My DBS Surgery

5/15/2008 It all began at 6:00 am We got there for my surgery. Went to admitting and the lady checked us in. She gave me my papers and we went up to the 2nd floor pre-op and they put me in a gown and got me ready, Susan started an IV, Very easy one I was surprised. Then they let my Mom & Dad & Patrick in. We waited for awhile. Then every one came in and I do mean everyone. First Jennifer, and then the rest,all standing around me and me on the bed in the middle of the room. There was Dr. Fineman, my surgeon, Dr. Taylor PHD(the one that maps my brain.) The anesthesiologist, Dr.Bushnell,who was concerned about my blood pressure it was to high for his liking. He ran out of the room to get something for it. Then someone from ANS the company that makes the device. Dr. Lisk, my Neurologist,also assorted people that were outside the room that I don't no about,only so many people can fit in my room.


Then they had everyone leave (I think this is when they put the Halo on and put me to sleep because it was brought into my room and left at the end of the bed.) The next time I remember waking up in the OR and its on. Every one is talking and seeing to me. I hear Beatles music playing and they ask me to do some nose to finger tests to see how much stimulation to use. This takes a little while. I am then put back to sleep to put the IPG in my chest. The wake me up and take me to recovery. Laid there awhile the did a Accucheck to see how my blood sugars were. I kind of felt like my stomach had a bunch of gas,but then they took me to my room and I started to throw up. Not a good thing, down my gown. (Gross)My nurse got me cleaned up and the my Mom,Dad and Patrick got to come in. Later on I got to have Ice Chips made my mouth feel better. Somehow my tong got cut, that kinda was bothering me. That night my parents and Patrick stayed the night at the Oasis Hotel in the hospital it was nice to know they we all close by. Next day I finally got to eat,except it was a special diet...couldn't get bacon with my pancakes, I had also yogurt,peaches, hot tea, and a diet Sierra Mist, Jennifer came in with my programmer machine that turns me on and off if I need to,also Dr. Lisk and later Dr. Fineman. Some physical therapist came by and did some range of motion checks on my neck and took me for a walk in the hall. I finally got to sit in the recliner for awhile while they got my discharge papers ready. The nurse came in and undid the IV and I got dressed and gathered my family and headed out of there. Feeling ok, glad to be home. Patrick went and got my RX at Ben's and they had gotten me flowers (gorgeous, pink and peach roses, pink tulips some snapdragons and some white orchid ones) ....Very very nice....Made assorted calls, so the evening went. Feeling not tooooo bad the next day. Wednesday 21st I got the staples out of my head and neck...still steri strips on my chest incision. I will get to shower Friday. Jennifer gave me 2 more extra weeks before I need to go back to work...