I'm Having Surgery Tomorrow

[REP]

I'm having a cystoscopy/ureteroscpy with holmium laser and left ureteral
stent placement to remove an infected 8mm kidney stone in the lower pole
of my left kidney. My doctor is pretty sure he can get the stone this
way - but not completely sure; it's pretty deep in the kidney and I may
have to have a percutaneous nephrolithotomy, which involves cutting some
holes. This is the first surgery I've had that's not optional; it's been causing chronic kidney infections, scarring my kidneys and not helping my kidney failure a bit. In the world of kidney stones, it's not very big at all, but it really could kill me.

I'm really not looking forward to it ... but on the other hand, a day
after completing a 30-day course of Cipro, I tested positive for another
kidney infection, so not having a kidney infection will be a refreshing
change. I'll be getting IV Gentomycin while they're fishing around in my
kidney, so while I'm going to be very, very, VERY sore I may come home
feeling less sick.

Feel my anxiety: ureteral stents (the string hangs out of the patient so
it can be yanked out in a week):




Any sort of well-wishing whorishly sought.

[AlienGirl]

1. Good luck, REP! My thoughts are with you!

That thing looks dreadful. :scared:

Tucker

[REP]

6. Thanks!

:hi:

on edit: :scared: - me, too.

[Robeson]

2. Good luck and hope it turns out OK....

...I've had my boatload of surgeries in my life, so I can sympathize. The main thing about surgery is, if you really, really need it, do it. Every surgery I've had has taken care of the problem I've had, and no doubt extended my quality of life. I'm sure it will be the same with you. Hope it works out good!...:thumbsup:

[REP]

5. I BEGGED For My Last Two Surgeries

I had a tubal ligation and an endometrial ablation. The tubal ligation was a lot more invasive than this will be, at least in terms of extra holes being cut in me. Both surgeries had a lot of complications ... but I wasn't sick when I had them done.

The surgeon doin my URS is the head of Urology and my other surgeon (whom I adore) assures me that he's very good. But ... ick.

Thanks! :hi:

[Radio_Lady]

31. On a first visit to a new doctor, I discuss the fact that I can't check --

their references like I would a plumber or painter or electrician.

I do check whether they've ever been sued for malpractice and LOST, and how many operations -- of the sort they plan to do on me -- have they done in the last year. My GI doctor told me recently he does 1,000 routine colonoscopy procedures each year -- that's about three a day. I had mine with NO ANESTHESIA (just some tranquilizing medication) a few months ago, and everything was OK.

[REP]

36. All of My 'Scopes Have Been Without Anesthesia

Not intentionally, of course; turns out I have a very rare reaction to the one they use (Versed). The reaction is that it wakes me up and keeps me up! I made sure that it won't be used on me during this surgery.

[Radio_Lady]

61. Interesting -- I had Versed when I had an endoscopy --

to assess the pain in my esophagus and woke up with no memory of the procedure. That's a pretty rare situation for me. That was in the summer of 1990.

I've been taking omeprazole (Prilosec, over the counter) for all those years and haven't had any problems. My gastroenterologist at the time told me, "It's a question of the quality of your life."

[cornermouse]

3. Good luck.

Just keep thinking about how much better you're going to feel a week from now.

[REP]

9. In A Week I'll Still Have The Stent In!

I have to keep in until the 13. It's removed by yanking on the string - appropriate that it'll be removed on Friday the 13th!


Thanks! :hi:

[ogradda]

4. You got mine.

Yuk that sounds bad! how long will you be in there?

[REP]

10. It's Outpatient

Should be in by 9am and out around 1 or 2 pm (knocking wood so hard the neighbor just said, "Come in!").

Thanks! :hi:

[Radio_Lady]

28. Hope you have a willing spouse, significant other, or household help --

My husband had hernia surgery twice (different sides) -- October 2004 and the other side in February 2005. The first couple of day were pretty difficult, but he was out pressure washing the deck today. Your surgery is also more invasive than his was, but surgery is surgery, and no one wants it.

Take the pain meds while you can and drink lots of fluids. Rest as much as you need to and let others wait on you. Outpatient procedures are usually pretty routine (or else they would check you into the hospital).

[REP]

35. Loved One is Set to Hover Over Me

When I had my tubal ligation, I was admited (there's a lot of stuff wrong with me) but the day I was released, I did my laundry at the laundromat. Not sure how I'm going to feel with that *thing* in me (the stent, not the stone - I already know how I feel with that in me!)

