It did not hurt much. Needle was real smal.  Just had anxiety before & after.  

Surgery was supposed to be at 8:30a. I got there at 6:30a at hospital request.  I had a pregnancy test.  An IV put in my arm &  was given iron. (I was low but I think this is standard)  I was also given fluid thru IV to prevent dehydration. I was taken back to the operating room holding area.  Both the anesthesiologist  & DR. came back to talk to me separately.  They wheeled me into the OR at 9:30am. They started an antibiotic drip in my IV.  The anesthesiologist and some nurses were the only in the room.  The anesthesiologist told me of how he was going to put a line in my juggler vein.  Told me of the dangers of this procedure.  I thought my this is a good time to tell me something like that.  Then they must have started the anti anxiety medicine because I do not remember anything after. 

 Husband said they didn't come to tell them I was fine until 5:30pm.  The Doc tells me I was under his knife for 4 & half hours.  And he had told my husband that the surgery didn't start until 10:30a. The rest of the time must have been prep, pre & post and then couple hours in the recovery.  I was brought to my room at 7pm.  The only pain I was concerned about at the time was pain in my right arm.  I knew it had been extended out palm up during my surgery because they asked if this would be okay. (I have a shoulder injury)  my forearm on the palm side had such an aching pain all I wanted to do was rub it.  That was hard with all the IV's......

Back in my room the nurse showed me my my pain pump button. She said it would  not dispense anymore medicine than it was allowed no matter how many times I push the button.   I told her I was not in a lot of pain from the surgery, just my arm. I remember pushing the button anytime I would remember.   It was kind of like a game. (I like pushing the envelope.)  The nurse must of saw the count on the IV,  I heard her tell my husband that she was going to "put it away for a while" (she threw it up above my shoulder).   My forearm was feeling better so I went to sleep.
 

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