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carter

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51 replies

Latest reply was from columbine(erin)

Anonymous

Oh goodness! ((Hugs)) to you Carter. Sounds like you'll be glad to be pain free. I'm afraid I have no advice re anaesthesia, really. Not sure how I'd be with drill sounds etc. Could you wear headphones and music if you went down that route? 50 mins with elevation out of every hour sounds tough too. You know we'll all be on here to chat and take your mind of things a little. Also, I bet hubby and son will end up doing some of the cleaning and tidying you know. Just keep focused on the end result eh? Oh, and you can always shop online for cute flats to while away the time

Isabel

Veteran

OK...I chuckled at your post because I just wrote a post about one of my toes and what a pain in the ass inconvenience it is. I think that we were posting at the same time. You totally one upped me with your toe ! DARN ! : )

With all seriousness now, this is a very tough question. I have had quite a few surgeries. I had a C section with a spine block for the waist down for my daughter, but I was completely aware. I have also had to have an endoscopy with some awareness...I won't go into the specifics, but I will say this - I had no problem with anything that was going on because I was given valium in addition. I was also in and out, so if something did bug me, it didn't last long. : ) Though for my daughter, I was fully awake.

If you go that route, ask your doctor what will happen if, during surgery, you decide that you cannot take it. IMO, it would be terrible to decide during surgery that you made the wrong decision. So have a back up plan.

Good luck and please update us !

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

I've got my fingers crossed that everything goes as planned. I have no advice re anesthetic, but as far as TV recommendations, I just finished season 2 of Last Tango in Halifax, an adorable British show which is available on Netflix. A little edgy at times (foul language etc.) but great acting and writing, and an older cast which I found refreshing - how many shows entirely about teenagers and 20somethings do we need?

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Oh, Carter!!!!!
Big big hugs, first of all.

I have been thinking of you and missing your posts and had wondered what was up. Now I know.

This sounds frightening, but necessary, and you are planning with the very best of them. I can't believe your thoughtfulness in making up meals ahead for the menfolk, and I hope Mr. C appreciates this. Mr. Suz would be doing his own cooking! (Actually, to be fair to him, he does most of our cooking these days anyway now that I'm working full time and he's not. Which makes me feel even more awestruck at what you are doing!)

I have never had foot surgery, but I've had experience of both general and on-the-spot sedation. The on-the-spot stuff was for some serious dental surgery where they had a lot of nasty looking tools and the procedure took a couple of hours. They needed me to be conscious because they had to direct me to do various things. Honestly, I think overall I preferred it to a general because the general can leave you feeling pretty sick to your stomach, and, as you say, the risks are more significant. Whereas this sedation left me a bit woozy yet still functional. I will say that those few hours in the chair were not pleasant, sedation or no -- whereas I have no memory of the surgery for fibroids and endometriosis, for which I had a general. (And I'm just as glad I don't remember that, LOL!)

I think you are making the right choice for your foot, and I'm sure your style quotient will not be at all diminished -- you have already amassed a wardrobe of fab looking low heels and flats!

Wishing you all the luck in the world and a speedy recovery. And wow, I am honoured that you have my book in your stack of reading!

Alassë

Veteran

I pray the surgery goes well for you, Carter. You've done a great job prepping everything beforehand, and I'm glad you knew which option to go for.

Ornella

(website)

Veteran

Oh carter! Hugs to you and as Diane said just focus on the outcome. It will be tough, but you can always cross the days off on the calendar I guess

I laughed at "husband and son prepare-able foods". I am sure if you break the other routines down for them, things might be a lot better in the family room at the end of this. It's funny how our invisible roles in and out of the household become so apparent once we're out of action.

No advice about the sedation.

I'll be thinking of you.

carter

Veteran

Thanks, Diane. My daughter suggested the headphones too. Have to say I'd be a bit concerned I'd break into song and scare off the surgeon mid-procedure;-). I'll have them with me, but we'll have to see how loopy the drug makes me.

Isabel, I chuckled when I saw yours too! Excellent point about having a back-up plan. That'll be my first question for the doc on Thursday.

Oooh, Laura...a new show. I'll see if I can find it. Thanks for the recommendation!

Thanks, Suz! Your book arrived yesterday. I'm really looking forward to it. Mr. C is convinced that all will be back to normal on Sunday. Complete denial. It's going to be interesting! I need to research the propofol a bit. It didn't occur to me until Isabel mentioned it, that it may be able to be combined with something like valium to take the edge off my urge to flee when the power tools come out.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Oh - I forgot to say - they gave me music on headphones, too, for the dental stuff, but it was a bit weird, to tell the truth....not sure I really enjoyed Vivaldi...

