31 October 2011

Day Three of the Big Infertile Adventure -- Surgery Eve

What a day!

IF is truly a full time job -- a job where I have to pay, not the other way around, but enough about that!

Our first appointment was at the Creighton University Medical Centre. We were told that everyone was really friendly here and we were proven the fact again and again. We were having a hard time navigating the hospital and someone took us to where we had to go! Also, we had no waiting at all -- something that is unheard of up in Canada!

The nurse at CUMC explained the procedure and the risks and someone came in to take blood. I also have to do a full wipe down with antiseptic wipes in a little while. Apparently it cuts down on post-operative infections -- I definitely don't want a repeat of the pelvic abscess I had in 2009!

After my first appointment we had some time before my ultrasound so Mr. JB and I went to W.hole F.oods for lunch. Although it was quite pricey, we both ate so well! We also got provisions for when I am recuperating. We don't have kitchen access at the residence where we are staying so we got soups in tetra packs (I miss having my own kitchen!).

After lunch we headed to PPVI. It was like visiting infertile Dis.neyland! We arrived early since I thought my ultrasound was at 12:30. My bladder was full to bursting so I went to the bathroom and then re-filled. I was so uncomfortable that there was no way that I could hold it for 45 minutes! The ultrasonographer was super nice -- not as nice as having my own personal ultrasonographer, but nice nonetheless. There is such a difference between Napro ultrasonographers and "conventional" ones!

My ultrasound was done at about 1pm and my appointment with Dr. Hilgers wasn't until 2:30pm so we decided to go for an adventure. Mr. JB and I visited the St. Cecilia Cathedral. It was nice to have a peaceful break in such a busy day. 

Meeting with Dr. Hilgers was so great! He was so thorough and knowledgeable and we were both so impressed with him. Mr. JB and I haved dealt with a lot of doctors and he had a quiet confidence that comforted us both. He reviewed my file and said that there is a strong possibility that my surgery is going to be a laparotomy (not a shock). Also, I may have to be in the hospital longer than we were told originally depending on how much they have to do. Please pray that I don't have to have a bowel resection OR that Go.retex has to be applied to keep adhesions at bay. I had a bit of a panic attack since I know that if they have to use Gor.etex that I will have to have another lap to remove it -- which means more anaethetic AND more money.

After my appointment I was feeling very overwhelmed, but I had a date to meet my Summer Prayer Buddy, Mrs. Henderson! We met at the famous Jon.es Bro.s C.upcakes and we had the best visit! I felt like a spoiled brat 'cos she left both Mr. JB and I presents at PPVI -- we have everything we could possibly need while I'm in the hospital. What a blessing to have someone so supportive while we are so far away from home. She's been in Omaha for almost a month and she is flying home tomorrow -- please keep her in your prayers, particularly since she is traveling alone.

It always amazes me how easy it is to make a connection with a fellow Catholic IF blogger. The conversation is always so easy and the time goes by so quickly. If we didn't have to be back at the university for dinner we could've talked for hours!

So I have to continue with my pre-op prep. Mr. JB is going to help disinfect me and then I get to administer the dreaded enema. I have to be at the hospital at 5:45am and my surgery is at 7:15am. I know that it isn't a coincidence that tomorrow is All Saints Day -- we have had many saints intercede on our behalf.

Mr. JB is going to update as soon as he knows what is going on since I will be in no condition to do so myself.

Keep those prayers coming!!! 

25 comments:

  1. I'm jealous that you only have the enema. Trust me, the stuff you drink is WAY worse.

    I'm on pins and needles for you! This surgery is going to be so great. Stay tough girl. You can SO do this. And I will come see you on Friday. :)

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  2. No coincidence at all that your surgery is on All Saints Day. All of heaven will be praying for you!

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  3. Praying for you and your miracle! Know that tomorrow, we are covering you and Mr. JB in prayers!

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  4. So glad the pre-op stuff all went well. I was just thinking how neat of a day Nov. 1st is to have surgery...All Saints Day. Praying together with all the saints that all goes smoothly with your surgery. Can't wait for your next update, JB!

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  5. It was stressful reading your post. I hope all that stuff you mentioned doesn't need to happen and that things go smoothly without too many glitches. I will pray especially for you tomorrow at mass.

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  7. Sorry, that was me above! I'm so excited for you! I'll be praying tomorrow! (Well, and tonight, too, of course! :-> )

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  8. Oh my gosh, praying so hard, with all the angels and saints!!!!

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  9. I am praying for you, and am really upbeat about this procedure - I am so confident this is going to help you guys xx

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  10. Speaking of "I know it isn't a coincidence..." I just noticed that I began reading this post at 7:15am. My thoughts and prayers were with you just as you were going under anesthesia :)

    Hope that comforts you as you read these comments all doped up later on today ;) (Oh, like you're not going to blog the same day as your laparotomy??!!)

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  11. Praying for you! And don't worry - if you need Gortex, you need Gortex. Better to have it and have a full recovery! big Hugs!! Glad things are going so well!

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  12. As I read this post, you're probably in surgery right now. I'm definitely praying for you right now!

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  13. Praying for you right now! The Creighton nurses are terrific both pre and post surgery. This is going to go great, JB!

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  14. Oh my goodness!!! I'm so anxious/excited for y'all...I can't believe this is all happening now, feels like you've been talking about it for awhile and now...it's here!! Yay !! You are such a beautiful woman and I will most definitely offer up my day for you and your surgery! I'm so hopeful and excited for you!!!

    Prayers and hugs heading your way!!!!!! :):):)

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  15. I will be praying for a successful outcome of your surgery today. I will also be praying for Dr H- that he does an excellent surgery! Break a leg! :)

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  16. Praying!!!!!! Can't wait to hear a good report!!!

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  17. wow, praying for you on this special feast day! I hope and pray everything goes well :) You are in a great hands at PPVI!!!

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  18. Prayers are with you, looking forwrd to your next update.

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  19. I read this a little late, but prayed hard for you just the same!
    I hope you're enjoying the anesthesia (the best part). I can't wait for the next update. I hope Dr. H says its a 10 out of 10!!!

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  20. Praying so hard for you and CANNOT wait for updates!!! May Dr. H's hands be God's instrument of healing.

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