summergirl21
04-26-2008, 10:57 PM
Hi,
I am having a subungal exostosis removed from my big toe in about a week. Its a bone spur that grew out of my toe bone and pushed my nail off completely, now its sticking out so far and I cant even put a shoe on. Surgery is a must for this reason, not to mention its painful. I am however terrified of the anethesia. Im having IV sedation and a local block. I know this is not a big deal and its only outpt but Im terrified of having to go in recovery room??? Doesnt that sound stupid?? For anyone that has had IV sedation for toe or foot surgery can you tell me how long it was before they let you go home? Did you wake right up? My Dr said I will probably sleep through the procedure and then wake up when shes done and then they might check my vitals signs once before letting me go. That doesnt sound too bad. I guess I will know more after I go for my pretesting on Tuesday but Im so anxious about the sedation I havent slept at all in over a week and neither has my poor husband. I have a phobia of hospitals so this is very traumatic to me. I cant find any info online and everyone around here is probably sick of hearing about my toe :(. Any info and or moral support would be so appreciated.
Thanks
Jenn
I am having a subungal exostosis removed from my big toe in about a week. Its a bone spur that grew out of my toe bone and pushed my nail off completely, now its sticking out so far and I cant even put a shoe on. Surgery is a must for this reason, not to mention its painful. I am however terrified of the anethesia. Im having IV sedation and a local block. I know this is not a big deal and its only outpt but Im terrified of having to go in recovery room??? Doesnt that sound stupid?? For anyone that has had IV sedation for toe or foot surgery can you tell me how long it was before they let you go home? Did you wake right up? My Dr said I will probably sleep through the procedure and then wake up when shes done and then they might check my vitals signs once before letting me go. That doesnt sound too bad. I guess I will know more after I go for my pretesting on Tuesday but Im so anxious about the sedation I havent slept at all in over a week and neither has my poor husband. I have a phobia of hospitals so this is very traumatic to me. I cant find any info online and everyone around here is probably sick of hearing about my toe :(. Any info and or moral support would be so appreciated.
Thanks
Jenn
Sponsor
memar08
04-27-2008, 01:30 AM
hey summergirl i am also having severe anxiety overupcoming fusion of mtp joint alreay had a cheilectomy and that was very painful and needless to say it didn't work my surgery is scheduled for may 1 went to another doc who is an ortho only does feet and ankles out of work for 3 months!!!!
RunnerMac
04-27-2008, 01:34 AM
I was quite nervous about the operation that I had with a bunion and two dislocated toes. The operation took 4 hours and I don't remember anything about it. It was SO much easier than I thought. I was given a light sedation and I came out of it easily with no stomach distress. I was in the recovery room for less than an hour and I went home about 30 minutes after that.
The second surgery I had (just bunion) was with something very similar to you and I didn't even go to a recovery room, I just sort of woke up in the same area in which I had been preped. The sedations are amnesiacs so you aren't aware of anything that goes on and you don't remember anything from the time you are given them until you "wake up".
This is much easier that you think and nothing at all to be concerned about.
Hope your recovery goes well!
The second surgery I had (just bunion) was with something very similar to you and I didn't even go to a recovery room, I just sort of woke up in the same area in which I had been preped. The sedations are amnesiacs so you aren't aware of anything that goes on and you don't remember anything from the time you are given them until you "wake up".
This is much easier that you think and nothing at all to be concerned about.
Hope your recovery goes well!
memar08
04-27-2008, 10:38 AM
runnermac thanks for the vote of confidence more concerned about how to occupy my time and pain management I've already had 1 foot surgery and the first 48 hours were miserable
summergirl21
04-27-2008, 10:50 AM
Thank you RunnerMac! You made me feel a little better. My surgery is only going to be 30 to 45 minutes long so I wont be getting much of the sedation, just the short acting stuff with a long acting block from what I have heard. So I am hoping that I will not need to go to the recovery room or if I do that it will be very short. I cant handle that, Im not worried about the actual procedure itself since I wont remember it anyway and she assured me I would not feel the injections in my foot for the local. My s urgeon told me the pain is only a real issue for the first 3 - 5 days then it should calm down. Im sure the pain meds will help. She said after the first 3-5 days the worst part is the boredom from having to stay off my foot. I can't go back to work for 6 weeks which seems like a long time considering I have a sit down job. Fortunately for me my employer is letting me work from home so I took a couple days off to get my pain under control and then I will have work to ease the boredom. My surgery is on May 5th so I am spending this weekend and next weekend preparing the house, cooking and freezing meals ect.
Thank you again you made me feel much much better!
Jenn
Thank you again you made me feel much much better!