Isabel

Veteran

Suz...hahahahahaha....when my son was born and I didn't have pain medicine, I had them play Sarah McLachan's , HOLD. There is a line that goes, " Hold on , hold on to yourself, this is going to hurt like hell...." hahahahahaha.

Sal

Veteran

Good luck Carter. My Mum has had this surgery. I have no advice on the sedative sorry. It is great they have been able to do it so quickly, and the end result will be so much better!

Diana

Veteran

Good luck with the surgery and recovery, Carter! No advice on the sedation thing - I had general when I had my wisdom teeth removed at 16, but because of the type of removal they had to do I was not offered a different option.

carter

Veteran

Alasse, thank you. I was a bit surprised when I realized I had no doubts about the right option.

Thanks, Ornella. Yes, the long term prognosis is pretty darned perfect. I will not be able to become a ballerina or a marathon runner, but I'm ok with that;-)

Oh Suz...Vivaldi! Like being stuck in an elevator for 2 hours! I'll be bringing Eagles, Bob Seger, Doobies, Billy Joel, etc.

Isabel, you crack me up!

Kiwigal, I'm going with the assumption that your mom was pleased with the results of her surgery??

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Oh no! That sounds miserable, and I hope the surgery is completely successful. What an intense recovery period though!

I'm afraid I have no advice on anesthesia -- I've only had general, for hysterectomy, and I'm afraid I'd be a wimp about anything that allows me to hear/see what's going on, unless copious amounts of valium were involved. Definitely talk it over with your doctor.

Best of luck and healing to you. I'll be thinking about you!

jackiec

Veteran

Oh my goodness good luck with the surgery! I'm sure it will all go well. That's a very stressful decision, a lot of pain to deal with, and a lot of prep! My DH and DSs would likely also never commit to tidying up....let alone cooking....

I had general a couple of years ago for some abdominal surgery. Recovery was fine - especially since I was bedridden anyways for a few days. Personally I'd pass out just hearing or seeing the saws so I'd choose general....unless you have some really good headphones (and I'd cover my eyes too...I'm uber squeamish!). You'll do what's best for you.

Healing thoughts coming your way. Take good care

Mona

Veteran

I am sorry to hear that. I am sending you the healing vibes.

viva

Veteran

So sorry to hear of all this -- good luck, Carter. I'll be thinking of you. xxx

carter

Veteran

Thanks, Janet. It seems to have about a 95% success rate, and most folks say that after a year they barely remember having foot issues. Sounds good to me!

Jackie, when I talked with my son about doing the grocery shopping he said, "at least I won't have to figure out the vegetables 'cause David isn't going to want them either." Hello?? I wonder if my husband realizes he'll actually have to make my dinner too.

Thanks, Mona. I'll take all those healing vibes!

Mary Beth (formerly LBD)

(website)

Veteran

Carter, I wish you all the best in your surgery! I cannot begin to imagine the pain you are in with this, and I hope it alleviates it thoroughly!

I can't do nitrous oxide when I have had crowns and root canals done at the dentist, because it makes me barf for hours after. So to tune out the sound of drills and other scary dentist noises, I like to bring in my iPod or iPad, with a good selection of Led Zeppelin or Pink Floyd, and I find the drills and buzzing sounds blend right in with electric guitars and drums. And the little earbud headphones to plug my ears against outside noise.

I also tried a Pavarotti album once, with good results. The buzzing is just like little flies beneath the splendour of his voice.

Rambling Ann

(website)

Veteran

If they can't keep the place tidy and help out, it's time to call in Mighty Maids. Or check into a hotel with room service and a good cable selection.

Pat_P

Headphones really work! And I believe they will shield the area they are working on so you can't see anything. I can sympathize - I had to have a bone broken and pinned without general anesthesia. I found they really worked. Thinking good thoughts for your speedy recovery!

Pat_P

Headphones really work! And I believe they will shield the area they are working on so you can't see anything. I can sympathize - I had to have a bone broken and pinned without general anesthesia. I found they really worked. Thinking good thoughts for your speedy recovery!

DonnaF

Veteran

Hi, Carter;

Wow! With my HMO, I'd have to give notice three MONTHS in advance that I want to go forward with the same surgery, not a mere three weeks. I would really appreciate a blow by blow on surgery, recovery, and surprises, so if you don't want to post here, please send me a PM.

General anaesthesia makes me sick to my stomach and doesn't fully clear my system for a week, so I'm not a big fan. I know nothing about propofol, however. I assume the surgery is like other procedures when one is awake: You can hear but not see what they do due to a curtain or drape.