[Radio_Lady]

67. Enjoy the hovering time... it'll be over sooner than you think...

[Skittles]

7. did you research those implements?

you are tormenting yourself! I commnad thee to stop it - you will be fine, REP! I will kick some med ass otherwise! :o

[REP]

14. Check THESE Out

What's in my kidney:

[Radio_Lady]

27. Crystals are pretty -- symmetrical -- but painful.

They look like coral rock!

Please accept my good wishes for a speedy recovery!

I'm going to the doctor on Thursday and possible surgery next week for uterine polyps, but not sure I'm going to go through with it.

[REP]

34. I've Had An Uterine Ablation and Several Colposcopies

I think they do something similar for polyps. If you do decide to go through with it, the day of the surgery is ouch city (in a big way), but I was surprised at how quickly I was able to return to normal, but light, activities (the day after). Good luck to you either way!

Thanks! :hi:

Those are actual stones; the scanning electron micrographs of urinary crystals are quite pretty:

[Radio_Lady]

68. Those are beautiful photographs --

The human body is amazing, really. I love the natural sciences (biology and botany) and might have become a doctor if I'd been encouraged. I have several males in the family who went into medicine; my son-in-law is a young doctor (working in medical informatics = computers+doctors+software. We have interesting conversations!

However, I'll take SNOW crystals anytime. There're here and then they're gone. Kind of like the life of any individual human being.

[ogradda]

32. Yeah you should feel a LOT better

when you get those pointy things out.

[Skittles]

76. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

I remember when I heard my CEO had a kidney stone I thought I HOPE THE DAMN THING HAS ANTLERS. Gawd, it looks like they DO! You poor THANG!

[annabanana]

8. eek!

Thank God for general anesthesia! I'm sure the sugery will accomplished what the doctor wants it too, and you'll come through with flying colors!

[REP]

56. Thanks!

:hi:

[fleabert]

11. Yikes! I kinda know your pain.

My appendix ruptured in 99 and sat there undiagnosed for 4-7 days, emergency surgery took that out, but I still got pneumonia and an abcominal infection. I was also on cipro for a long time, about a month and a half. That stuff is brutal. I had to have a drain inserted into my abdomen and it was there for three weeks, I had to change and dress it for about a week at home (well, my fiance did). Not fun, but it was better than the alternative! Good luck and I am sending 'speedy recovery' vibes your direction. Being in the hospital sucks. I really started getting better once the infection was found and I got home!

get well soon, and get home fast! :hug:

If it makes you feel better, I have blurred the memory of my post surgery pain quite well. My family and friends say I looked pretty rough, but I remember it being not so bad. Morphine was my friend. :-)

[REP]

15. Yikes! How Awful!

I'm sure you've heard about how lucky you were to have survived, but sheesh that sounds awful.

I'm lucky - I tolerate Cipro well, and it's a good thing, considering how much of it I've had to take. Current infection is Cipro-resistant, so I'm on something else now (the stone is harboring two different pathogens).

If I have to have the percutaneous surgery, I'll have a drain in place, but I doubt it'll be as bad as your experience. I'm glad you survived! (bet you are, too!)

[fleabert]

52. Very happy indeed! I live to fight bigger battles than my health these

days!

Take some comfort that it could be worse. Believe it or not, that is what I kept telling myself. It could have been way worse. I was three days away from my Cobra coverage expiring, when I went in for surgery. my Doc. kindly billed every single expense as emergency so it would be covered by my out of state plan (we had recently moved and Cobra only offered to continue my same health coverage), and my previous employer refused to let me pay for my Cobra coverage- he paid it in full for me (which I had not done since I didn't know any better) and Cobra allowed retroactive coverage for the three months I hadn't paid once the bill was paid in full (as long as it was before the three month deadline)

I would probably still be paying off a 25-30,000.00 bill otherwise. I was very lucky indeed. Lots was done wrong in my care after the surgery, but I am fine now, that's what I hold onto. I was advised by many to sue, but it just wasn't in me. Mistakes happen, no one tried to make it worse!

So, while I normally hate pollyanna's that say 'smile! It could be worse!', it fits nicely sometimes. :-)

[punpirate]

12. Doesn't sound at all pleasant...

... but the alternatives sound a lot worse. Probably the last thing you need is a necrotic kidney....

Good luck. If the doctors are as good as you say they are, it should go fine.

Cheers.

[REP]

16. You Hit It On The Head

:hi:

[Paul Dlugokencky]

13. Good Luck!

Here's to a speedy recovery and better health.

[REP]

17. Thanks!

:hi:

[ahem]

18. Good luck! And get well soon. I hope you feel much better

when this is all over!