Jenn
summergirl21
04-27-2008, 10:54 AM
Thanks Memar, I hope your surgery goes well on May 1st. What type of anesthesia are you having? For some reason thats what worries me the most, not the actual surgery or the recovery. Im going for my prestesting this Tuesday so maybe after that some of my anxiety will be relieved. ..ha ha Maybe not! I feel like Im going crazy! Maybe the lack of sleep is making things worse. My poor hubby was up half the night with me again trying to get me comfortable but hes very supportive so that helps a lot. My foot just hurts so much by the end of the day that between that and the anxiety even meds dont help. Let me know how your surgery went!
Jenn
Jenn
janewhite1
04-27-2008, 11:17 AM
I had general anesthesia for my foot surgery, but I did have the lighter IV sedation when I had a 30-minute session at the dentist's to take my wisdom teeth out.
I was sitting there, a needle went gently into my vein. The dentist was talking to me, about politics or something. I passed out in the middle of a sentence, and I woke up, and the end of the sentence was still in my head, and I wondered why my mouth wasn't moving. Then I realized my mouth felt funny, then I understood it was over. It'd been about 50 minutes. I was a little drowsy for the next few hours, but able to walk a straight line if I concentrated. (not able to speak clearly, though!)
When I had the general anesthesia for my foot, I felt nauseous and dizzy and dry-throated and just not right for a couple of hours after I woke, and was drowsy for about 12 hours. I got home and took a nap at 12:30 pm. It wasn't dreadful, but it was worse.
I was in the ambulatory-surgery wing of a large hospital. There were about a dozen people there that day at the same time. Oddly enough, that seemed to help. Even if most of the others weren't having orthopedic surgery, they were sharing my nerves and growling stomach. They, too had passed an anxious night and then gotten up at five, without breakfast, to get to the hospital.
There were many skilled and nice nurses, and the anesthesiologist wore a cute cap with vegetables on it. (That stood out for some reason). I left the hospital five and a half hours after arriving.
You'll be fine. The surgery is necessary, and it's going to improve your life dramatically. Just make sure you've got your stash of ice packs and DVD's for after.
I was sitting there, a needle went gently into my vein. The dentist was talking to me, about politics or something. I passed out in the middle of a sentence, and I woke up, and the end of the sentence was still in my head, and I wondered why my mouth wasn't moving. Then I realized my mouth felt funny, then I understood it was over. It'd been about 50 minutes. I was a little drowsy for the next few hours, but able to walk a straight line if I concentrated. (not able to speak clearly, though!)
When I had the general anesthesia for my foot, I felt nauseous and dizzy and dry-throated and just not right for a couple of hours after I woke, and was drowsy for about 12 hours. I got home and took a nap at 12:30 pm. It wasn't dreadful, but it was worse.
I was in the ambulatory-surgery wing of a large hospital. There were about a dozen people there that day at the same time. Oddly enough, that seemed to help. Even if most of the others weren't having orthopedic surgery, they were sharing my nerves and growling stomach. They, too had passed an anxious night and then gotten up at five, without breakfast, to get to the hospital.
There were many skilled and nice nurses, and the anesthesiologist wore a cute cap with vegetables on it. (That stood out for some reason). I left the hospital five and a half hours after arriving.
You'll be fine. The surgery is necessary, and it's going to improve your life dramatically. Just make sure you've got your stash of ice packs and DVD's for after.
Teddie2
04-27-2008, 01:12 PM
Summergirl: I so understand your concerns as I had surgery on my elbow for the first time in my life.. a year ago and was terrified of the sedation part.. the doc discussed with me doing a local but I really did not think I could handle being awake.. so I agreed to a "light general" whatever that meant .. all I know is they gave me a needle.. and then this wonderful feeling swept over me and I went right to sleep and woke up in recovery. Not sure about what your concerns are re: recovery but its fine as the nurse there watches you and talks to you and makes sure you are feeling ok as you start to wake up. I was terrified, sleepless nights ect.. no matter what anyone said --I was a wreck that AM before the surgery
This time with my foot .. because I had that experience i was not nervous at all except a tiny bit just as I was walking into the operating room which is so normal.. but it was all fine -- this time the only thing that bothered me was I was extremely cold when I came out of the surg..I had light sedation and a local this time and I just could not stop shivering.. but they put this warming blanket on me that felt wonderful and all was ok..
If I had to do it again I would and feel fine about it..but I think until you do it.. you will be anxious.. just know you will not know or feel anything.. the tougher part is the recovery process which is long.. unfortunately at least for what I had done.. I have been working from home as well so that has been helpful but after 5+ weeks I am anxious to start getting back to walking at least a little __ I am in a surge shoe now and can walk but its awkward and slow.. Good luck
This time with my foot .. because I had that experience i was not nervous at all except a tiny bit just as I was walking into the operating room which is so normal.. but it was all fine -- this time the only thing that bothered me was I was extremely cold when I came out of the surg..I had light sedation and a local this time and I just could not stop shivering.. but they put this warming blanket on me that felt wonderful and all was ok..
