surgery updates

Where to start with this past week? It's been a whirlwind. Surgery was last Tuesday morning, and the plan was to go in and get the arrhythmias ablated - and it all went as planned. Steve's parents came on Monday, which allowed us to be at the hospital at 7:00 to prep for the 8:00 procedure. Several nurses and doctors briefed me on the ins and outs of the procedure (pun intended), and I was given an IV (or two?) before walking into the tech-heavy operating room. There was a massive screen, several big white machines, and lots of instruments - mostly bagged up and hanging out. One of the nurses put a few (3?) extra large stickers on my back, covering it in its entirety. EKG leads were attached (more stickers) and after I lay down, another sticker was plastered over my forehead - to monitor the anaesthetic, I think. I breathed into the mask and then before I knew it I was coming out of the most incredible sleep I have ever had... it was aaaamazing. I savoured the feeling (you know the one?) and then opened my eyes slowly slowly... and, of course, realized why my sleep had been so golden. I felt very lucky to avoid any and all ill-effects of the anaesthetic, but couldn't escape the discomfort of the sheaths (at the tops of my legs) that stayed in for a few hours post-op. I had to stay relatively still in bed for a few hours, and then had the things removed - they were so long! And from this point on things just got better; nurses kept an eye on my vitals, Steve came for a visit, I ate something, and watched several episodes of The Marvelous Mrs Maisel (which came highly recommended by one of our neighbors and I love it!). There was a brief visit by one of the cardiologists, and a more thorough discussion followed the following morning. The ablations were, for the most part, successful, though the shape of my heart made things a bit more challenging than expected. I'm to take it easy for the 2 weeks following the procedure, and will check in with the cardiologists 3 months post-op.

It was so incredibly helpful having Steve's parents here all week, and the three other adults in the house did a great job reminding me to lie down and take it easy. Plus - the meals! I didn't think about cooking or jobs for a week and that was a vacation in and of itself. My family was a great support too, and I know that my parents and sisters were with me in spirit, as geographical challenges made it impossible to be there in person. Friends dropped of flowers and chocolates, and all of the texts/messages/emails reminded me that there is a little village here that is ready to help when needed (yay). This makes me think of a social capital cartoon I came across the other day (related - I think?); see for yourself (it's about borrowing sugar / asking for help from your neighbors and community). We live in a great community, and I really value the relationships with our neighbours and friends!

As always, I'm sure there's more to write about, but I'm going to get this posted and hopefully get another update in soon. I only have one more week of practicum (I started early and took last week off), then a few weeks of freedom before starting back at the library. I'm feeling good, and am so thankful that we live in a place that allowed me to have this procedure done when it mattered, that I have a crew of loving and supportive people in my life (near and far), and that I understand (I think) the importance and value of appreciating every day with my loved ones. Peace and love - and happy Friday!