In the midst of a mishap

**RNLMH** · 05-10-2012 07:35 AM

Hello Everyone
I have been responding to posts for a little while now, but today I decided to tell my surgery day story. Please let me say from the beginning, while I had a few unanticipated surprises I am doing well and I still believe I have an excellent surgeon.
On May 3rd, 2012 I arrived at the hospital at 930 am with every single kind of emotion I could have thought of. My mother went with me, and my husband met us there after taking care of the children. I was taken to the preop holding area at 1030, but without an IV because the preop team had a difficult time with IV access. So the anesthesiologist started an IV for me, gave a little happy juice through the IV and I was off to the OR.
I woke up in recovery in excrutiating pain, and very fuzzy headed. (not able to see exactly but could hear) this is pretty typical when you first wake up. I was told the surgery was over and the doctor had also repaired a very large abdominal hernia, this was why I was in severe pain. I did anticipate the surgeon repairing the hernia if possible.
Then things changed quickly. My surgeon rushed to the bedside and said I had to go back to surgery immediately! Remember I couldnt see well but could hear everything. Side BAR: I am also a nurse, so I knew then something was very wrong and thats not what you wanna hear in recovery!
I said to him, "did you just say we have to go back?" His reply, "yes I left the stomach". I thought to myself, did he just say he left my stomach! Quickly, everyone took action and I was being rushed down the long hall back to surgery with my surgeon at my side reassuring me everything was going to be fine. As horrific as the moment was, everyone was extremely kind and reassuring in my hysteria, and I do mean hysteria!
I woke up in recovery for the second time with a more controlled sense of pain. The surgeon returned to explain he had left the specimen of my stomach that was removed during surgery and had to go back in to retrieve it. He had been able to find the specimen right where he left it, and did not have to "open" me up. I was beyond thankful for that! The recovery room nurse was diligent in maintaining pain control for me, and after a swallow test over in xray several hours later, I was taken to my room.
The pain was quite terrible for me, and I did have IV pain meds for 2 days to follow. But I was able to walk the hall within 30 minutes of returning to my room from recovery and every 2 hours after that. My catheter was removed immediately, I had no need for oxygen so it was dc'd and I walked and walked and walked.
My surgeon came in on Friday morning to speak with me. He was so humble and so kind and very upfront. He explained he was so caught up with the hernia repair as is was the size of a baseball, and that was not what we anticipated that he left the stomach specimen. He apologized emphatically. I knew I was ok even from going through 2 surgeries, and a large abdominal hernia repair and I assured him it was okay. I chose to go home Saturday with the blessings of nurses and doctors.
Today is day 7 postop. I have a great deal of gassy pain around the rib cage area, and just generally hurt all over the stomach area. I want to go back to work on Monday as my job is primarily at a desk. But, as of today I havent been able to not take some form of pain medicine and I am a bit dissapointed with that. Determined I am though.
Oh, and as of today I weigh 289, and my starting weight was 307. So this is awesome!
I tell my story for this reason: I know things happen in healthcare that are not always expected. We all just pray it wont happen to us! But, I was in good hands and had an outstanding healthcare team that took good care of me in the midst of a mishap.I am doing well and remain positive! Blessings to all of you on your journey.

**besquared** · 05-10-2012 07:46 AM

Wow. That was an 'oops!' Glad everything came out okay (pun intended.)

**MaryFromTheD** · 05-10-2012 08:02 AM

Wow, not THAT's a story you don't hear every day! I admire the surgeon for being up front and telling you what he had done. I also had a hernia repaired and it was painful to say the least. However, on the upside, I no longer have GERD and had been suffering from it for years. Sounds like you're doing well and are on the road to recovery. Best of luck to you and "welcome to the other side:

Mary

**RNLMH** · 05-10-2012 08:46 AM

Mary I had a small hiatal hernia, but the hernia repair I had was a ventral hernia to the left of my belly button. Unfortunately, I do still have reflux but hopeful it will get better with much anticipated weight loss! Thanks for sharing and best wishes to you!

**jazziejasmine** · 05-10-2012 08:56 AM

Wow, thank for sharing your experience. As much as I enjoy the success stories and happy endings, I also like to hear the "true grit" stories that occur.

**agreatknead** · 05-10-2012 09:01 AM

So happy to hear you have such a great attitude, it makes all the difference in your health and healing. Good luck and many blessing on your weight loss journey.
Sally

**Kay-Kay0222** · 05-10-2012 10:57 AM

i am glad u are doing well!! what an amazing story.

**Lynda** · 05-11-2012 12:57 AM

wow, that is one huge mistake to make. So good of you to be understanding of him, and I hope that he doesnt charge you any fees for his service. I wish you all the best for your recovery.

**lilredruby67** · 05-24-2012 03:26 PM

Wow!! AMAZING!! I to am an RN. I am hoping to be sleeved by then end of the summer. Hats off to your surgeon! You know as well as I it takes a lot for a doctor to admit they made such a serious error. Thank God he was so fast in taking care of the matter and assuming responsibilty for it. Congrats on your new life and prayers for an uneventful recovery. I work 12 hour night shift in NICU. How much recovery time post op should I plan on? 2, 4, 6 weeks off work?