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Post by chrisw on Mar 24, 2012 11:51:43 GMT -5
I am not sure that this is the right place to post this - but if not then I am sure the moderator of the day will move it where it belongs!
I want to thank you all for your prayers and good wishes.
First my apologies for not getting back sooner, but the last two weeks have left me incredibly tired, and although I sent off a couple of one liner comments about a couple of things during this time I simply was not up to anything more, tho' I have been reading some of my e-mails.
The operation itself lasted about 4 hours and, as far as we know, has been completely successful - final biopsy results should come in a couple of weeks. They cut a three inch incision just above the left collar bone, and another incision from the bottom of my sternum down to my belly button, removed the bottom 3/4 of my esophagus and the top part of the stomach, dropped a rope down from the neck incision, tied it around the remains of the stomach, hauled it up and sewed it to the upper remains of the esophagus and then stapled me backup. Must have been a good dozen or more staples in my belly - looked just like a zipper!!( I still have visions of kiddies teddy bears with a zipper in the tummy to store PJ's). Woke up with two chest drains, a neck drain, a suction line via the nose to the stomach, a feeding tube in the belly, a urine catheter, an IV and an ABG line as well as the usual heart monitor cables - think Frankenstein!!!
They took me off the vent a couple hours after the operation was done and tried to put me on BiPap (NIPPV) but I fought that- Gwen asked me if I simply wanted to be back on just oxygen - I said yes and they let me try that. Worked fine! The next couple of days I was in ICU and pretty much in la-la land from the pain meds (epidural and VERY effective).
Since then recovery has been steady and generally good, though anti-biotics and doubled inhaled steroids have resulted in what appears to be really bad thrush. Weak as a new-born kitten, trying to relearn how to eat - throat and swallowing just do not feel right and I am not allowed to lie down, as there is no "valve" to protect the epiglottis from the stomach contents. So I am also sleep deprived!
They let me out of the hospital a week ago and Gwen and I are staying at my son's house, close to the hospital in Victoria, until follow-up visits to hospital doctors are all over.
The caring and love from all of you has been one of the most important drives to recovery. God bless you all!
Chris
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Post by Blossom/Jackie W. on Mar 24, 2012 13:44:38 GMT -5
Chris' my dear..... In the whole scheme of things, .... you did pretty d**ned fantastic! You're a very lucky man in many ways and your family and Gwen are your foundation! The road to recovery isn't smooth; especially major surgery. I think I can relate. BUT; the biggest thing is that you're here AND you're recovering!!! It takes time. And; you've GOT to be diligent about forcing yourself to move around; even just a bit. You've a LOT of time and life in you left to share. Gwen has been wonderful (as has Helen) about keeping us updated. You're a big part of our COPD family. As for Bi-PAP; nope; not all of us can handle it. Shoulda had the Helemt!  Rest and recover but don't allow yourself to be spoiled. You know..... Men. ;D |
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Post by peter on Mar 24, 2012 14:41:36 GMT -5
Hi Chris, Sounds like a lot of hurt, glad things are getting better. Take it slow and steady.
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Post by John on Mar 24, 2012 15:10:51 GMT -5
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Post by bobbioh on Mar 24, 2012 17:29:11 GMT -5
Keep up the healing!!
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Post by Deleted on Mar 24, 2012 19:04:19 GMT -5
Way to go Chris, a strong mind can overcome much
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Post by susanny on Mar 25, 2012 1:47:05 GMT -5
Your explanation of the operation was just as complete as any other posting you ever do here for us! I feel like I understand what all was done to you and no wonder the surgeon was concerned about how you'd do. Big surprise....Chris comes through with flying colors! So, how long before you'll be able to lay down to sleep, or is that a thing of the past from now on? That would be hard. Are you able to take pills? The reason I ask is because of the thrush. I was in the hospital the same time you were and they were pumping me with antis and steroids and I got the worst case of thrush I've ever had. Dr. put me on Diflucan, which isn't a very big pill at all but I don't know how you are doing in that dept. It took the thrush away in just a couple of days anyway and food started to taste like food again and I stopped gagging on the crap in my mouth. Maybe you could take that for your thrush? Just a suggestion.
So glad to hear from you and hope your healing continues as smoothly as it's been. I know you've been in a lot of pain and I'll just keep praying for your healing and pain. Isn't it amazing how great the prayers from here work?
Love, Sue
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Post by linndie2 on Mar 25, 2012 6:10:05 GMT -5
Dear Chris,
I always thought you were an amazing Man, now i know you are! You are so very lucky to have a wife like Gwen who loves you so very very much, and your family does too, and that family extends to us too. I hope one day you and Gwen will come back to Florida and stay with us, we love you and Gwen and Rich sends his best wishes, he always asks how you and Gwen are.
You are the hero, you and Gwen. Many blessings to you both, and I hope each new sunrise makes you stronger and you get well well soo.
Love Linndie and Rich
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Post by linndie2 on Mar 25, 2012 6:16:21 GMT -5
Chris, I also had thrush and that is awful to have that thick coating in your mouth and unable to taste food. Rich made me a huge juicy steak dinner when i got home from the hospital, and i was unable to taste it, i didn't tell him, because he worked so hard tryiing to do something so special. Life is a mountain we climb, we slip down sometimes, but we keep trying to get to the top, your about 1/3 up that mountain, don't ever give up. You my friend are a gift to the world, to us. You have many people who need your widsom and knowledge and wit! Rest and make sure our Gwen rests too.   |
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Post by mary57 on Mar 25, 2012 10:28:19 GMT -5
So happy for you and Gwen that things have gone so well for you. Now you must give yourself the time and patience to heal. Take Care
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Post by annabob on Mar 25, 2012 10:45:59 GMT -5
Its great to hear you are on the mend Chris. I wish you a speedy but good recovery. You are very fortunate to have Gwen by you side as well as family to help yon in you recovery.
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Post by valerie on Mar 25, 2012 14:08:35 GMT -5
The operation sounds awful, as you say you must have looked like frankenstien, when they'd finished with you. It's wonderful that you have got through it all. Keep on being strong and determined and my best wishes for your continuing recovery and for you and for Gwen.
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Post by linndie2 on Mar 25, 2012 15:44:11 GMT -5
Gwen,
You are a amazing Lady, i LOVE YOU A LOT!
XOXOXO Linndie
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