We drove to Everett on Tuesday morning. I was to check in at 9:15, but it was well after 10:15 before I was called to change clothes, etc. (How can a Drs.' office be way behind first thing in the morning? It happens all the time to me.) After changing, I had a comfy chair and a foot massage gadget. Still waited for at least another hour. DH stayed with me, but his chair wasn't nearly as nice.

Pretty soon, Dr. Watkins came to talk to me if I had any last minute questions. Then the anesthesiologist came (can't remember his name at the moment). I asked him about the tubes in my throat because my throat hurt for about 3 weeks after my nose surgery in February. He promised me he would be as gentle as he could. Then he started my IV. This is the first time ever had a numbing pre-shot before getting an IV. I told him so and that I thought it was really nice. Then he gave me the pre-op drug to help me relax a bit. I think a pre-op drug is probably normal. I've had a couple of surgeries and have always gotten something to relax me beforehand. It's mild. Doesn't knock me out. I can still walk.

Then, off to the surgery room - I walked in there while the nurse held the IV. I climbed up on the table. They put some pressure cuffs on my legs to help avoid any potential clots. They strapped my arms to the side arms that stick out 90 degrees for support. I was told to breathe deeply from the pure oxygen mask. I don't remember anything after that.

I woke up in recovery still on the guerny, very thirsty and very cold and groaning. I didn't feel very well, but I wasn't hurting much either. I don't know why I was making noises, but I did feel really dry and wanted water which they gave to me. They put lots and lots of warm blankets on and it was very comforting. The nurses also gave me some pain meds while I was there so the ride home would be more comfortable. After a few minutes I felt so much better, and then DH was there. They were supposed to go get him, but it was taking so long, he insisted on seeing me. I'm glad.

I can't remember just how long I was in surgery/recovery since they were running

behind. They said that it would only be about 1/2 hour for the actual

surgery, and then some time for recovery. I just took a little longer in

recovery than normal. I seem to remember going into the OR around 11:30;

then I was aware of a clock on the wall in recovery around 12:45, but I

don't know how long I was there. I could be wrong about the times. I was still drowsy. DH said it was about another hour.

After an hour or so, they had me sit up, and one of my stitches leaked (no pain), so that had to be patched up. Then I walked to another little room where they put me in a chair. A few minutes later, I asked what I had to do to go home. I guess that was all that was needed. DH helped me get dressed. The nurses walked me down to the discharge door, and DH showed up about 3 seconds later.

Finally got home, and in my own recliner. Felt so good. I drank liquids (including chicken broth) for the rest of the night. I got the prescription for the liquid pain a few days before surgery, and I’m so glad I didn’t have to go get it filled when I got home. I had some at 7pm and again at 10 pm and started to feel a lot better. I thought that I would have to sit in the recliner all night, but I slept in my own comfy bed. I got up every three hours to pee and take more drugs. DRUGS RULE!