:)

[REP]

51. Thanks!

:hi:

[tjwmason]

19. Good luck

Good thoughts and wishes sent your way. :hug: :grouphug:

My mother recently had some very minor surgery, I was shocked how much it knocked her off-balance (metaphorically) for about a week after.

I'm just trying not to look at those various devices pictures above - not very good with gruesome things I fear.

[REP]

21. Imagine How I Feel!

One of those things is gonna be in my kidney and hanging out of me (I'm a chick) :scared:

Yeah, I'm sure it's going to take it out of me for a month (I have a near-operatic scale of things wrong with me) but I'm sure hoping that once I recover, I'll feel noticeably les sick.

Thanks! :hi:

[EFerrari]

20. Rep! You'll be fine!

Don't think about the damn string and stay ahead of the discomfort.

Having a body is SUCH a pain in the @ss!

Best wishes for your surgery AND for quicky, uncomplicated recovery. You keep us posted. :hi: We'll be here.

[REP]

23. I'll Be Taking Home Morphine

There is no discomfort with a URS but there is plenty of PAIN!!

Thanks! I'm suere I'll be fine ... I'm just nervous as hell! :hi:

[EFerrari]

25. Pain is not good. Don't be a hero, okay? Make them take care of

you. Be the patient from hell :)

[Fridays Child]

22. Positive energy to you, and promise me that you will demand...

...top-of-the-line pain meds. You don't need to have post-operative pain.

[REP]

24. Already Asked for Morphine and/or a Hammer To Knock Myself Out With

Surgeon promised morphine. I'm not a pussy - I've *never* gone to the ER when I was passing a stone the normal way or anything like that - but that doesn't mean I like pain! I know how much equipment will be up me/in my kidney, and I know it's gonna HURT!

Thanks! :hi:

[artfan]

29. You are in my thoughts

I will keep you in my 'prayers' as far as the pain goes medicine is getting much better at handeling this. You will be feeling so much better after the procedure it will be worth it.

[Radio_Lady]

33. Try to relax, What time is your surgery? Maybe you should have --

something pre-op for your anxiety. It's 3 AM here. I should be in bed...

Oops, edited to 3:25 AM -- going to bed...

[REP]

38. 10:30 am Thursday

It really IS tomorrow (it's very early Wednesday here - I posted early for extra pity-whoring!).

The important thing is that my surgeon isn't nervous!

[Robeson]

40. Don't worry, he's not nervous......

...I've heard that a pint of wiskey always calms him right before surgery....:P

[REP]

42. I've Heard About Your "Beer Power"!

And everyone knows only the anesthesiologist drinks on the job. Sheesh.

[Robeson]

44. Obviously, my reputation precedes me.....

...dang, your pretty sharp. I can't get away with nothing on here...:banghead:

[REP]

45. Like The Shadow, I Am Everywhere But Unseen

Or something similarly sinister. Like you care when you're full of Beer Power™!

[Robeson]

46. And you've already trade marked it!....

...you are on the ball!...:thumbsup:

I am impressed...;-)

[REP]

47. It's YOUR Trademark - I'm Just Acknowledging It

'Cause I'm SUPER sharp!

[Robeson]

48. Bravo!!!....

...:applause: :applause:

[REP]

50. Are You Taunting Those of Us Without Beer Power™?

I'm too tired to tell - and too beer deficient. In fact, I can't even drink beer because it tastes bad!

[Robeson]

53. Not at all!...

I was complimenting your skills at repartee!, i.e. conversation marked by exchange of witty retorts! Very fun! Thanks! :hi:

[REP]

54. Thanks!

I doubted only myself - and never suspected you of any evil; after all, haven't you vowed to use your Beer Power™ only for good?

[Robeson]

55. Absolutely!...

...and now, my pillow calls, and I bid you adieu...

Lastly, if we don't hear from you before, then take our best wishes with you. Everything is going to be OK with the surgery....

:thumbsup: :-)

[Radio_Lady]

62. "Who knows... What evil ... LURKS... in the hearts of men...

The Shadow knows!" Ha-ha-ha-ha!

[jukes]

26. DAMN!

not fun for you, i'm sure. sym pathos!

if the morf is in pill form, you'll have more fun if you do an extraction.

[REP]

49. Thanks!

Pills should be fine - don't think I'll be up to home chemistry for a while (but who knows?)

