My Experience

Before surgery…

I am generally nervous about having hospital procedures, and I was very nervous about my surgery to have my thyroid removed. Because of this, I decided to try and reduce my fear by using a stress reduction program to give me control, reduce stress and, hopefully, aid in my recovery. This particular program (from Peggy Huddleston) includes positive healing statements, and at my presurgery conference the nurse and anesthesiologist were receptive to my request that they read these healing statements right before and after my surgery. Also, I had emailed the doctor in charge of anesthesia at the hospital to request an anesthesiologist who would be willing to read the healing statements.

I also read and listened to Peggy Huddleston’s CD “Prepare for Surgery, Heal Faster” and met with Peggy Huddleston as well as a Reiki master. I felt this would help me take an active role to assist my body to make a full, easy, and speedy recovery. The major benefit I got from my preparation was that my body was not going to be processed through the medical system; instead, I felt part of a partnership with the surgeon, my body, and the hospital in achieving a goal. This to me was a very important distinction.

Surgery day…

I arrived at the hospital at 7:30 a.m. for my operation scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Their process allowed my wife and son to be with me until I actually went into the operating room and this was very good. For me, the most traumatic aspects of my previous surgeries were when they took my personal clothing, giving me my “jimmy” instead, and placing the hospital wrist band on me —; in one motion they de-personalized me and made me part of the process as effectively as if they had placed me on a meat processing assembly line. Because of my preparation and because of the hospital allowing my family to be with me, I did not feel that trauma.

I do not recall being in the operating room, nor do I recall losing consciousness. I recall being in the recovery room. I had some nominal pain in the throat from the insertion of the tube forthe anesthesia, and pain in my neck from my head being held in an uncomfortable position for approximately 3 hours during the surgery. I would rate the pain at a 3 or a 4, being mildly annoying but not debilitating. They gave me sherbet, which felt good, and I enjoyed dinner.

Prior to the operation I had considered requesting the doctor have me stay 2 nights instead of over night, because of the distance from the hospital to my home, especially in the event of a complication.Any thought of staying an additional night was eliminated that night. The floor was very, very noisy and I was not able to get much rest.The nurses were noisy with gossip. In addition, through the night the nurses would check my vitals, and my roommate had a medical problem that caused commotion. As far as pain was concerned, it was well under control, being a 2 or a 3 on the pain scale. The pain was in my throat and in my neck.I had asked for a sleeping pill, but too late. I did fine over night and did not need any attention or treatment other than the ingestion of my pills and pain medicine. I was discharged the next afternoon to home.

Back home…

Day 2 and 3 at home were uneventful. My major complaint was lack of energy; I was tired and had nominal pain in the throat and neck.

On the fourth day post surgery, I was not feeling well. I had a feeling of general malaise, and tingling in my fingers. I felt weak, and was pale. Scared, my wife called 911. When they responded they gave me oxygen and suggested that I be transported to a local hospital. My wife had presence of mind to take with her the surgeon’s beeper number and contacted him while en route to the hospital. He in turn called the doctor on duty at the local hospital and concluded that the problem was caused by a calcium deficiency. He wanted me to be returned to the Boston hospital where I had the surgery and could be under his supervision. So I was taken by ambulance back to Boston. I had been stabilized and the trip went smoothly. The surgeon had me admitted directly so that I went to a bed there without a hassle.

Fortunately the hospital floor that I was now located was quiet and I was able to get a good night’s sleep. They made adjustments in my medication and decided to discharge me after my overnight stay. Pain-wise, my sore throat had resolved, and my only pain was from my neck, going from a 4 to 2 with a pain killer.

Days 5 and 6 saw improvement. However, on day 7 I had a set back in the form of my back giving out. In my attempt to get out of bed, whichuntil that point I was doing without difficulty or assistance, I felt pain and weakness. After that I felt too weak to move my body without assistance. I contacted my Reiki person and she was able to stop the back from going into spasm and help me to get back myenergy and confidence.

On day 14 postsurgery, I still tired easily.But I gradually feel stronger. I am on the synthetic thyroid hormone Levothroid. Pain-wise, I still had pain in my neck area and needed to continually stretch it.I also felt someminor pain and discomfort in the incision area. My calcium level improved and the doctor was able to reduce the calcium medication.