This summer has been a whirlwind...and the last couple weeks have been the same! After a fun trip with the kids to visit my PA family (in-laws), I got home in time to spend 2 days working in each of my rooms for school and then the next day (Monday), head to my nasal surgery to repair my deviated septum. As a reminder, the team of doctors believe that the inability to breathe properly through my nose (because of the deviated septum), has caused jaw issues, which has caused other issues, ending in my neck pain. That is the basic jist of it anyway. So...Monday late morning my mom picked me up and we headed for the surgery center. I was a little nervous, but definitely felt everyone's prayers, as I was able to stay calm. I registered and after just a few minutes they took me back to change into a lovely hospital gown, get an IV started and go over basic questions with me. After that, they brought my mom back to keep me company until it was time. The anesthesiologist and surgeon each came in and went over the procedures one last time and then it was a quick hug from mom and a walk to the surgical room. Here I am ready to go back...
After I got on the surgery table and was covered up with blankets, they told me that they were starting the meds and that I should start to feel them quickly. I remember MAYBE 45 seconds more before waking up in recovery. I woke up and felt good, other than being very groggy. They gave me the post-op instructions, with my mom listening in thankfully, as I was still pretty out of it. As soon as I felt ready, they let me leave. The doctor did say that after reviewing all of my other issues involved in this, that I would probably have a bit more pain than the average septum repair. (joy) He recommended that I not try to just take Tylenol but to take the pain meds he prescribed. As the numbness wore off, the pain increased and when I tried to get up and move to brush my teeth, go to the bathroom, etc, I became extremely nauseated and had to sit at the toilet several times. Below is a picture of me as I looked for just under 24 hours with the bandages below my nose to collect the blood/drainage.
I did NOT sleep well at all that night. I have to sleep propped up at a 45 degree angle, and found that I could not tilt my head to either side because the blood would start running out of my nose (sorry if that is too much information!). Tuesday morning I again tried to get up and clean my oral appliances and brush my teeth, only to find myself at the toilet again. I moved to the couch and found a comfortable position to be in and napped several times throughout the day on Tuesday. Thank heavens for my mom taking Kiara home with her so that I could rest. I was very sore, stuffed up, and oh so tired the whole day and evening. Thankfully I was able to sleep well on Tuesday night on the couch. I was up bright and early to head to Dr. K (dentist) for a check-up today (Wednesday), as well as laser treatments on my nasal passages to help with swelling and healing. I still am pretty sore and swollen (internally), very stuffed up and after being upright more today am exhausted tonight and will head to bed soon. Today is better than yesterday. Each day will get better. I am anxious to have the swelling go down and my nose healed up so that I can see if it is making any difference. I've waited 11 years, what's a few more days, right? HA! So, I am doing okay. Moving slowly, being very careful of my face, sniffing a lot, blotting drainage and trying to take it easy. The kids, Phil, and my mom have helped me so much and I am so blessed by that. Lots of friends checking in on me and encouraging me...I will feel better each day and am praying that I feel LOTS better by Tuesday when I have to go back to school!
