An Overview and Update on Anna's Surgery

What a week this has been. Just last Friday, August 19, 2011, I was in surgery to have a benign growth removed as well as the last half a foot of my colon. Kind of strange to even put it like that, but that is what ended up, along with my appendix.

The surgery was a success, I am told, and my recovery has been remarkable. The first few hours after the actual surgery gave the doctor some concerned since I was so slow to come out of the anesthetic. What should have only take a few hours took an extra four. Sleep must have felt so good, and to be anesthetized at that.

I finally responded and have been doing well ever since. Ron and my daughter, Tara spent most of the day visiting while waiting for me. I hear that they had a great time getting to know one another and that makes me feel good they had a chance to get well acquainted. I want to thank everyone for all the prayers and well wishes in my behalf.

I believe I could not have done so well without out the many prayers said. Aside from being stapled back together, everything else was right on schedule. The doctor put me back together so well, and everything is working like it should, even before leaving the hospital. I had a clear liquid diet for several days and by Sunday I was given soft solid foods. Then I was able to eat a normal solid food dinner, of mashed potatoes and gravy,along with chicken breast with gravy and fresh cooked vegetables. Yumm, after the liquid diet it felt so delicious at that point.

I had a few challenges before I left to be discharged on Monday, August 22. The nurse had a difficult time getting the staples out from my 3" insicion. It must have taken over an hour, (without anesthetic) to get the last ones that were kind of tricky to remove. I was glad to get that behind me, and I even used some of the old La Maze breathing technique when I delivered some of my children through the ordeal. It was a good distraction anyway and worked as Ron held my hand and I squeezed it so tight to keep from kicking my way out of the bed with the sting and pain. Ron said I was a very good patient. I breathed a deep sigh of relief when the nurse finished, as I am sure Ron did too.

I also appreciated the many friends and family visits to see me me at the hospital, the flower bouquets and phone calls. Thank you for all your support. Time seemed to go by quickly. I healed quickly, which was another tender mercy for which I am deeply grateful. I also had the opportunity to walk around the floor four times a day. I was told that would also help in my healing process. Ron was right there to help make it possible. What a Guy. : )

Sunday morning there was a couple going around asking if the patients wanted to take the sacrament. We said we did. It was very nice and made my morning and day with Ron there with me to take the sacrament together. Aaron was concerned if there was the sacrament sent around at the hospital. I text him to let him know it was all taken care of, otherwise, I am sure he would have taken care of it for me. Thanks, Aaron!

I will mention here that the procedure the doctor, Brian Gill used was the Robotic Da Vinci technique. It was done laproscopically, and a "cutting edge" technique used that is fairly new in the area. Dr. Gill said he had performed a hundred since November of this kind of surgical procedure, and also teaches other doctors how to use this technique. He also said that the machine used was a $2ML piece of equipment that Utah Valley Regional Medical Center did not have. The advantage was the recovery time was quicker. I opted for that one for that reason.

The care at Timpanogos Regional Medical Center was excellent. I think there were only five patients on the surgical floor where I was, compared to the forty or even fifty patients at UVRMC on their daily census. That ratio narrowed down the numbers for better care and attention. I was very pleased as a patient to be there. If I needed anything, they searched for what it was and accommodated, even down to having a menu change. (God bless the cafeteria staff.)

I thank Ron too, for all his support and keeping everyone informed of my progress with the surgery. It means a lot and everybody was pleased with how he kept texting you and letting you know the updates. I know he cares about me and my welfare. I am most grateful for his love and kindness. Each day that goes by tells me more and more how much he cares about me. Thank you, Sweetheart! I count my blessings having him near.