If I had to do it again I would and feel fine about it..but I think until you do it.. you will be anxious.. just know you will not know or feel anything.. the tougher part is the recovery process which is long.. unfortunately at least for what I had done.. I have been working from home as well so that has been helpful but after 5+ weeks I am anxious to start getting back to walking at least a little __ I am in a surge shoe now and can walk but its awkward and slow.. Good luck
andrea121
04-27-2008, 02:10 PM
Everyone has anxiety before surgery. I have had five surgeries and have been a nervous wreck for each and every one of them. I am usually crying before I even get there. I don't know why either because I know excatly whats coming, so it's nothing knew. They always give me something to help me relax though, that always really helps. You just feel so calm. I remember think, "I should be freaking out right now but I am totally fine." I have had general anesthia every time. I don't think I could handle being awake. I am always very sleepy when I wake up but other than that it is fine. You will be just fine, summergirl. And never feel bad about being nervous or think its over reacting. It is perfectly normal.
summergirl21
04-27-2008, 08:26 PM
Thank you Jane, Teddie, and Andrea. I have been feeling like a complete idiot for being so nervous because I am an RN!! LOL! But when it comes to me or my family it really doesnt matter. As long as my stay in the recovery area (if I need to go) is brief I will be fine. After I meet with the anesthesia person at my pre testing Tuesday I will either be calmer or scared to death...lol. I'm thinking I will feel better once I can ask them all the questions I have. Today was a pretty good day, I wasnt as nervous as I have been, its been helpful to post on here and read the replies and be told what I am feeling is normal. My hubby has had surgery 4 times on his knees and he never seems to bat an eye over it so I feel like such a baby. I guess maybe he just doesnt show it. I did keep myself busy today too, that helped. My brother in law just got home from Iraq so we spent the day visiting with him.
Jenn
Jenn
armykat
04-27-2008, 09:30 PM
Jenn,
I had a local block + IV sedation for my bunion surgery. It was just like the anesthesiologist told me: "first I'm going to make you relax a little, then I'm going to make you relax A LOT!" He gave me the first shot before rolling into the OR, then he must have given me the second part once we were in the OR. All I remember is the oxygen mask going on my face, and then I woke up in recovery. I was fairly disoriented, really cold, and really thirsty. I know it sounds so silly, but I've never been that thirsty in my life and ALL I wanted was a glass of water! As the minutes went on, I was much more clear-headed and they gave me an electric blanket which made me warm up. But the thirst went on for at least an hour. I really only spent maybe 10 minutes in the recovery room -- they took my vitals and make sure I knew who I was and where I was before sending me down to my family. After that, the nurse gave me a drink and crackers, post-op directions, showed me how to use the crutches and made me stay for 30 minutes after she gave me my first dose of percocet. I probably left the hospital about 1 1/2 hours after surgery.
I can honestly tell you that I felt absolutely fine a few minutes after waking up (except for that awful thirst!!!). I couldn't feel any pain, and I was really happy to have it over with.
Good luck!
I had a local block + IV sedation for my bunion surgery. It was just like the anesthesiologist told me: "first I'm going to make you relax a little, then I'm going to make you relax A LOT!" He gave me the first shot before rolling into the OR, then he must have given me the second part once we were in the OR. All I remember is the oxygen mask going on my face, and then I woke up in recovery. I was fairly disoriented, really cold, and really thirsty. I know it sounds so silly, but I've never been that thirsty in my life and ALL I wanted was a glass of water! As the minutes went on, I was much more clear-headed and they gave me an electric blanket which made me warm up. But the thirst went on for at least an hour. I really only spent maybe 10 minutes in the recovery room -- they took my vitals and make sure I knew who I was and where I was before sending me down to my family. After that, the nurse gave me a drink and crackers, post-op directions, showed me how to use the crutches and made me stay for 30 minutes after she gave me my first dose of percocet. I probably left the hospital about 1 1/2 hours after surgery.
I can honestly tell you that I felt absolutely fine a few minutes after waking up (except for that awful thirst!!!). I couldn't feel any pain, and I was really happy to have it over with.
Good luck!
summergirl21
04-27-2008, 09:53 PM
Thank you armykat! I think I can handle that! If my husband was in recovery with me i'd be fine its just being there without him that gets me. I guess its really because I am nearly deaf, I cant hear anything without my hearing aide which I was told I need to remove so it doesnt get lost. So I will wake up deaf in a strange place and I guess thats really the biggest thing. Im going to ask them Tuesday if I can tape it to my ear and leave it in. Im young, but have been nearly deaf since birth and I NEVER take my hearing aide out except to sleep or shower, hearing nothing but silence is really frightening to me. When my husband had knee surgery I was in a panic waiting for him and they actually let me sit in recovery with him so maybe they will let him in with me as I am having it done the same place.
