So I had a laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy on Monday, 27 November.
My eyes started tearing the moment my hubby’s face faded from my view as the nurse pushed me into the lift on the way down to the Operating Theatre (OT).
Yes, call me a coward, but thoughts of never waking up from the operation flashed through my mind. Don’t ask me why.
While in the waiting area, I calmed my nerves and reminded myself that my friends and loved ones are saying their prayers for me, and FORGOODNESSSAKE THIS IS A MINIMALLY INVASIVE PROCEDURE so get a grip on yourself woman!!
No way, man, I tell you. My whole body shook uncontrollably – I don’t know if it’s from the cold in the room (I was only clad in a thin hospital gown), hunger (having had my last meal of the day at 7.30am, and my operation was scheduled for 6.30pm) or simply, senseless fright.
I’ve always thought that they would knock you out before wheeling you into the OT (at least, that was what they did to me when I was a 9-year-old undergoing operation to remove a growth on my wrist). I had a good look around the OT. The medical apparatus and wired devices intrigued me. My pulse rate remained at a cool 60 bpm. But I didn’t feel calm at all.
They had to insert a humongous intravenous needle into my metacarpal vein for an IV drip. The anaesthetist assured me that it’s not gonna hurt. I didn’t dare to peep. He gave me a local anaesthesia on my left hand (he was right, it felt like an itsy bitsy ant bite) and proceeded to insert the needle into my numbed vein.
I waited for what seemed like eternity before the surgeons finally appeared in the OT. Here I was, shivering and shaking and feeling somewhat embarrassed that the surgical team could see me trembling under the thick blanket. Their reassuring smiles and cheerful banter did nothing to relieve my mounting tension.
“Are you ready?” My gynae asked.
You gotta be kiddin’, Doc.
So this is it. Honestly, I don't remember being so fearful undergoing surgery as a kid.
The anaesthetist did his job swiftly, telling me at the same time to think of beautiful things, such as holidays and nice places. I felt the tingly anaesthesia rushing up my arm. Before I knew it (it must have been less than 5 seconds), my consciousness faded into a black abyss.
Mama Piggy is now recuperating at home, with Kootoo Monster providing good company.
* * * To be continued * * *
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11 comments:
we hope you feel better soon.
Aiyoh....get well soon....
Mama Piggy,
It never gets easier - been in the operating theatre twice myself, and I think i freaked out more the second time. Maybe there's room for a surgical theatre trauma support group. Memebership pre-req: get a furry baby ;)
Oodles of love from Kootoo for sure! :)
You are brave!!
Get well soon!
calsifer, perchance that post-operative trauma support group be called Scaredy Cats? Harf harf.
Thanks Zoo, Cat Aunty & Milkdew aka S.E. :)
We know you'll recover and be jumping around in a few more days. :)
Wonder if you had also described how our cats feel when we send them in for neutering/spaying procedures?
I bet they are terrified as you are when we leave them in their carriers at the vet before going off. And after a few hours, the vet assistant will come and carry them into this weird looking room with bright lights and an unfamiliar medicine smell before being "tugged" out of its safe carrier despite all attempts to fight the vet off.
No wonder they are always so happy to see us when we pick them up in the afternoon. Whenever I send them in for spaying/neutering, I am always a bundle of nerves the whole day until I get the call from the vet telling me they are doing well after the operation. No more spaying/neutering for another 10+ years. Yay!
hey, i went through the same procedure 2 years ago.
take care of that wound and keep it dry. you want it to heal beautifully yah...
and oh, be careful when k, m&m jump on you...
Agree whole heartedly with KXBC....
Damn Blogger. KSN became anonymous at 5.54pm after I switched to the beta version.
kxbc, I was just telling the hubby now I know how Milo feels after his recent de-mojo-ing, all groggy and woozy.
I have heard that doctors themselves, when their turns come for their "insides" to be "meddled" with in the OT,have to be dragged in! Perhaps with some screaming!
I guess such experiencing doctors learn hand-on empathy.
Oh, the boys are easy. It's like de-peaing, according to the vet.
I am more afraid for my girls since the vet has to open them up to remove the womb.
But luckily for me, all of them did well after the operations.
You should rest well and not move around so much. Kootoo will be a good boy and keep you company.
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