Surgery during and after.

[Ashkir]

Well. If some of you are like me and actually like to know in detail what is going on, then this thread is for you. I compiled videos before my surgery and watched them, as I kind of liked having some idea of what is going on with my own two eyes. If not, then I suggest not checking any of these videos/photos.

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For a general idea, not the best, but it does a good job; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wnb7lZ0Dn5E

This one provides good quality of what surgery can kind of look like, and some information: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zxqj1BcBpIg

There were a few others, but they seem to be missing now. :[. Feel free to suggest new ones. xD.

After, it will be hard for a while, especially the first few weeks. You'll feel, literally, like crap. You will feel weaker then ever before in your life. You can have problems swallowing, some chest pain, even problems breathing. It is important you work on your breathing and REPORT any chest pain no matter how small it is, as something minor can prevent something major.

Never be afraid to call the nurse as well. You may be covered with IV poles, and all kinds of tubes. And you may find your legs strapped down.

Usually you are in the hospital early. You'd have to wash yourself in a bath/shower with a special liquid soap or bar of soap. I just had a cautherization for example, and so my brother, who is two years younger then me and to come and help me.

Generally drugs are ran the day before, after all paperwork has been finalized. For example, I was allowed to eat until about 6 PM the night before my surgery, then no more food or liquid and had to take a shower, and they started my drug regime pre-surgery.

Right before the surgery, an anathesologist came and got me; which is likely for others:

http://rawr.mp/albums/4827/photos/724546
http://rawr.mp/albums/4827/photos/724548

Then the surgery, as above. I have no photos of my actual surgery. My family wasn't allowed in. Now after the surgery:

http://rawr.mp/albums/4827/photos/761269
http://rawr.mp/albums/4827/photos/724398
http://rawr.mp/albums/4827/photos/761268
http://rawr.mp/albums/4827/photos/761267
http://rawr.mp/albums/4827/photos/724547
http://rawr.mp/albums/4827/photos/356708
http://rawr.mp/albums/4827/photos/724551

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All the rawr.mp photos are mine. :]. And I felt like sharing them. I wish I found some before my surgery, because my curiosity gets the best of me. I know there are some out there, that will be curious and wants to find information before hand, even to the extreme as the above has. You came to the right place. :].

 

[skeptic49]

Enjoyed your photos Nick. Thanks for posting them and for sharing your experiences and advice. Good stuff!

Best wishes,

Jim

 

[barb]

Thanks for posting these. I actually wished my husband had taken a photo of me in ICU since when lying there we can't even imagine all that we're hooked up to. Unfortunately they warned him that no picture taking was allowed and they even threatened to take his camera. Privacy laws, I guess. It's amazing to see though.

 

[Cris N]

Thanks for posting this. To be honest, I think it would be a great idea if those photos could wind up in the Reference area - good preparation for all those SO to see ahead of time so they won't be shocked after the surgery. I know several spouses and family members who nearly freaked out at how scary the patient looked.

 

[Ashkir]

No problem guys. ^_^. I myself am naturally very curious. I like to know what happens, and like to see things. I won't run away from the surgery in fear, knowing I seen photos like these. It just helps me prepare myself on a mental level. The books the doctors give you break it down like you're a kid. I'm not a kid anymore and I love full detail of things.

I watched a full video on how the chest cavity is cracked open, after I asked my doctor for one. They showed me it. My parents ran out of the room, but I did not. Some people may find it helpful, others may not.

And barb! That sucks. The only thing we couldn't have on in ICU was cellphones. But they allowed laptops and digital cameras. My dad is always on his iPhone and the nurse made him turn it off or he'd have to leave.