Thanks again
Jenn
Thanks again
Jenn
armykat
04-27-2008, 11:47 PM
Jenn,
If I were you, I would definitely ask if you can keep the hearing aide with you. You're going to need it to answer their questions beforehand anyway (5 different people asked me the same exact questions to make sure they had the correct patient and the correct foot, as well as to make sure I wasn't having adverse reactions to the sedatives). Even if they won't let you keep it in during the surgery, maybe you can tape it to your wrist or your gown so that you have access to it as soon as you wake up. They should be understanding of that need.
If I were you, I would definitely ask if you can keep the hearing aide with you. You're going to need it to answer their questions beforehand anyway (5 different people asked me the same exact questions to make sure they had the correct patient and the correct foot, as well as to make sure I wasn't having adverse reactions to the sedatives). Even if they won't let you keep it in during the surgery, maybe you can tape it to your wrist or your gown so that you have access to it as soon as you wake up. They should be understanding of that need.
memar08
04-28-2008, 12:48 AM
summergirl hang in there I've already had one foot surgery and only had a regional block with light sedation I was joking with the surgeon making sure he was operating on the right foot and the next thing I knew i was in a very open room with a lot of other people who were also waking up from surgery slept for about 1/2 hour and then was given something to eat and was ready to go home about 2 hours later I am also having a regional block this time as I do not want to go under general it is so wonderful to talk to people who understand what you are going through I took my dog for a short walk tonight and just reconfirmed why I am doing this Quality of life is certainly worth a little inconvenience I unfortunately am on my feet all day so my stay at home is going to be a lot longer I will definitely let you know how things are going after the surgery take some deep breaths and when you are having trouble practice yoga deep breathing and good relaxation starting from your feet up to your head it helps me good luck
summergirl21
04-28-2008, 10:56 AM
Armykat,
I think I will be a lot less anxious if I know I can keep my hearing aide, I will find out tomorrow at pre testing. thanks for the support!
Jenn
I think I will be a lot less anxious if I know I can keep my hearing aide, I will find out tomorrow at pre testing. thanks for the support!
Jenn
summergirl21
04-28-2008, 10:59 AM
thanks memar! In my mind I know its not going to be as bad as I imagine it but I will just be glad when its all over with and I can start the healing part. I have a vacation planned for the first week of August that I already put a non refundable deposit on so Im hoping to be all over with this by then. I had to cancel my June vacation, not too happy about that but I just keep telling myself it could be worse.
Thanks again
Jenn
Thanks again
Jenn
cosmic1
04-28-2008, 05:19 PM
I went through multiple iv sedations with two bunion surgeries.
I had an external fixation devices both times. So, they were removed in six weeks post surgery with sedation.
I have had general anesthesia and would be sooo nauseated and have urine retention after. It was just plain misery for a day.
HOWEVER, iv sedation was sooo much better.
One surgery was 2 hours and the other almost 4.
I had no nausea or any other problems after either surgery.
As a matter of fact, there was a Starbucks right next store to the beautiful outpatient facility. I got into the car and my husband drove me over and I had my iced mocha for the day.
Do not worry! And, you will not be aware of going into recovery except that you will wake up there.
A pleasant experience.............
I had an external fixation devices both times. So, they were removed in six weeks post surgery with sedation.
I have had general anesthesia and would be sooo nauseated and have urine retention after. It was just plain misery for a day.
HOWEVER, iv sedation was sooo much better.
One surgery was 2 hours and the other almost 4.
I had no nausea or any other problems after either surgery.
As a matter of fact, there was a Starbucks right next store to the beautiful outpatient facility. I got into the car and my husband drove me over and I had my iced mocha for the day.
Do not worry! And, you will not be aware of going into recovery except that you will wake up there.
A pleasant experience.............
summergirl21
04-28-2008, 07:17 PM
Thanks Cosmic1. Im not worried about being in recovery room if im asleep, I just dont want to be there when once I wake up. My concern was how long I would be there once I wake up. I had a rather traumatic experience with outpt surgery with my husbands first knee surgery and I think thats part of the problem. .... I was told his surgery would be about 45 minutes then roughly an hour in recovery and then I could see him until they released him. I was also told the surgeon would come out and speak to me and let me know he was ok and how the surgery went. He has epilepsy and takes a lot of meds so I was worried about the general anesthesia but they assured me he would be fine. Well I am especting the surgeon to come out in about an hour ...he never comes...almost 4 hours passed before I finally knocked on the door and asked. I was trying to be patient. They told me he had a problem with his anesthesia and I couldnt see him. NOONE ever came and told me anything. Well I got Soooooo upset they let me step inside the door and my poor husband heard me crying and upset. He had been awake for 3 hours and he was fine. He had been asking for me and they had told him they came and told me he was out and he was ok. When he heard me all upset he said something to the nurse in the recovery room and she brought him his clothes and told him to get dressed. I could see him under the curtain struggling to get his pants on after having surgery on his knee. Noone helped him so I said I can see him he needs help can I help him and they said no...but noone helped him either. He didnt even need to go to the other area because they let him sit alone in the recovery room for 3 hours. There never was a problem...They had him mixed up with someone else. Everyone seemed to think someone else had spoken to me. I could have been in there with him in 2 hours and he should have been out of there an hour earlier than he was. I have never gotten over that! He has had a few more surgerys since then and things have been better. The last time they even let me sit with him for over 2 hours in the recovery room because he had a spinal that time and it took a while to wear off. We had 2 more hours in the ambulatory care part as well.
