Tuesday, June 27, 2017

What She Did #2

the insert is a terrible selfie of Bob and Me in ICU

ICU had certain hours I could sit with Bob. Saturday am it was 8 am.. I got there 10 minutes early and the halls were empty. I decided to potty before going into ICU because each time I had to GO, I had to leave the unit and then phone them to get back in.

While washing my hands I remembered my Samsung Tablet was in my purse, and VOILA, The New Me minus 34 pounds appeared many times.




 When we left ICU, the nurse handed me the scissors and 2 rolls of tape and gauze. She said if you want these, we have to throw it all away. 
I am shocked even though I know they have to be careful of germs. Everything is disposable from pillows to wash basins, and I wanted his and forgot it and also wanted his throw away pillow. Phooey.
I am also shocked I still owe them a lot of money and they never asked for the copay. The surgery I paid the co pay the rest of the bills, 2 days in a room, MRI, XRAY, 2 cat scans, I still owe the copays, maybe 450.00 I think.
that has never happened before...


 
ALERT! ALERT! BELOW THIS LINE IS BOB'S INCISION PHOTO. AND A FROM THE INTERNET PICTURE OF WHAT THEY DID TO HIS THROAT. Weak stomachs leave now



 NO WONDER IT TOOK FOUR HOURS. GLAD I DID NOT FIND THIS BEFORE SURGERY
They removed the drain before we came home...

NOTES FOR MY MEMORY  
This is the name of what she did.
Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is a surgical procedure used to reduce the risk of stroke by correcting stenosis (narrowing) in the common carotid artery or internal carotid artery. Endarterectomy is the removal of material on the inside (end(o)-) of an artery.
photo off internet, this is in the middle, his was up into the ear canal, it was really hard to get to. up higher than the top clamp. she showed me on an ultra sound where it was.

31 comments:

Ginny Hartzler said...

You look great! Even you face is thinner! So you have to pay for everything except the surgery? Surely not! Yes, for sure I am glad you did not see this photo before the surgery!

DeniseinVA said...

I agree with Ginny, you look great! Pretty lady and I love that pretty top. Dreadful that you have to pay all of that. This has been an education to see what Bob had to go through. Medical science is making a lot of strides. Only the tip of the iceberg I suppose.

Linda said...

Sandra, you need to EAT something! You are looking amazing!
No matter what it cost.....it's worth every penny! You and Bob have memories to make and things to do - together!
I'm so grateful for this happy ending! I have grown to love you both as if we were next door neighbors! In a way - we are!

Anonymous said...

You look so pretty, Sandra. Congrats on the weight loss. So thankful that Bob has done so well. God bless you both.

Jo said...

You look amazing Sandra! And I like seeing exactly what the procedure was (strong stomach, me!) Bless you, Bob and Jake as he convalesces.

Hootin Anni said...

Cost and bills shouldn't be a worry, but I know they can be. Just take it all in stride and know you still have your BoB with you....that's the MOST important.

For some reason I thought it was through the veins that the work was to be done...like a stent through the groin area. I didn't realize he was cut open!!! High Five for such a successful operation. I'm pulling for a quick and full recovery.

By the way............YOUR LOOK MAHVELOUS!!!!!!!

From the Kitchen said...

You are looking good and I especially like that you coordinate with your tablet. I didn't flinch at Bob's incision either!!

Best,
Bonnie

Gayle said...

And don't you look SNAPPY! When I lost a ton (well not quite that much) several years ago I began to realize the weight loss was the bonus. The boost in self esteem (finding myself as they say) was the real prize.
The incision didn't make me as squeamish as the shunt---shudder. But there's that wonderful beard. There was a day when they would have whisked it all away.
You are both amazing.

Karen said...

You have done a great job with your eating plan. You look wonderful. The doctors did an amazing job with Bob. So thankful he is recovering at home!

diane b said...

You are looking great well done. Hope you can keep it up. It sure is a major operation. My Bill had his cleaned out when he was only 33 back in the olden days of medicine. I know what you've been through its hard. I had two babies at home then. Luckily it didn't cost us anything as we have medicare.

Hootin Anni said...

Thanks so much for explaining this about the stent insertion op. Wow, I learned something. Extraordinary work tho. Isn't it?

Cranberry Morning said...

You look fantastic! I was good with the incision photo, but the next one was a little unsettling. LOL Aren't you glad you didn't have to pay the total amount for all that they did in that hospital. It's just incredible. And so glad that Bob is okay. And so proud of you for sticking with it and losing that weight!

Anonymous said...

