Surgery #3 in the bag!
Did my usual prep beforehand...laundry, packing, some grocery shopping for the kids, underarm waxing...can't forget that. And since I'm already there why not the brows, upper lip and toes (don't ask). I am vain. Actually it's quite necessary since I am unable to shave my underarms for weeks. Plus, when I'm laying on the operating table I would hate to offend. So you see it's for the hospital staff really. Common courtesy. Scratch the vain and replace with thoughtful, or giving, or selfless...you choose.
On the way here I made Chris stop at Albertville, Target (oh how I miss you since we moved), and as many gas stations as possible. He finally realized I was stalling. I didn't want to arrive at my destination. Since I don't do well with anesthesia and had so many issues with my muscles I wasn't all too excited for another go at it.
The surgery went well. They did a whole different cocktail for knocking me out and injected my muscles with Botox to ward off the muscle spasms I had so bad last time. I was in recovery for quite some time and finally brought to my room where it soon began. "On a scale of 1 - 10, how would you rate your pain?"
This question freaks me out every time. I don't know why but it sends me into a panic where I try to explain why I chose the number I did. "I just had surgery so I would say 10! Well, no maybe not. Is 10 reserved for screaming out of your mind pain? No, I would assume they don't ask that question if your screaming. So, is it ok to use 10?? Maybe we better say 9, yes a 9."
I am finally settled in and not moving too much and here it comes. "On a scale of 1-10 how would you rate your pain?" This to me is tricky. I'm full of meds and not a ten but it certainly isn't a 2. I pick 5, what I call an annoying, constant pain but not unbearable.
It's in the middle of the night and I am on at least four or five different meds when I'm asked THE Question. My first reaction is to say 2 but wait, that's too close to 1 and is anyone ever a one? I mean, even healthy, are you completely pain free? And if I say 2 or 3 will they reduce the meds, because right now they are working. Better off with a 4. "Yes a 4" I say. "Not a five, where it's annoying but it's there, so yes a 4." Whew!
I am asked that question at least every 3-4 hours so you can imagine how crazy they think I am.
I am allowed to leave the hospital today and will have to stay in a hotel for at least a night to be close. Things are going well so far. When I got to my room I felt my new breasts and cried. They feel normal.
Well, I have to go, the nurses are here and I need to rate my pain again....I'm starting to hurt again but I don't want to seem like I'm a pill popper so I am thinking 7. Yes, definitely 7.
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