The hospital has since been exspanded and they have a large out pt surgery department now and they do things differently and it was a lot better that last time. They were extremely nice to me except for one nurse in the recovery room who was just plain snotty.
Ive been a little better since I found this board but I still had a bad moment this morning when I thought about being in the recovery room where I broke out in tears but I still think I will be ok after I go to pretesting tomorrow and find out exactly what their procedures are for this type of anesthesia.
gosh im long winded but Im trying not to talk to hubby about it, he feels so bad for me...lol. He is great and supportive and Im so sorry Ive been keeping him up at night!
Jenn
The hospital has since been exspanded and they have a large out pt surgery department now and they do things differently and it was a lot better that last time. They were extremely nice to me except for one nurse in the recovery room who was just plain snotty.
Ive been a little better since I found this board but I still had a bad moment this morning when I thought about being in the recovery room where I broke out in tears but I still think I will be ok after I go to pretesting tomorrow and find out exactly what their procedures are for this type of anesthesia.
gosh im long winded but Im trying not to talk to hubby about it, he feels so bad for me...lol. He is great and supportive and Im so sorry Ive been keeping him up at night!
Jenn
janewhite1
04-29-2008, 08:15 AM
That's awful. I'd probably be traumatized, too, if someone misplaced my husband for hours.
Still, that sort of thing is pretty rare, and hospitals (recognizing that it's not bad people who make mistakes, but bad systems that don't catch them) are trying to put safeguards in place to make them rarer still.
Still, that sort of thing is pretty rare, and hospitals (recognizing that it's not bad people who make mistakes, but bad systems that don't catch them) are trying to put safeguards in place to make them rarer still.
memar08
04-29-2008, 08:57 AM
Jenn hope your pretesting turns out okay it is Tuesday morning and I have two more days of work I am still feeling anxious and I know this is all normal waking up a lot during the night Thursday is the big day and I will let you know how things are going Take some deep breaths Be well
summergirl21
04-29-2008, 08:57 AM
Oh I'm sure noone meant for that to happen but it left a lasting impression on me. Maybe if I have a good experience this time I will get over it. The hospital has made improvements since then and merged with a large teaching hospital so I hope that makes a difference. The outpt surgical department is new and its much bigger than it was.
Leaving for my prestesting shortly, hope this eases my mind at least some, I did not sleep at all last night :(
Leaving for my prestesting shortly, hope this eases my mind at least some, I did not sleep at all last night :(
summergirl21
04-29-2008, 09:00 AM
Thanks Memar! I'm not sleeping either, I think last night was the worst night yet. Im seeing the Dr this morning to so will ask her if I can have something to help me sleep, my surgery is not until Monday, dont think I can take another 6 days of no sleep and neither can my husband. I will be thinking of you on Thursday!
Jenn
Jenn
lcweiden3132
04-29-2008, 09:17 AM
summergirl I had almost an identical experience when my husband went for his knee surgery too! It was supposed to take about an hour and I was supposed to have someone come and talk to me when he was done, and the doctor was supposed to come talk to me when my husband was in the recovery room. Well, 5 hours later and no one had come to talk to me! Plus, he was supposed to stay overnight and they couldn't find a room for him. We ended up in the part of the hospital for heart patients. It took almost all night before anyone came to check on him because they couldn't find him! So, I really feel for you!! I make sure we don't have anything to do with that hospital.
janewhite1
04-29-2008, 10:01 AM
Summergirl, I took Benadryl every night for two weeks before my surgery. I actually slept every night but the last one, I think.
Since my allergies tend to get bad when I'm stressed anyway, it was probably just as well I chose that drug to sleep with.
