A week ago, I checked in at an acute hospital for a scheduled surgical procedure. I delivered triplets!!! Lol!!!My "baby" Fibby ( coined by my cousin Tal), together with her two "siblings" were finally removed after more than three years of carrying them in my womb. They are in reality called uterine fibroids.The surgeon had to create a six-inch lower abdominal incision to take out Fibby, as it measured more than 17 centimeters. The other two are much smaller, 0.5 centimeters each.
I am impressed with my surgical team, from pre-operative to post-op phases. They all acted in a professional way without sounding like robots and I sensed their humane side as they discuss medical and surgical concerns with me and my family at bedside in an unhurried manner.
How intravenous (IV) medications can put you to sleep in seconds. Soon as I casually voiced out to my brother and sister-in-law " I will come out alive," I awoke four hours later. This time at the Post- Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) already, with an RN beside me, orienting me to my present location, the surgery results and that my vital signs all seem stable.
This time around, it is a whole lot different. My three older brothers were with me, my whole family was aware of the whole process as opposed to a "failed" laparoscopic procedure in 2021, when I informed them only after I was discharged.
Prior to the surgery, I was scared and anxious at the same time. But my co-worker Ate Arlyn texted me this message, " Going under the knife isn't a grand feeling. Being scared is normal but hey, God has your back, you'll be alright." Loaded with novenas, prayers, recital of rosary, hymns of worship and pleas to Mamang, I get to have regular heart and respiratory rates.
It's been nine days since the surgery, the pain that was on a constant 7-8/10 pain scale has markedly improved. In the few post-op days, one narcotic and two non-narcotic medications were taken on a round-the-clock basis as I could barely move if I don't take any. Of late, I just take the pain pills as needed. I worry about my liver plus I have quite an impressive high pain tolerance.
I am on a six-week off work status. I am not allowed to lift more than 10 lbs, drive long distance, do aerobic, biking or treadmill workout within this time frame. As I know boredom is about to strike, I grabbed 8 novels to read from my cousin Patria. I also have a perfect boob tube NBA attendance during the Finals series of both Eastern and Western Conferences.
I am missing a lot of stuff. Work actually, would you believe that? Except the part of waking at 2:20 in the morning. I guess it is the laughter and chatter with patients and staff I miss. I miss house cleaning, indoor walking with my treadmill, quick Pilates and yoga YouTube sessions and meet-ups with friends.
I know though that my body needs recuperation in a careful and safe manner. I try to be obedient to the health reminders handed to me.Meanwhile, I have my books, Netflix movies and series, NBA, YouTube as company for the next five weeks. I do laundry making sure the load does not exceed 10 lbs.:) I attended a niece's high school graduation yesterday, and right now, I am penning a blog entry.
Fibby stayed inside my womb for more than three years, it grew bigger despite medications to shrink it. That no amount of intermittent fasting, Keto diet, Pilates would give me a flat lower tummy as Fibby stubbornly housed at the anterior part of my abdomen. Now that it is finally out, the pain and discomfort may be worth it after all.
I am glad and grateful for a successful and safe surgery. Bless my surgical team, my PACU and floor RNs, my family, Ate Ping and friends for the care and prayers. Thank You Jesus, angels and saints and my Mamang.
Let me get ready now for NBA Game 5 of Dallas Mavs vs Minnesota Timberwolves.:)
Fibby. Out. Gone.
