There's not a lot more to say on the gallbladder surgery. Soreness continues to recede day by day. Today is certainly more reduced today than it was yesterday. I see no potential problem working an 8 hour day tomorrow.
My computer had surgery, too. On Thursday afternoon my NVIDIA 7600 GT graphics card died. We replaced it with the now inexpensive NVIDIA 9800 GT model. I couldn't drive and was still pretty sore, but Bubbles went forth and purchased the card and I was able to very carefully get at my computer and replace it. I reinstalled my operating system while I was at it to clean up a software conflict or two.
Everything seems to be running smoothly, though I've had a couple of minor errors since installing Open Office. I don't really think it's Open Office's fault, that's a fantastic office suite. I think as one adds complexity to the system, occasional errors are bound to crop up. Still, with a brand-new video card, I get a little worried when I see any error at all, even when it doesn't seem to be related in any way. That's just me. I'm a worrier.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Friday, August 21, 2009
Day 3 post gallbladder surgery
Today isn't a whole lot different than yesterday. The soreness has to have decreased, but subjectively it feels about the same because I stopped taking Norco (basically Vicodin, but with less Tylenol involved). I was due for a dose at 12:30 AM this morning. I slept instead, and find the discomfort very manageable this morning, so I won't be taking more. I don't like to take narcotics if I can help it, and the moment I no longer need them, I'm done. I don't know what addiction feels like, but I don't want to find out. Plus, the less you take, the better it works when you do need it.
So, I'm excited. The discomfort is still enough that I wouldn't try going to work today, but I don't see a reason I won't be going by Monday. I just need to rest lots as I've been doing and I think everything will be fine.
Most discomfort at this point is around the navel, where the largest incision site is. The soreness is above and to the left and right of this incision point, but it's not horrible. The other incision sites are tender to the touch, but otherwise don't bother me at all. There is a deeper in discomfort in the area where I'd guess my gallbladder was (behind the liver). I think that's a very real sensation, though I know there aren't a lot of pain receptors in that deep.
Overall, I'd say my condition today is much improved. Mobility is undeniably better. Soreness must be better, because I'm no longer on pain medication and at least as comfortable as I was yesterday. My night's sleep was fantastic (I'm up a bit because I'm still making sure to drink plenty of liquids), much of it in my customary one side or the other positions.
I'll keep updating in case anyone's interested, but this whole process had been just amazing. I can't believe you can take out someone's gallbladder and have this little discomfort and difficulty. I'm not saying this is an operation you should go have done for fun (as though you could), but if you have gallbladder attacks, this is significantly less uncomfortable than one of those.
So, I'm excited. The discomfort is still enough that I wouldn't try going to work today, but I don't see a reason I won't be going by Monday. I just need to rest lots as I've been doing and I think everything will be fine.
Most discomfort at this point is around the navel, where the largest incision site is. The soreness is above and to the left and right of this incision point, but it's not horrible. The other incision sites are tender to the touch, but otherwise don't bother me at all. There is a deeper in discomfort in the area where I'd guess my gallbladder was (behind the liver). I think that's a very real sensation, though I know there aren't a lot of pain receptors in that deep.
Overall, I'd say my condition today is much improved. Mobility is undeniably better. Soreness must be better, because I'm no longer on pain medication and at least as comfortable as I was yesterday. My night's sleep was fantastic (I'm up a bit because I'm still making sure to drink plenty of liquids), much of it in my customary one side or the other positions.
I'll keep updating in case anyone's interested, but this whole process had been just amazing. I can't believe you can take out someone's gallbladder and have this little discomfort and difficulty. I'm not saying this is an operation you should go have done for fun (as though you could), but if you have gallbladder attacks, this is significantly less uncomfortable than one of those.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Day 2 post gallbladder surgery
What a difference! The first 24 hours after surgery were marked by nausea, but not a lot of pain that I noticed. Day two was much more bearable because the nausea was gone. Soreness, especially around the navel, was more pronounced, but I still had great mobility when needed. Sitting, lying down or standing and walking were all comfortable with only minor discomfort. The transitions were what hurt, so I minimized them, planning what I intended to do.
I also had soreness in the neck and shoulders on day 2 that I hadn't noticed a lot of on day 1. Sleeping was much more comfortable last night. I have slept on my sides for years, so I'm most comfortable that way (if you sleep on your back, you have a real advantage after this surgery!). Night 1 was okay with a pillow under my knees (thanks for the tip, Cyndy), but I still found myself awake a lot and switching between bed and recliner.
Night 2 was much better. I'd been drinking a lot of fluids, so ended up still waking up fairly frequently, but was comfortable very carefully arranging myself on my sides, so I slept much, much better.
Overall as day 3 starts I feel like my soreness is less than yesterday, though some people felt day 3 would be the worst. Also, since it's been 48 hours since surgery, I got to shower, which felt heavenly. I'm a be clean all the time kind of guy, so two days without a shower wasn't very happy for me.
If you need a recommendation for a general surgeon in the greater Sacramento, California area, I heartily recommend Dr. Michael Aguilar. I know I'm experiencing less discomfort than many friends have reported. The man is clearly skilled and takes time to discuss the procedure with you. He's just plain good.