Since my allergies tend to get bad when I'm stressed anyway, it was probably just as well I chose that drug to sleep with.
andrea121
04-29-2008, 10:15 AM
My doctor gave me something to help me relax and sleep for a few nights before my surgery. It worked quit well, I slept the almost the whole night. I recomend asking your doctor for something to help with the sleep troubles.
summergirl21
04-29-2008, 01:50 PM
Im sorry you had a bad experience with your husband too. If things were still the same at this hospital as they were then I wouldnt be having my surgery there but since they have merged and grown things are better, but hard not to think about it even so.
summergirl21
04-29-2008, 04:31 PM
Well I survived my pre op physical and the pretesting appt ...BUT... I was so nervous and teary that my Dr gave me something for the anxiety and it will also help me sleep so I will take that tonight and hopefully feel a little better tomorrow. But I was so anxious my heart rate was 120!! So I got sent for an EKG which I wasnt supposed to need. My BP was a little up there too. So things took longer BUT now I know what their "protocol" for IV sedation is I do feel a little less anxious about it .. just a tiny bit..lol.
My primary care Dr wrote me a note saying I need to have my hearing aide in at all times and including throughout the surgery. So the nurse in pretesting put a big bright sticky on the top of my chart saying that as well. She also called the surgical floor and reserved me a private little room they have near the recovery room so my husband can stay with me the whole time. I will not have to go into the actual recovery room at all and I will be discharged directly from the little private room. I met with anesthesiology and was told that I would be asleep for a few minutes while she gives me the local (shes only numbing my toe) and then they will let me wake up but remain sleepy until shes bandaging me up. I will only lightly sedated. Thats exactly what I wanted. She also said I would be discharged 30 minutes later so thats not too bad. She put a big note on the front of the chart that my husband was to stay in that room so he was there when I come out of the OR. The only other thing was my surgeon requested a 1pm start time and they feel thats too late for me, I will be too anxious by the time I actually get there so she is trying to change the time but wasnt able to speak to the surgeon while I was there. I need to call Friday to get the actual time so hoping its at least a little earlier.
On the way home we stopped at the DME company and picked up an aquashield for showering so now thats all taken care of to.
Thanks so much for all the support!
Jenn
My primary care Dr wrote me a note saying I need to have my hearing aide in at all times and including throughout the surgery. So the nurse in pretesting put a big bright sticky on the top of my chart saying that as well. She also called the surgical floor and reserved me a private little room they have near the recovery room so my husband can stay with me the whole time. I will not have to go into the actual recovery room at all and I will be discharged directly from the little private room. I met with anesthesiology and was told that I would be asleep for a few minutes while she gives me the local (shes only numbing my toe) and then they will let me wake up but remain sleepy until shes bandaging me up. I will only lightly sedated. Thats exactly what I wanted. She also said I would be discharged 30 minutes later so thats not too bad. She put a big note on the front of the chart that my husband was to stay in that room so he was there when I come out of the OR. The only other thing was my surgeon requested a 1pm start time and they feel thats too late for me, I will be too anxious by the time I actually get there so she is trying to change the time but wasnt able to speak to the surgeon while I was there. I need to call Friday to get the actual time so hoping its at least a little earlier.
On the way home we stopped at the DME company and picked up an aquashield for showering so now thats all taken care of to.
Thanks so much for all the support!
Jenn
armykat
04-29-2008, 07:59 PM
Jenn, I'm so happy it will all work out the way you want it. GOOD LUCK!
andrea121
04-29-2008, 11:44 PM
Oh I am glad everything went well. They sound like they are going to take great care of you. Remember that its ok to be nervous too. Everything will be fine. You are in my prayers. Good Luck
memar08
04-30-2008, 12:27 AM
Jenn i am so glad that they will take good care of you sounds like the nurses are very caring people I am a health care professional so I know how it feels to go the extra mile for people hopefully the compassion I have for other people will find its way to me on Thursday I will let you know how everything went as soon as I am able I promise
summergirl21
04-30-2008, 08:20 AM
Memar, good luck tomorrow. I Will be thinking of you and pray you have as good experience as possible. Yes I will say the RN I met with in prestesting was very compassionate and didnt make me feel like an idiot. She made special arrangements for me without me even asking her too, she just went ahead and did it and went beyond that to make sure that there were no miscomunications should any of the people she spoke to not be there Monday when I come in. Only bad thing about yesterday was the person who drew my blood wasnt very good at it, I think she was just talking to me to much, but she slipped and cut my arm a little and then gave me a huge hematoma in the corner of my arm thats sore today. She was very very nice though and appoligized. I just hope the IV lady is better than her....hahahaha.
Oh and I took the Xanax last night and I slept very soundly all night. Hubby said he kept waking up to make sure I was sleeping..lol. My body feels better today since I slept. Hoping the rest of the day is a good day too!
Have a nice day!
Jenn
Oh and I took the Xanax last night and I slept very soundly all night. Hubby said he kept waking up to make sure I was sleeping..lol. My body feels better today since I slept. Hoping the rest of the day is a good day too!
Have a nice day!