I am hooked on library DVDs because with DVDs you get the director's commentary, interviews, deleted scenes, etc. I can reserve them online. For DH to pick up, we learned the hard way that I need to sign their form in addition to giving him my library card. With RedBox, you can reserve DVDs online, too.

Also, concerned feet want to know: Post-surgery and recovery, did the podiatrist say you will likely need narrower footwear? I am assuming the bunion disappears with the surgery?

DonnaF

Veteran

And best wishes! You will be in my thoughts and prayers on Thursday.

stainedglass

Good luck with surgery and I hope that you have a speedy recovery.

Nerve blocks are awesome because you come out of surgery feeling no pain. You just have to make sure that you start taking the pain meds when you feel the first twinge of pain... getting behind the pain is not fun.

As far as housework goes, depending upon how much the state of the house bothers you, it may be worth while to hire someone to clean once or twice post surgery. I've had both hand and shoulder surgery on my dominant arm and the only reason that the apartment stayed clean during the first month after both surgeries was because my flatmate(s) picked up the slack. You may be able to get DH and/or DS to do the laundry if you direct the sorting and then tell them what settings to use on the washer and dryer.

Style Fan

Veteran

All the best with the surgery Carter. I can not offer any advice about the sedation. How kind of you to make all those meals! What a thoughtful person you are.

Echo

Veteran

Oh, Carter, I am so sorry that things have gone from bad to worse with your toe. But I 'm glad that the surgery will come as a relief instead of a hindrance.
Regarding sedation, my mum had a complete hip replacement about two years ago now. They did NOT put her completely under for the procedure, which just about made my stomach do a flip-flop. I would have imagined that the sounds of the saw and the rest would be alarming. But "awake" doesn't mean fully conscious and ready to do business. In fact, my mum has no recollection of the surgery whatsoever, yet the surgeon said he communicated with her during the procedure and she answered him with no problem.

The thing that bothers me so much about general is the bathroom issues they think are going to happen, so they won't allow you to leave or eat until they hear bowel sounds and prove that you can pee without a catheter. Less that full sedation is always recommended, IMO, if at all possible. Additionally, you don't want to be intubated unless it is absolutely necessary, because while complications are rare, they aren't the sort you want to deal with when they do occur.

Best of luck to you. You will be in my thoughts.

carter

Veteran

Thanks, LBD! I'll definitely add some Zeppelin and Pink Floyd to my play list!

Ann, that's what my mom said! "You check into the Marriott, and I'll keep the dog. The boys can figure the rest out themselves."

Oh, Pat! It gives me the willies just thinking about having a bone broken and pinned without a general. You're superwoman!

Donna, I was going to update you on our last PM chain, but my time seemed to evaporate as my list grew. I will keep you posted. I didn't get any flack from my insurance company, but perhaps that's because I haven't met my deductible yet, so more than half the cost will be OOP for me. I'm not expecting my shoe size to change. I may lose a bit of length on that toe and will certainly lose some width as the bone spur gets removed (no bunion), I'm expecting that the end result will be a better match with my left foot, since my right foot needs about a half size up. Also to note...I am not having the podiatrist do the surgery. An orthopedic surgeon/foot specialist will handle this part. Hopefully I won't need a podiatrist after this!

Thank you, SG. I've been warned about starting the pain pills at the first twinge! My husband refused to comply when he broke his wrist. He was a pain in my tuckus for days while he tried to get ahead of the pain! Also, the housekeeper's regular day is 15 days after my surgery. I'm thinking I may have to extend the bed rest portion until she's come and gone!

carter

Veteran

Thank you, StyleFan. Love them dearly, but I swear if I didn't lay everything out for them they'd be standing over me in the bedroom whining about not having anything to eat. Self defense as I see it!

Holy cow, Echo! Totally convinced now that I will not have the general. Plus, if your mom can handle, surely I can to! Thanks so much for the details.

MsMary

Veteran

Oh, Carter! I'm so sorry to hear this!

I would totally have the general. My cousin is an anesthesiologist and he says the risks are vanishingly low in otherwise healthy patients. I had a procedure some years ago in which I started out with the "twilight" stuff and I was so freaked out that in very short order I told them to put. me. out.

BTW, is there a surgical recovery center in your area? I went to one after my cosmetic surgery and it was totally, totally worth the money. It was like a cross between a hotel and a hospital, and it was just the thing for the first night. This is the one I went to, to give an idea of what I'm talking about: http://beverlyhillssurgicalaftercare.com/

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