First I too love your pretty top and you look so pretty and younger with the weight off. Good for you being so in control of yourself to be in charge of your weight loss.. After seeing what Bob went through. That is a huge operation. I am not going back into eating unhealthy food like cookies and a lot of ice-cream extras. If one is over weight and that included my man as well the doc said. Sid and I in March had yearly check up required in Canada. Too many operations are needed it seems at ages 60 even to 90 and best not to be overweight. So My Sid has loss 30 pounds and walks to town a lot or the park. He eats healthy now and not going for second plate like he used too. I have loss more weight myself. My goal is to keep 20 pounds off permantely. And glad I did the 12 pounds for my knee operation. As any operations you have where exercises on knees or legs is needed. Takes a lot out of you. You need the strength and energy . And Bob has to do the Laps for exercises you said. That is a nasty looking procedure he had. Continued prayers for his healing and as he said he is going to get better 100%. And he will. And remember rest in day is a great healer my surgeon said. And to take the pain pills is a healer as well. I was told and Sid that after the surgery. The Anaesthetic stays in the system for a long time . So little funny things one says. Is results or talking during sleeping . Sid recognizes it with me. Haha. As you heal it disappears No side effects. Thank you for your update on Bob as you do.

The Adventures of the LLB Gang said...

What great selfies...you are looking mah-velous!!

Breathtaking said...

Hello Sandra!:) You always share so much, and it's refreshing to know someone so open. I'm not squeamish, but the photos of Bobs surgery made me realize how very invasive the surgery was.

Congrats on losing so much weight. You look so well, and considering all you have been through, it's amazing, ...just like your determination and strength. Take care!:)

My Mind's Eye said...

First of all MS...bravo bravo standing ovation for the weight loss!!!
I'm so proud of you.

Oh my word Bob has come out on the good side of a long bad dream I know
Looks like they only had to shave some of his glorious white beard.
I hope and pray he is feeling better each day and you are both soon back to your normal routine.

PS we are finally catching up here at home.
I came home with a nasty cold or I caught the nasty bug from horrid airplane air
Hugs Cecilia

Cat Lover said...

Sandra, just catching up. So sorry to hear about Bob's stroke. Thankfully Bob is on the mend. You look lovely in your pretty blouse.
Take care.
Robin

Breathtaking said...

Sandra, Thank you for your comment.:) I knew it was a grasshopper, but couldn't find out what kind, but because of your comment, I tried again, and found it in seconds, so have altered my post. Thanks again!:)

Ruth Hiebert said...

What a tremendous blessing modern medicine is! I'm thinking that years ago they would not have known what to do and you would have ended up without a husband. Just thinking back, my Mom died at 54 and her Mom had died at 53 and everyone thought she had lived a long life.

photowannabe said...

Wow...Sandra you look fantastic. Keep up the good work, it's so worth it.
I find this surgery so amazing. the technology that litterally gives new life.
Bob will be feeling so good now. (and you too)

crafty cat corner said...

You look fabulous, well done for sticking to the diet it was worth it. I always worry that if I lose weight I will end up with a face like a prune with all the lines that will appear once the plump bit has gone. lol but you look fine.
Oooooo, that scar looks big. Hope all is still going well for Bob.
Hugs
Briony
x

crafty cat corner said...

Forgot to mention the cost of the op,whoooo! just glad we have the NHS over here.
Briony
x

Ann Thompson said...

You look fantastic. I have to say his neck looks rather painful

Cheryl @ TFD said...

You look great, Sandra! Poor Bob's neck, tho, looks pretty painful. I know he is just relieved to have the worst behind him. I saw that next photo of the procedure and decided that I'd be no good as a doctor.
Take care of yourselves and keep snapping!

Mevely317 said...

Yay-hoo, NOW I know where lies the carotid artery! It's really not as awful as I thought.

Your $450(ish) co-pay is nothing short of amazing! Not having met my deductible, last month I had to fork over more than $1k to the hospital before my procedure ...and that was as an OUT-patient. (Good grief ...)

SO cute, you look in that bathroom collage! My fav's the one smack center.

Ida said...

Congrats on the weight loss. You are looking good. - Wow that was some surgery your hubby had. I hope he continues to recover well.

Debby@Just Breathe said...

Very interesting.
You look awesome!!!

Inger said...

I agree, good thing you didn't see that ahead of time. I'm so gald you had your tablet with you. The pictures are just great, you look so pretty, so healthy and so good!

Betty Manousos said...

you look great, sandra! congrats on the weight loss. and i love that pretty top.
i'm so glad your hubby is okay. the doctors did an amazing job with bob.

Beatrice P. Boyd said...

Congrats to you both, Sandra, and in no special order because both you and Bob are doing great. The weight loss is terrific and I am struggling one day at a time, but down 7 lbs and proud of that small accomplishment.

Ohmydearests said...

You look amazing!