Just back from 7-day postop

With Dr. Jawad in Ocala, who is amazing. I would have posted sooner, but only had access to dial-up where I was recovering, so internet activities were limited. Anyway, I went up to Ocala last Tuesday, and showed up at Ocala Regional Medical Center Wed. morning at 7:30 (4/27). Had my grandmother, best friend from college, and two friends from Key West, one of whom had surgery 2 years ago with Dr. Marema. Was a little nervous (and that's the first time throughout the whole process) as I suited up and got ready in surgical prep. I can't tell you how much I apprecited ORMC and its staff. Fantastic. The best hospital i've ever experienced. They gave me a little something to take the edge off, and wheeled me away at 10 am. Arriving in the operating room, they scooched me onto the operating table (which seems to be about 14 inches wide) and strapped me down. The last thing I remember is the anesth. saying "Grab my fingers as hard as you can and here we go." The next thing I know, I hear him saying "Take 10 deep breaths and wake up" I may have the two mixed up. They gave me some pretty good drugs. Spent most of the day in bed on pain killers, but by 4/24... man, I was up and walking, eating and discharged by 2 pm. No pain, no problems, nothing that I prepared myself for prior to surgery. Dr. Jawad is amazing. The whole procedure took about 1.5 hours, and here I am 7 days out, and if it wasn't for the G-tube, I wouldn't believe that I have had major surgery. So, recovering with my grandmother for a week. I was a little hesistant when Dr. Jawad told me that I should be back to work in a week. Well, today is one week, and I could have been back two days ago. No pain, no problems getting fluids in, no problem tolerating the liquid diet. But the deal I made was I'd be out one week, then work from home for a week. So I am going to start working from home tomorrow, and head back in early, on Monday of next week. At the post-op today, Dr. Jawad took out my JP drain and all but the Gtube staples. Looked me over and gave me my vitamin instructions, and sent me home. Lost 10 pounds in 7 days. So, I am off and running! Thanks for letting me bore you with all this, but as you can tell, so far, i couldn't be happer!

Welcome to the best ride of your life.... You will have some hills and valleys.. But hang on you will do fine.. Jennifer Dr Nye 4/28/04 280/153/135

Ted, So glad you are doing well. I too had Dr. Jawad and am so pleased with the care I have and am still recieving. I had the evil G tube removed last week and what a relief. Thanks for letting us know how things are going and wishing you many blessings and much success on the continuation of your journey. I went back to work at two weeks with no problems. Kirsten

Hello there Ted! This is your ole Aetna buddy here ...still waiting for her approval. But hey, at least they found my fax from 9 days ago finally! LOL So glad you area doing well and feeling so good. I look forward to hearing about your progress. Keep us posted... Hugs, Sallykate

Welcome home Ted! Make sure you are sipping and walking. ~ Trish

Hi Ted- Glad to hear things went so well for you. And from your post you must have met Albert Einstein while you were out. Man you and I will have to sit and talk about that one day. I really want to hear what Albert had to say. He finally broke through and man he told you how to do it too. He said it was possible and no one really believed him. Well except Steven Hawking. Anyway, glad to hear you are doing so well. Red

Hi Red, I see you caught it, too! Just remember that he may not have met ole Albert, he did say he had some "pretty good drugs". Vickie J.

I was so hoping! I think Albert really did believe we would one day be able to time travel.

Ted, Glad to hear you're doing so well!! I hope those drugs have worn off by now and you've got your days straight again You're off to a great start on a grand adventure! Just remember to keep sipping tha****er and walk, walk, walk. Vickie J.

So wonderful! I am glad you are feeling so great, with my surgery coming it encourages me! Keep up the good work!!!