I also had soreness in the neck and shoulders on day 2 that I hadn't noticed a lot of on day 1. Sleeping was much more comfortable last night. I have slept on my sides for years, so I'm most comfortable that way (if you sleep on your back, you have a real advantage after this surgery!). Night 1 was okay with a pillow under my knees (thanks for the tip, Cyndy), but I still found myself awake a lot and switching between bed and recliner.
Night 2 was much better. I'd been drinking a lot of fluids, so ended up still waking up fairly frequently, but was comfortable very carefully arranging myself on my sides, so I slept much, much better.
Overall as day 3 starts I feel like my soreness is less than yesterday, though some people felt day 3 would be the worst. Also, since it's been 48 hours since surgery, I got to shower, which felt heavenly. I'm a be clean all the time kind of guy, so two days without a shower wasn't very happy for me.
If you need a recommendation for a general surgeon in the greater Sacramento, California area, I heartily recommend Dr. Michael Aguilar. I know I'm experiencing less discomfort than many friends have reported. The man is clearly skilled and takes time to discuss the procedure with you. He's just plain good.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Day 1 post gallbladder surgery
I can't believe I'm actually sitting at my computer. The first 24 hours after surgery (in fact, 24 hours ago I was on the operating table unconscious) are no walk in the park. The soreness and pain weren't as bad as I'd thought they'd be. In fact, they weren't as bad as a gallbladder attack. That's not to say they can simply be dismissed. It's not comfortable, but that wasn't the worst part.
Whether from the general anesthesia or from the shock associated with being cut open, movement and being upright for any length of time caused dizziness and nausea. That just wasn't any fun. That's almost gone today, which is why I can be upright. The soreness is a bit worse today, but one expects that the day after, as with any injury, accidental or surgical. Still, with the nausea almost gone, I feel much better despite slightly increased abdominal discomfort.
I did have the laparoscopic procedure, and all seems to have gone really well. I do have some discomfort in my neck and shoulders, but I'm not sure if that's from the position of my recliner where I spent most of my day and the night, or from the time on the surgery table.
In any case, I'm very, very pleased. This is not as bad as my first gallbladder attack, which was misdiagnosed as acid reflux and took me 4 days to heal from, 2 of them in mind-numbing pain. The last attack, on July 26th if memory serves was much, much more severe than this. If you have gallbladder attacks, I heartily recommend the surgery. Get rid of the sucker!
Whether from the general anesthesia or from the shock associated with being cut open, movement and being upright for any length of time caused dizziness and nausea. That just wasn't any fun. That's almost gone today, which is why I can be upright. The soreness is a bit worse today, but one expects that the day after, as with any injury, accidental or surgical. Still, with the nausea almost gone, I feel much better despite slightly increased abdominal discomfort.
I did have the laparoscopic procedure, and all seems to have gone really well. I do have some discomfort in my neck and shoulders, but I'm not sure if that's from the position of my recliner where I spent most of my day and the night, or from the time on the surgery table.
In any case, I'm very, very pleased. This is not as bad as my first gallbladder attack, which was misdiagnosed as acid reflux and took me 4 days to heal from, 2 of them in mind-numbing pain. The last attack, on July 26th if memory serves was much, much more severe than this. If you have gallbladder attacks, I heartily recommend the surgery. Get rid of the sucker!
Monday, August 17, 2009
Exciting Day Tomorrow
I'm starting to get a bit nervous. I had a great meeting with the surgeon last Monday to discuss having my gallbladder out. He'd had a cancellation, so he asked if I could do surgery tomorrow. I'm glad there wasn't much of a wait, but it is kind of sudden. Still, I'm excited at the prospect of having this done. Much like having my tonsils out 8 years ago, this will make a real quality of life difference for my family. I know they encourage one to move around, sit up, etc. following surgery, so I'll try to do a bit of stream of consciousness or something to chronicle my experiences. Reading other people's experiences helped me understand what to expect and how to manage recovery, so I'll contribute to that body of knowledge the best I can.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
11 Wonderful Years
I love my wife and my family. 11 years ago today, we were sealed in the Oakland temple, beginning an eternal journey that has made me the happiest I've ever been.
That morning 11 years ago, unlike a lot of grooms, I was perfectly calm, if a little excited. I wasn't nervous or anxious. I knew I was doing the right thing. I'd prayed about it, read my patriarchal blessing and contemplated that, and went with Bubbles to the temple to pray about it. It was a good match, and we knew it. The Spirit had confirmed it. When we were married, we felt the strong promise of that same Spirit that the ceremony was accepted by God, and we were sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise.
So, it comes as no shock that 11 years later, I still know she's the one for me, she still brings me joy, I still love to be near her, to hear her voice and to feel her touch. Save eternal life only, there can be no greater blessing than a loving spouse. I'm very grateful for mine.
Happy anniversary!
That morning 11 years ago, unlike a lot of grooms, I was perfectly calm, if a little excited. I wasn't nervous or anxious. I knew I was doing the right thing. I'd prayed about it, read my patriarchal blessing and contemplated that, and went with Bubbles to the temple to pray about it. It was a good match, and we knew it. The Spirit had confirmed it. When we were married, we felt the strong promise of that same Spirit that the ceremony was accepted by God, and we were sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise.
So, it comes as no shock that 11 years later, I still know she's the one for me, she still brings me joy, I still love to be near her, to hear her voice and to feel her touch. Save eternal life only, there can be no greater blessing than a loving spouse. I'm very grateful for mine.
Happy anniversary!
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