Jenn
summergirl21
04-30-2008, 08:21 AM
Thank you for the prayers and support Andrea. I soooo appreciate it. I am so glad I found this message board. has made a big difference!
memar08
05-03-2008, 10:31 AM
Hey Jenn Its Saturday am and I am doing ok the surgery went well walked to the holding room with a wonderful nurse laid down on a bed and the anesthesiologist came and talked to me They started an IV and the doc came in and explained that I have three nerve blocks and as much sedation as I wanted they gave me something to relax the next thing I knew was being in the recovery room and awake no nauseau or lightheadedness they let my husband and son come and stay with me for awhile I had something to drink some crackers and within 2 hours after waking up I was on my way home
The blocks wore off by 5:30pm had a difficult night with pain I spoke with the doctor on Friday and he told me to double up on the pain meds what a difference that made I am doing somewhat better now keeping my leg up most of the day and night really only up to go to the bathroom
good luck on Monday You will be fine I was very anxious until the anesthesiologist came and once he gave me something to relax I was fine
Remember when you get home to take your pain meds very important
Hang in there and take some deep breaths!!!!!!
The blocks wore off by 5:30pm had a difficult night with pain I spoke with the doctor on Friday and he told me to double up on the pain meds what a difference that made I am doing somewhat better now keeping my leg up most of the day and night really only up to go to the bathroom
good luck on Monday You will be fine I was very anxious until the anesthesiologist came and once he gave me something to relax I was fine
Remember when you get home to take your pain meds very important
Hang in there and take some deep breaths!!!!!!
summergirl21
05-03-2008, 09:29 PM
Memar I was wondering how you were doing, so glad to hear your doing ok. Im sure the first few days are the worst, I have no idea what to exspect as far as pain as I have never had a foot surgery, and have never broken a bone. I am having the the bony tumor taken out and having my good bone shaved down and shes taking some of my own bone out in hopes that it will prevent the tumor from growing back. I will be cut across the tip of my big toe and down along the side. Im thinking thats going to be a heck of a place for a scar as it will run on my shoes. Shes also taking what I have left of a toenail off as she has to cut it out of the nailbed where it has grown out of the skin. This is the part she doesnt think she can close up as my nailbed is pretty much a tumor now and theres not enough healthy tissue left to stitch together. I just keep telling myself it could be worse at least its not cancerous.
I had an accident today. I was rushing around trying to get the house cleaned up and I stubbed the toe Im having surgery on and the next toe over. I was seeing stars for a few minutes! Its been bandaged up for months as I have been waiting for surgery so at least that protected it some. When I took the dressing off later to check it the area she had cauterized fell off. I have nice pink tissue growing over the tumor. It actually looks better but its only a thin amount of skin covering it so glad the surgery is Monday. My second toe is all black and blue now too :( Nothing like making it worse for myself...lol
Since I went to my pre testing I feel much better knowing my husband can stay with me the whole time except during the actual surgery. I also found out yesterday they changed the time of my surgery, it was to start at 1 but the nurse thought that was too late d/t my anxiety. She called the surgeon to change it while I was there but they were unable to speak directly with her. Then when I called yesterday to get my time they told me to be there at 6:15am ..surgery starts at 7:30 so I feel much better. Still a tiny bit anxious but I think once I get there I will be fine. I've had a good day today!
You hang in there, glad to hear the pain meds help although I have no idea what my Dr is going to give me. Hope the rest of your recovery is smooth sailing. I will let you know how mine turns out after Monday. Only thing about the early surgery is now my block is going to probably wear off right as im trying to go to sleep...so first hint of pain and Im taking my meds.
Jenn
I had an accident today. I was rushing around trying to get the house cleaned up and I stubbed the toe Im having surgery on and the next toe over. I was seeing stars for a few minutes! Its been bandaged up for months as I have been waiting for surgery so at least that protected it some. When I took the dressing off later to check it the area she had cauterized fell off. I have nice pink tissue growing over the tumor. It actually looks better but its only a thin amount of skin covering it so glad the surgery is Monday. My second toe is all black and blue now too :( Nothing like making it worse for myself...lol
Since I went to my pre testing I feel much better knowing my husband can stay with me the whole time except during the actual surgery. I also found out yesterday they changed the time of my surgery, it was to start at 1 but the nurse thought that was too late d/t my anxiety. She called the surgeon to change it while I was there but they were unable to speak directly with her. Then when I called yesterday to get my time they told me to be there at 6:15am ..surgery starts at 7:30 so I feel much better. Still a tiny bit anxious but I think once I get there I will be fine. I've had a good day today!
You hang in there, glad to hear the pain meds help although I have no idea what my Dr is going to give me. Hope the rest of your recovery is smooth sailing. I will let you know how mine turns out after Monday. Only thing about the early surgery is now my block is going to probably wear off right as im trying to go to sleep...so first hint of pain and Im taking my meds.
