Yesterday was my pre-op appointment. I thought my last pre-op was bad, but this one was so much worse. I got there at 2 pm, had my blood drawn and then sat around for 3 hours until I saw a nurse practitioner. At one point I started crying because I was in so much pain and they were making me wait too long. One of the nurses took pity on me and let me move from the waiting room to a private room, gave me some ice and apologized profusely. The nurse practitioner finally came in, hours after my appointment, and was completely useless. I had several questions that she couldn't answer. She kept saying, "Ask Dr. Boggan when you see him the day of the surgery." Not what I needed to hear. Especially since I wanted to know where they plan on placing my battery pack, are the wires going to be lengthened so that it's not so tight in my neck, etc. She also told me that I won't get IV pain medications, even though I will be in a lot of pain. That upset me. I didn't ask for this surgery. If it was done right the first time, I won't have to go back in. I'm not an addict trying to get a fix. I'm a woman who has been in pain for over 1,300 days and I would much rather not have to hurt any more. I really don't think that's too much to ask. It makes me wonder, when did this "professional", who has worked in neurosurgery for years, lose her compassion? I've sure that my doctor, who I truly respect, will make sure I am as comfortable as possible while I'm in the hospital. I just needed some reassurance yesterday.
Tomorrow is my surgery. I like to think of it as a "do-over." I am so tired. Emotionally I am completely drained. Physically, well, I feel like a mess. I am thankful that I get to have a revision quickly and may be able to salvage a little bit of the summer. It's strange to think that tomorrow I'll be able to use my stimulator again. I'm glad the battery is going to be moved, since it's sticking out right now (which I don't think it's supposed to do), yet I'm not sure where they are going to put it next. That makes me nervous. My hope is we get it right this time. And I'm able to recover quickly.
I hope your revision surgery went well.
ReplyDeleteI have a peripheral nerve stimulator, and the battery is placed in my right hip. I have 4 leads (2 back of neck, 2 forehead). The wires run near my right ear, and they're so tender where my glasses hit. I might have to have a revision surgery, too. It kinda ticks me off because recovery is so much harder and longer than for healthier people. Also, they'd have to shave the side of my head again... it's finally looking more normal (it's been 6 months since the original surgery). My sister is getting married in a year, and I'm the matron of honor... I need to look good (and that doesn't involve a shaved part of my head). I really wish the doctors could get it right the first time more often.
I hope your recovery goes smoothly and quickly. Blessings.
Thank you so much for sharing with me! I'm sorry to hear you may have to go in again. I absolutely agree that they should get it right the first time. I've been dealing with a lot of anger about that, especially since I had to go in so shortly after my first surgery. Do you have a good relationship with your surgeon and/or Medtronics Rep (assuming you have a Medtronic device)? I will you the best of luck and please keep me updated.
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