You Won't Believe This One - Surgery Canceled

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R

readsforfun

Hi Everyone!

Got right into the operating room and was put under! Next thing I realize I'm in recovery and they're trying to wake me up and telling me "surgery was not done"! And yes, I'm upset! I'm not sure I understand exactly what happened as I was rather "out of it" when the anesthesiologist tried to explain what happened. Apparently he was attempting to put the 2 neck lines in and actually got them in when he realized something was wrong. (I had asked him to make sure I was "under" when they did this.) I'm not sure, but I believe he said he "nicked" the carotid. The surgeon said, "well I'm not putting her on bypass now - too great a degree of stroke risk. We'll reschedule". So, I spent the night with this huge pressure bandage on my neck and a severly dry throat/lips, met with the surgeon again this morning before he'd let me go home and we're trying to reschedule now! Met with the anesthesiologist this a.m. too. He said this had never happened to him before and was very apologetic. They're talking about March 2nd, to give my neck time to heal. Actually, I'm quite glad Dr. Lewis decided not to proceed as he claims he could have put a stitch in it, but the risk of major stroke was considerably higher, plus I could have bled within the neck and he would have had to operate on that.

So, here we go with the pre-surgery jitters all over again. Anyone have any thoughts on this?

Jan
 
Oh, Jan, what a nightmare, but I'm sure you are glad that your surgeon was cautious enough not to proceed. Surgeries have been postponed before, but don't think I remember one being postponed after the patient was already put under!:eek: You can only believe that this happened for a reason and that all will be fine once you have a new date. Hang in there and let us know when you have a new date.
 
Jan,

Im so sorry about your experience! Very stressfull for you, Im sure. I think they made the right decision, although stressfull to wait, it is reassuring to know they are not willing to take any risks. Better to take many precautions rather than fewer. Hang in there! Sending hugs...

Leah
 
Sorry you're back in the waiting room. I'm sure you are upset and also disappointed. I know I was when I was advised that my surgery would be postponed two weeks (I got bumped apparently for a higher priority case which I can understand). However, at least I found out the day before, not the day of, surgery especially after you're already on the table and put under.

I guess mistakes can happen and it is a good thing it was caught before they got too far. It is probably for the best that they decided not to continue given the higher risk. I bet they'll be twice as careful with you next time.
 
I don't even have words for you on this one. What a ------------.

Sounds like your surgeon made the right call but you must be on the emotional roller coaster of all time. I would try the "everything happens for a reason" approach but I am not sure that would really help.

I am sure you will get through this and the surgery but your travels will be a bit rockier than most of us. Perhaps the worst is over after going through this disappointment.

Don't forget lots of chocolate and maybe champagne.
 
Oh Jan! What an aggravation to the extreme for you! But you're already looking for the silver lining -- keeping that excellent and positive attitude will get you through the next two and a half weeks! So sorry for this. I'm sure your reaction is the way any/all of us would feel! Take care. I recommend you pamper yourself tonight and watch a cheerful movie or go out for dinner with some of your favorite people.
 
I'm so sorry to hear about this, but I'm also glad the surgeon decided to play it safe. I'm sure it's for the best and your surgery will be very successful.
 
While it's extremely frustrating, accept it for what it is and be happy that he decided not to proceed. You'll fight another day!
 
I am so sorry! I know that you had to summon an incredible amount of courage to come to the table. How disappointing. Relax and treat yourself to something special. I'm thinking about you!
 
OMG What an ordeal for you! You poor thing.

Well, at least you have proof that they are cautious.

Go treat yourself, however you choose to, you deserve it.

You'll be the most experienced person on those final waiting weeks :eek: Not much consolation, I know. Geez.
 
as far as I can remember, this is a first in VR. How awful, but at least it was caught and quickly. Best laid plans..........

wonder how he managed to do that!
 
That Stinks!
Well, I'm glad they stopped the surgery, but I'm with Geebee, I'd be drinking alot of champagne and eating every piece of chocolate I could lay my hands on!
YOU DESERVE IT!
 
What a bummer.:( I can just imagine how disappointing that must have been. On the other hand, it was the right decision of the surgeon not to go on with the operation. Good luck.
 
Sending you a great big HUG for all you went through. How awful - you poor thing. I hope your neck is healing and not hurting you too much. Try to relax as you wait for your new date.
 
Jan,
What a bummer! I guess you should try to roll with the punches, but this is a lot to deal with. Good Luck to you and try to think positive. Marcie
 
Thank you, one and all, for your wonderfully kind and inspiring words. Now that I've had a little time to think about all this, I'm wondering if I might not be less apprehensive about all the "pre-op" stuff since I've already "been there, done that". Of course, I'll be concerned about the neck lines again, but hopefully they will remember and take more precautions next time around. Besides that, the anesthesiologist promised me he'd put me under before putting them in; a main concern of mine. In any event, I do know how important attitude is and I am trying very hard to keep mine positive. Thanks to all of you, I've been able to do that for the most part.

Adam, I too, wonder about the billing for their "services" on that date. I'll let you know, ha, ha.

Jan
 
readsforfun said:
Besides that, the anesthesiologist promised me he'd put me under before putting them in; a main concern of mine. In any event, I do know how important attitude is and I am trying very hard to keep mine positive. Thanks to all of you, I've been able to do that for the most part.

Adam, I too, wonder about the billing for their "services" on that date. I'll let you know, ha, ha.

Jan
Click to expand...

I was awake when they put mine in--at least the Swan (the big neck one). They couldn't get an IV started. It's not too bad-- just alot of pressure. But I was never happier than when I heard him say give her 4 of versed. I knew I'd be going off to happy land!
 
Jan:

I had started to ask why provisions the doctors and hospital were making for the human error, but deleted my inquiry.

This made me wonder how many of us have had to spend an extra day or more in the hospital at any time because of a human error and we were never informed as such...

A former co-worker had CABG in the mid-1980s. He had a massive infection set in shortly after the surgery, don't remember if he was still in the hospital or at home. Doctors found they had left a sponge inside.
A settlement paid for his son's bachelor's degree at a private university.
 
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