A bit of a bumpy ride...update (long)

Hello everyone, haven't been on in a little while and thought I would post an update.

I was scheduled for surgery on Wednesday February 4th with Dr. Aarts at TEGH.  I was all set for surgery, checked in and everything was great.  Hubby to be was with me the whole time.  Soon they called my name and off I went into the OR with Dr. Aarts. I was woken up about an hour later and advised they were not able to complete the surgery as I had had a couple of "P-E-A" episodes.  This is a cardiac episode known as "pulseless electric activity" and they can't get a pulse.  After the second episode, the anaesthetist made the call to halt the surgery so Dr. Aarts was only able to finish the bowel part.  I was in recovery for 10+ hours before they could transfer me to ICU where I had a consult with a cardiologist.  He said no further surgery until they were sure my heart was 100%.  I am 40 and have no family history of heart issues, have never had heart issues and my blood pressure and cholesterol have always been great despite me being obese so I was quite shocked.   I had an echocardigram, CT scan and angiogram and all were normal.  So the decision was to try and finish the surgery on Friday the 6th which Dr. Aarts agreed to do even though she doesn't normally do surgery on Fridays.  I was so grateful that they were able to fini**** and I got through it with flying colours the second time around.  It was a longer hospital stay and I had to spend it all in ICU but otherwise I got great care at TEGH and Dr. Aarts and the cardiologist and all the ICU doctors and nurses were amazing.  They finally let me go home Sunday the 8th in the afternoon even though my potassium levels were out of whack. I got a prescription for pantaloc chewables and percocet and I am taking the pantaloc but have only needed to take the percocet a few times.  I finally feel like I am on the mend. 

I hope this post doesn't put anyone off from going forward with their surgery, because I got great care and was fully informed every step of the way at TEGH.  Sadly I had a surgery buddy Juleeg who I wasn't able to meet up with on the ward to go walking but we texted lots.  I have nothing but praise for the hospital and the staff who treated me wonderfully.

Dr. Aarts is an amazing surgeon and I highly recommend her.  She is very sweet and caring.

Now that i've been home for just under a week I have lots 25 pounds, been sleeping like crazy and still trying to get all my protein shakes in.  

Thanks so much for reading, sorry for such a long post!

~Dreamy74 (Kelley)

Wow Kelley, what an adventure. As I was reading I was getting prepared to give you information on a former OH member who could not have surgery because she had a problem with the anaesthesia. After a year of checks no one wanted to risk doing it. So glad you were able to have the surgery!

Take care and I wish you all the best

Liz

 What an adventure!  Glad it all worked out for you.  I am a little scared as a self pay patient when I hear about complications.  Our insurance has a clause that specifies they don't cover complications due to bariatric surgery.

Congratulations on your surgery. Feel better soon.

wow girl.....what an adventure you have had!!! Thank goodness all worked out well and the hospital was very careful and vigilant!  BIG HUGS and congrats on that weight loss so far!!!

Glad to hear you are home and on the mend.  That is quite the ordeal you have been through.  Encouraging to hear of the great care you were given throughout your journey.

All good things from here!!

T.

Hey hunnie! I am so happy to see an update from you! I hope you are doing well! That is scary what went on, but I am glad they took such amazing care of you! :) Hope you are okay!