Surgery Day

When I woke up in the recovery room, my first thought was, “Is that it?”

I touched the top of my head and was surprised, and pleased, to not be wrapped up in bandages, turban-style, as I anticipated. It’s easily removable and pretty comfortable, I got lucky!

I also realized it was about 3:30 in the afternoon, the drugs made me comfortable. Although surgery day was a bit of a blur, I can recall some specific memories before heading off to the surgery room. One of those times is when I thought of my two daughters. The individual goodbyes from the kids were reflective of their personalities. Rebekah was first, leaving her home alone was the hardest thing I’ve ever done but I had to accept the fact that she is old enough to look after herself until Aunty came to pick her up in the afternoon. She waited by the window when I drove out and shut the gate, I looked up and saw her by the window and waved goodbye. Ruby was next. At bed time, she wrapped her tiny arms around me and said, “I love you, Mommy, and I hope you have a very good surgery.” Then she sweetly put her mouth next to my cheek and just for my right ear, she whispered, “I love you, Mommy.” In the early morning getting ready for the flight to Brisbane, I looked at Ruby and she looked so sweet in her sleep. I gently kissed her cheek goodbye. And remarkably, I was quiet, calm…I didn’t cry.

Once I arrived at the airport, I went straight to the Day Procedure Unit at the Mater Hospital. It was a waiting game, then I got called. Things moved quickly, after putting on the hospital gown, I said to myself “It’s show time.” I remember being wheeled into a room where it seemed as though there were nurses everywhere preparing me for surgery, and I remember saying a prayer for all the people who had offered so much love and support to me over the last few weeks.
Almost 3 hours later, I’m still okay. I have experienced many of the normal side effects from the procedure. I was so hungry and ate most of my dinner, my taste buds have also changed; I was warned of a metallic taste in my mouth, and sure enough, the flavor of food is pretty dulled.  In the first 24 hours, I had very minimal pain, but as Day 2 approached, swelling increased. Thank God for pain meds, and don’t worry, I am taking them regularly!

Also, as soon I was given the okay to take the jock strap off, the doctor said it’s looking good. So, as I was warned, I assume I am officially deaf in my right ear. Also remarkable is though I can’t hear sound out of my right ear, I still sense energy on that side.  It’s a strange sensation to explain but I spoke with a friend who is deaf and had the surgery same day as me and he understood what I meant. I thought I would be sad to lose the hearing, but honestly, the circumstance just fascinates me! As a blog commenter so eloquently put, my story is an example of losing first in order to gain. And I certainly feel I am gaining more than losing. With your love and support, I’ve gained strength, courage, excitement, and an increasing sense of peace. Of course, I’ll also be gaining a lot of sound in the right side soon. I just need to heal a bit first.

I’m almost back to normal! The dizziness slowly improved, I have been sleeping okay which is fine as I am not too tired during the day. I manage to walk around the house unaided ok. It felt weird wearing only one hearing aid because I am so used to wearing two. The sound felt different in my left ear, I’ve always relied on my right. I’ll just have to get used to hearing on the left for the next few weeks until the switch on.

The post-operation appointment is scheduled for October 15th and the activation appointment will be on the October 31st.  In the mean time, I remain on pain meds and I send all of you much love and gratitude! Thank you!

Blessed be,

Cynthia xoxo