I can not express my depth of gratitude for the prayerful support.
They tried to do it with the laparoscope but my BP fell to dangerously low levels and they had to go conventional. I am now well and truly gut cut. Starts about six inches below and to the outside of left nipple and extends all across to similar place on the right.
Turned out nearly my entire stomach had migrated north of my diaphragm to surround my heart and press against my left lung. Always knew those illegal immigrants would cause trouble. This one like to killed me. Watch that southern border,guys.
Anyway, when I came-to I was told I'd be on the ICU ward for a day then on the ASU ward for a week to 10 days. They gave me a copy of the waypoints they were looking for--like able to get out of bed unassisted, making water, making bowel sounds, breaking wind, making a BM, swallowing water,swallowing flavorful liquids (liars,not much flavor), swallowing thick liquids (like Ensure or Boost) and a few other things I don't recall.
I set each one up as a target and knocked it down as quickly as I could. Knocked the final one down this morning at 8 and got out today at 2.
I'll fill in some more blanks when a better bond forms between mind and fingers.
But, your prayerful support and God's grace got me through (and a thoughtful pharmacist got me some excellent drugs).
Thanks, fellows,
CR