:hi:

[muchacho]

30. best wishes

[BlondieK143]

37. Good luck!

Sending positive thoughts your way! :hug:

[REP]

39. Thanks!

:hi:

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

41. Prayer sent your way and a suggestion

Some may think this is silly, but I've used it on oral surgery with great success:

Today and tonight, visualize the stone in your kidney breaking apart effortlessly when the laser hits it during surgery. See all the little parts break into tiny fragments. Imagine the area of the kidney around it feeling soothed and returning to health.

The first time I used this technique I was in the middle of having wisdom teeth extracted, which happened in two sessions. After the first session, I bled profusely and had some complications. I'd just read a book about the power of thought, so I decided to try it-after all, worrying about what was going to happen definately wasn't going to help, and this put my mind on things but in a positive light. The next set of extractions went fine-with hardly any bleeding at all, and no complications. Years later, when I faced a molar extraction and root canal, I did the same thing. Again, no problems-in fact, the molar came out easier than the dentist thought it would, and there was hardly any bleeding/pain afterwards.

Hey, you choose your thoughts. They don't cost anything. It's worth a shot!

[REP]

43. I've Been Trying To Get It To Move Out By Thought

Apparently, I'm not thinking hard enough...

Thanks!

:hi:

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

57. I do wish you the best and a speedy recovery

Please let us all know how you did as soon as possible...good luck and I hope this is the end of this problem for you

[REP]

58. Thanks!

Neither my surgeon nor I really wants a second procedure for this small but feisty stone! This should take care of the chronic infections; I'll still be in kidney failure, but I won't be quite as sick (I hope).

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

59. I hope so too..I know you've had a hard time

:hug:

[REP]

63. Plus I Whine a Lot

Suffer in silence? Me? Ha!

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

66. If *I* were going through all that..I'd whine too

You got a right ;)

[REP]

78. Naw - You'd Probably Be A Lot Cooler

But I'm going to believe you for the next few days, so watch out!

[Nikia]

60. Good luck

I hope your surgery goes well, that the problem is fixed, and that your recovery isn't too painfu.

[REP]

64. Thanks!

Drugs are good food!

:hi:

[tammywammy]

65. Good Luck

I'm sure you'll do fine. :hug: (In my head I'm saying ouch, eeekk, damn I'm glad it's not me)

And it's good that you have someone ready to hover over you afterwards.

[REP]

80. Thanks!

In *my* head, I'm saying ouch, eek, I wish it weren't ME! Oh well!

[NorthernSpy]

69. surgery is always daunting, but just think of how much better...

... it'll be once you're free of this stone. That's definitely something to look forward to.

Best of luck, REP!

[REP]

83. I'm Getting The Stone Back

I want that little sucker once it's out!

Thanks!

[Patiod]

70. My advice: don't watch the Deadwood episode

where the doctor removes/moves Al's kidney stone.

Seriously --- good luck to you tomorrow.

[valis]

82. Also, don't watch House MD, or ER...

[GardeningGal]

71. Wow, best wishes to you for a quick recovery

I must admit that I got a little dizzy reading this. Good thing I didn't become a nurse!

[mtnsnake]

72. REP, may you have a speedy recovery. HOWEVER.....

just make sure that your pre-op roommate isn't some dude who's in there waiting to get his left leg removed!!

Anyway, I hope everything goes smoothly. I'm sure it will!

[GreenPartyVoter]

73. Yikes! Good luck!

[seaglass]

74. I still have memories of an op I had when I was 5 on my

kidneys - I must not have been all the way out because I remember the entry.

I feel for you.

Best wishes for a succesful op and easy recovery!

[enigmatic]

75. Good vibes you way!!

:)

[Kellanved]

77. Best wishes!

I'll <German for "cross my fingers">Die Daumen drücken</German for "cross my fingers">

[BikeWriter]

79. Hey, best wishes for a speedy recovery!

[Left Is Write]

81. That doesn't sound like fun.

Best of luck to you for a smooth procedure and recovery!

[auntAgonist]

84. Best wishes for a successful procedure and a quick recovery!!!

:hug:

[Ladyhawk]

85. Well-wishing engaged!

This seems like "surgery season" for DUers. I wish you the best and although I don't like the look of those instruments, any pain associated with being "yanked" should be short-lived.

:hug:

[REP]

87. That's An Indwelling Stent That Will Be In My Kidney/Bladder for 8 Days

The literature says that having one in is quite uncomfortable or frankly painful, but there is a big risk of stricture/hydronephrosis/necrosis if one isn't placed, which is faaaar worse than being in pain for a day and a week; after all, I've been dealing with major, chronic kidney infections for over a year, so an extra week won't kill me. It will make whine, though.

[ronnykmarshall]

86. Good luck babe!

Take it easy !