Jenn
memar08
05-03-2008, 11:39 PM
hey jenn listen be careful the house is probably going to be a mess for a while after your surgery so concentrate on the important stuff YOU I cleaned the whole house washed every curtain and window and now I basically stay downstairs in the family room for most of the day only going upstairs to bed and shower My best advice to you is the minute you think the block is wearing off -you'll begin to feel some tingling and blood flow back to your toes - take the pain meds the first 36 hours were pretty miserable but I am doing much better now only took 3 pain pills today also taking Tylenol to take the edge off I've been up and about a liitle A little difficult non weight bearing and using crutches No long walks in my near future Good luck on Monday let me know how you are doing
Anybody else out there recently been through foot surgery ie arthrodesis
Anybody else out there recently been through foot surgery ie arthrodesis
janewhite1
05-03-2008, 11:58 PM
I had an accident today. I was rushing around trying to get the house cleaned up and I stubbed the toe Im having surgery on and the next toe over. I was seeing stars for a few minutes! Its been bandaged up for months as I have been waiting for surgery so at least that protected it some. When I took the dressing off later to check it the area she had cauterized fell off. I have nice pink tissue growing over the tumor. It actually looks better but its only a thin amount of skin covering it so glad the surgery is Monday. My second toe is all black and blue now too :( Nothing like making it worse for myself...lol
Didn't they tell you? Solid, heavy, painful objects are magnetically attracted to bad feet.
When my ankle first went real bad 14 months ago, a few days later, I dropped a medium sized computer power supply on my big toe, same foot. Ever try walking when neither your ankle nor your big toe wants to bend at all? The purple bruising under the toe took a year to grow out, although my toe stopped hurting within a few days.
The same exact time this year, just after my right toe looked normal, I found out I'd have to wait another 6 weeks for my right ankle surgery. I was so mad I kicked a piece of furniture. Then I had a purple toe on my good foot! "Smart, Jane, real smart. Just cripple your other foot, that'll really help." Once again, no pain after a few days, but it'll take another year for that icky nail bruise to grow out.
You'd think I'd've learned after the first time. February is the cruelest month for toes. :)
I'm glad to hear the hospital is working with you to minimize your anxiety.
Didn't they tell you? Solid, heavy, painful objects are magnetically attracted to bad feet.
When my ankle first went real bad 14 months ago, a few days later, I dropped a medium sized computer power supply on my big toe, same foot. Ever try walking when neither your ankle nor your big toe wants to bend at all? The purple bruising under the toe took a year to grow out, although my toe stopped hurting within a few days.
The same exact time this year, just after my right toe looked normal, I found out I'd have to wait another 6 weeks for my right ankle surgery. I was so mad I kicked a piece of furniture. Then I had a purple toe on my good foot! "Smart, Jane, real smart. Just cripple your other foot, that'll really help." Once again, no pain after a few days, but it'll take another year for that icky nail bruise to grow out.
You'd think I'd've learned after the first time. February is the cruelest month for toes. :)
I'm glad to hear the hospital is working with you to minimize your anxiety.
monster bunion
05-04-2008, 12:12 AM
Janewhite,
You are a riot! Thank you for making my day!
You are a riot! Thank you for making my day!
summergirl21
05-04-2008, 04:34 PM
[QUOTE=janewhite1;3556173]Didn't they tell you? Solid, heavy, painful objects are magnetically attracted to bad feet.
Ha ha .. no they didnt tell me that but thats ok I am a fast learner!
and yes the hospital was really great about setting everything up the way I hoped so I wouldnt be so nervous. I just hope everyone who cares for me tomorrow is just as helpful, Im sure that they will be.
I had a good day yesterday without any teary episodes and slept real good last night. So far today has been a good day to, just stressed over the "little things" changing the sheets, laundry, cooking, picking up last minute things.
I'm sure I will be nervous tomorrow morning as I walk in but at least now I dont feel like I will be running the other way ...lol. And I know its ok to be nervous, I no longer feel like Im the only one that feels that way. This board has been great!
I plan on taking a xanax tonight and since I have to be there so early I will probably barely wake up in time to get there. Hospital is only 2 miles from my house so its not like I have far to go.
Ha ha .. no they didnt tell me that but thats ok I am a fast learner!
and yes the hospital was really great about setting everything up the way I hoped so I wouldnt be so nervous. I just hope everyone who cares for me tomorrow is just as helpful, Im sure that they will be.
I had a good day yesterday without any teary episodes and slept real good last night. So far today has been a good day to, just stressed over the "little things" changing the sheets, laundry, cooking, picking up last minute things.
I'm sure I will be nervous tomorrow morning as I walk in but at least now I dont feel like I will be running the other way ...lol. And I know its ok to be nervous, I no longer feel like Im the only one that feels that way. This board has been great!
I plan on taking a xanax tonight and since I have to be there so early I will probably barely wake up in time to get there. Hospital is only 2 miles from my house so its not like I have far to go.