Karla's Dramatic Day

It's been a really long day... started out getting up at 3:45...left and got to hospital at 5:40 a.m. w/o a hitch. Checked in, was sent up to pre-op. They did most of their work, gave me valium, I talked to at least 4 anesthesiologists, signed 100 papers, and was ready to get marked. Then the nurse told Dr. W that my hemoglobin count was a 9.2. He came over and told me we couldn't do the surgery today because w/ the possible blood loss from a lower body lift, it could be a big problem and he didn't feel comfortable doing it. My family thought I would flip out and scream and yell and tear something or someone up, but I was okay...I'm sure the Valium helped! I got dressed and he told me we'd draw blood and find the problem, get the count up, and try for 2 weeks from now. I still don't have a firm date, but maybe will get it tomorrow. A nurse friend is going to help me w/ ways to get the count up between now and then. The blood test may also reveal a deficit in something like iron or B12 that needs to be raised. I had given 2 units of blood in the past 2 weeks and that could have contributed. My family and I went to eat breakfast because everyone was hungry. My dad had driven all the way from Wimberly to Houston for the surgery. I felt really bad about that. We were eating and my mom got a call that my stepdad had fallen and he couldn't get up and was having a hard time breathing. I still had to go to have blood work done, so my husband and son took my mom back to Livingston, 1.5 hrs. away and my sister stayed and took me to Talbots outlet (We were right there at it) and then to get the blood work done. I went to my bypass surgeon's office and had blood drawn for labs. I was dehydrated from not getting to drink like I usually do, and it took 2 sticks and about 45 minutes to get enough blood in the tubes. That was a lot of fun. I have enough holes and bruised on my arms that I look like a drug addict! We ran by a deli in Kingwood and grabbed chicken salad and croissants and some chili to take back to Livingston to the hospital because no one had eaten lunch (this was 2:30 or so by then). My stepfather was moved to a room and surgery was being scheduled to repair his broken hip for Wed. morning. My husband has taken off from work in Alabama to come home for this surgery, so I'm sending him back off tomorrow so he can come back home in a couple of weeks for my surgery. I'll go to my stepfather's surgery, make sure he is okay, and then Ben and I will go to Hotel Intercontinental and live in the lap of luxury for a couple of nights since our hotel was booked through Priceline and I can't get the money back. I'll pick up my lab work results while there, and go see Hairspray Friday before coming back home. I was geared up for it and a bad thing happened, but it's okay...I figured it didn't happen because it wasn't meant to happen. Mom couldn't have dealt w/ both things at once, so it's for the *******so figured God wanted me to see the movie Hairspray, so it was his way of making it happen! I'll have to take 3 weeks off work instead of 1, but I have enough sick days, so I'll be okay. I just like to hoard them. Enough of my sad story...the ending will be a good one! Thanks for all your support. Karla

Oh Karla, how disappointing But it's better to be safe. Hopefully they will take care of the low bloodcount and you'll have the surgery in a couple of weeks. Sending hugs, Ronna

Oh, Karla, I was thinking about you and even looked at the Texas board to see if your friends posted an update. Things happen for a reason. Just get your blood count up and be ready for the next big day. I personally lost a lot of blood from my panniculectomy so it is for the better. The surgeon told me that a few more points and I would have needed a transfusion. So they are absolutely right in cancelling you as much as you want to get it over with. Sending you big (((((((hugs)))))))))). Hang in there. Have fun at Hairspray, I so want to see that movie. Sorry about your stepdad. Hope his surgery goes well. Take Care! ~Norma~

Wow Karla what a rough day.....I guess you can ignore my post about the pain and discomfort. Hope your blood work improves so you can have your surgery. Sending hugs your way... Chris

So sorry Karla.... I have read that if you give blood before your surgery it could make your counts low, my Dr never asked me to do that. I am sure you are right about the not your day thing, it will happen soon and everything will go well I am sure. Sorry you have to go throught the stress twice. Tori

Karla~ I am so sorry to hear about your day! I wish you all the best when the time comes for you to have your LBL. I will keep you in my prayers!! Keep your chin up! Suzette

Hugs Karla sorry to hear of your tramatic day, you & your family are in my thoughts. Your big day will be here, they just want you healthy.

Hey Karla: What a wonderful attitude you have! I really have to tip my hat to you. It is great that you have the foresight to see that this happened for a reason. And I got a good chuckle from the "Hairspray" comment!! And it is also good that they found about your blood levels. Did you get your new date? I am so excited for you! I cannot wait to do this, myself! How is your stepdad? I am sorry to hear that he was injured... Here's hoping that your actual surgery is smooth sailing! Have a great day! Jersey

Oh Karla, I'm sorry to hear about your day. I'm sure YOUR day will be here soon!!! Kay

Oh, Karla, What a disappointment! You seem to have a great outlook about it, though. Why did you have to donate 2 units? Just curious. I had to donate 1 of my own, but then I also had one direct-donated for me for just in case. No LBL, but hey -- you will get to see Hairspray. Not exactly an even trade-off, but it'll do, right? LOL. Lisa