susanne
dB
Okay, I can 'fess up now...
I was recently diagnosed with a large ovarian mass. Blood tests were inconclusive as to whether or not it was cancerous, but the doctor felt strongly that the ovary needed to come out, and since there was a great likelihood of this occuring on the other side, both should come out -- and hey -- while we have you cut open -- we should probably just spay you (no, they didn't put it that way...)
As a type I diabetic, and as one who has had less than stellar treatment from Kaiser Permanente, I was a bit uneasy about going under anesthesia. My surgeon, however, is fantastic and assured me that he, the anesthesiologist, and the anesthesia nurse would be constantly monitoring my blood sugar. (His name is Dr. Cappuccini, so as a coffee addict, I knew I was in good hands!)
I wish I could give an equally positive report on my primary physician, but she couldn't even take the time to call me when I called with questions about insulin dosage for pre-surgery...I got a call from a nurse who had minimal knowledge of diabetes.
So, after a truly delightful day or pre-surgical prep, the deed was done this past Friday afternoon. The whole procedure felt like nothing more than a long afternoon nap, albeit one with a rather painful awakening (I believe my first words on regaining consciousness were along the line of "Oh, sh** that hurts!" although that may be a watered down version...).
Surgeon, nurses, and Keith were all smiles, telling me that the mass was a benign cyst, not cancerous. (They will do further testing, but Dr. Cappuccini felt extremely confident in the pre-staging done during surgery.)
Despite my diabetes, I am fortunate to be a good healer, and this held true here. I was up and walking (though tethered to an IV pole) by that evening, sleepy but joking with the nurses on Saturday, pretty much pain-free, dressed and walking the halls by Sunday, and home Monday afternoon.
Lucky for me, Keith works in the Oregon Health Sciences University day surgery unit, so he's the best possible home caregiver I could wish for, and needless to say, my pet therapy is unequalled!
Despite feeling great, I now have to obey the doctors and avoid lifting anything -- even my tiny Maltese, Billie. Dr. Cappuccini told me that I had to leave stall-mucking and feeding to Keith, that my job was to pet and give treats to my horses...you can see why I like him! My horses seconded this Rx and now think I'm the best person in the world...
And just to reassure those who will see me in person -- I PROMISE not to show off my surgical scar!
I was recently diagnosed with a large ovarian mass. Blood tests were inconclusive as to whether or not it was cancerous, but the doctor felt strongly that the ovary needed to come out, and since there was a great likelihood of this occuring on the other side, both should come out -- and hey -- while we have you cut open -- we should probably just spay you (no, they didn't put it that way...)
As a type I diabetic, and as one who has had less than stellar treatment from Kaiser Permanente, I was a bit uneasy about going under anesthesia. My surgeon, however, is fantastic and assured me that he, the anesthesiologist, and the anesthesia nurse would be constantly monitoring my blood sugar. (His name is Dr. Cappuccini, so as a coffee addict, I knew I was in good hands!)
I wish I could give an equally positive report on my primary physician, but she couldn't even take the time to call me when I called with questions about insulin dosage for pre-surgery...I got a call from a nurse who had minimal knowledge of diabetes.
So, after a truly delightful day or pre-surgical prep, the deed was done this past Friday afternoon. The whole procedure felt like nothing more than a long afternoon nap, albeit one with a rather painful awakening (I believe my first words on regaining consciousness were along the line of "Oh, sh** that hurts!" although that may be a watered down version...).
Surgeon, nurses, and Keith were all smiles, telling me that the mass was a benign cyst, not cancerous. (They will do further testing, but Dr. Cappuccini felt extremely confident in the pre-staging done during surgery.)
Despite my diabetes, I am fortunate to be a good healer, and this held true here. I was up and walking (though tethered to an IV pole) by that evening, sleepy but joking with the nurses on Saturday, pretty much pain-free, dressed and walking the halls by Sunday, and home Monday afternoon.
Lucky for me, Keith works in the Oregon Health Sciences University day surgery unit, so he's the best possible home caregiver I could wish for, and needless to say, my pet therapy is unequalled!
Despite feeling great, I now have to obey the doctors and avoid lifting anything -- even my tiny Maltese, Billie. Dr. Cappuccini told me that I had to leave stall-mucking and feeding to Keith, that my job was to pet and give treats to my horses...you can see why I like him! My horses seconded this Rx and now think I'm the best person in the world...
And just to reassure those who will see me in person -- I PROMISE not to show off my surgical scar!
Last edited by a moderator:
