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Member Section => Down Range Cafe => Topic started by: billt on September 16, 2010, 03:39:11 PM

Title: Hernia Surgery........Again !
Post by: billt on September 16, 2010, 03:39:11 PM
After I got up this morning, I felt a sore, pulling feeling on my right side. I dropped my drawers and saw the dreaded bulge. I had a Hernia repaired on the same side back in 2003. Time for a repeat performance. The first time I had it done I felt fine after I woke up afterward. I walked out to the car to go home thinking this was a piece of cake! Then, after I woke up the next morning after all the happy juice wore off, it felt like a drill instructor kicked me in the nuts! I went through 40 Vicodin in 3 days and they didn't do much good.

The recovery time is around 3 weeks, with zero lifting for about 8 weeks. Nothing to do but lay around and heal. I should be able to go shooting, just not anything heavy. Some .22's and Glocks. They're supposed to call today, then I should know when after that. They don't like to wait too long because your intestines can kink, then you have to have emergency surgery. Funny thing is I don't remember lifting anything too heavy. This is not the way I want to get a vacation!   Bill T.
Title: Re: Hernia Surgery........Again !
Post by: PegLeg45 on September 16, 2010, 03:56:46 PM
You've been carrying that big .50 and ammo again, ain't ya Bill?

Sorry to hear about your problem, maybe they can get you fixed up in a jiffy and you can get back to normal ASAP.

Best wishes and good luck on the repairs and recovery.

Peg

Title: Re: Hernia Surgery........Again !
Post by: Hazcat on September 16, 2010, 04:43:42 PM
You've been carrying that big .50 and ammo again, ain't ya Bill?

Sorry to hear about your problem, maybe they can get you fixed up in a jiffy and you can get back to normal ASAP.

Best wishes and good luck on the repairs and recovery.

Peg



You are talking about his RIFLE and not his gun, aren't you?  ;)
Title: Re: Hernia Surgery........Again !
Post by: Texas_Bryan on September 16, 2010, 04:53:22 PM
Good luck brother, I've only heard of this 'a hernia' thing.  You know what helps the healing process?  Beer and beer, and cigars, while lounging outside.
Title: Re: Hernia Surgery........Again !
Post by: PegLeg45 on September 16, 2010, 05:00:15 PM
You are talking about his RIFLE and not his gun, aren't you?  ;)

You bet....definitely the rifle......the other is better left to Mel...........  :o  :o    ;D
Title: Re: Hernia Surgery........Again !
Post by: ellis4538 on September 16, 2010, 05:20:08 PM
Feel for ya guy.  Had one done April 2009 and face one on the other side later this year.  Almost had to have emergency surgery myself!  Made a joke and the Dr. told me we were talking "Life and Death" so I know it is serious.  The Dr. told me I wouldn't want to do anything for 4 or 5 days and then feel baaaad for about a month.  Much to my surprise I was GTG after a week and a half but a sinus infection kicked butt.  Started back walking after a month but left the weight machines go for 6.  Hope our next ones go better for you and the same as the first one for me!

God Bless,

Richard

PS:  This will be my 4th operation in less than 3 years...not serious but still not good. 
Title: Re: Hernia Surgery........Again !
Post by: billt on September 16, 2010, 05:21:16 PM
After you get past the first 3 or so days it's not too bad...............Just boring.   Bill T.
Title: Re: Hernia Surgery........Again !
Post by: SwoopSJ on September 16, 2010, 07:16:20 PM
Man, there have several of us that have required surgery over the last year.  Maybe we should find a "team" doctor and get a group discount for the DRTV gang.   :)

Swoop
Title: Re: Hernia Surgery........Again !
Post by: m25operator on September 16, 2010, 07:21:40 PM
Hopefully you got the new net surgery, and Bill, take your temp often, it is the only warning sign of staph infection, so prevalent now after surgeries. Best on your recovery.

You know staph should be changed to staff infection, because that is where it originates.
Title: Re: Hernia Surgery........Again !
Post by: MikeBjerum on September 16, 2010, 09:43:53 PM
Best wishes on the cut-n-stitch!

I went in for my pre-op physical, and as I go the "turn your head and cough" and the ever popular "Osama Bin Laden check" all I could thinks is that I'm glad they ain't cutting there and hope they never do!

Take care of yourself, and heal well!
Title: Re: Hernia Surgery........Again !
Post by: Solus on September 17, 2010, 07:42:00 AM
Man, there have several of us that have required surgery over the last year.  Maybe we should find a "team" doctor and get a group discount for the DRTV gang.   :)

Swoop


A clinic in The Corner?  Better not...might encourage a lack of restraint....what ever restraint is  ;D ;D

Good luck Bill and take care.
Title: Re: Hernia Surgery........Again !
Post by: saltydogbk on September 17, 2010, 08:27:57 AM
Clinic in corner not a bad idea, but only if M'ette is the nurse... ;D
Title: Re: Hernia Surgery........Again !
Post by: JC5123 on September 17, 2010, 08:39:38 AM
Clinic in corner not a bad idea, but only if M'ette is the nurse... ;D

Suddenly having visions of my chiropractor. Nice as can be woman, but I wouldn't want to piss her off. After being put back together a few times, I'm convinced she could rip out my spine and use it as a putter if properly provoked.
Title: Re: Hernia Surgery........Again !
Post by: tombogan03884 on September 17, 2010, 09:53:02 AM
Suddenly having visions of my chiropractor. Nice as can be woman, but I wouldn't want to piss her off. After being put back together a few times, I'm convinced she could rip out my spine and use it as a putter if properly provoked.

Cheery thought for the day, Doctors and assassins use, more or less, the same knowledge about the bodies bits and pieces.  ;D

The "Net" seems to hold well enough, but I could feel the ends of the screen until it healed up. It's like having a peice of window screen implanted. Better than having the innards falling out though   :-\
Title: Re: Hernia Surgery........Again !
Post by: Johnny Bravo on September 17, 2010, 10:54:47 AM
Get it done and over with so you can heal up and get back to normal. Good luck Bill. At least you have a good nurse at home to help you!
Title: Re: Hernia Surgery........Again !
Post by: tt11758 on September 17, 2010, 11:08:11 AM
After I got up this morning, I felt a sore, pulling feeling on my right side. I dropped my drawers and saw the dreaded bulge. I had a Hernia repaired on the same side back in 2003. Time for a repeat performance. The first time I had it done I felt fine after I woke up afterward. I walked out to the car to go home thinking this was a piece of cake! Then, after I woke up the next morning after all the happy juice wore off, it felt like a drill instructor kicked me in the nuts! I went through 40 Vicodin in 3 days and they didn't do much good.

The recovery time is around 3 weeks, with zero lifting for about 8 weeks. Nothing to do but lay around and heal. I should be able to go shooting, just not anything heavy. Some .22's and Glocks. They're supposed to call today, then I should know when after that. They don't like to wait too long because your intestines can kink, then you have to have emergency surgery. Funny thing is I don't remember lifting anything too heavy. This is not the way I want to get a vacation!   Bill T.





Bill, I certainly don't envy you one bit.  While I've never had the experience, I've had friends who went through it and highly suggested avoidance if at all possible.

Let me know if you need somebody to shoot MAINTAIN your guns while you're laid up.  ;D

Title: Re: Hernia Surgery........Again !
Post by: tombogan03884 on September 17, 2010, 01:12:40 PM




Bill, I certainly don't envy you one bit.  While I've never had the experience, I've had friends who went through it and highly suggested avoidance if at all possible.

Let me know if you need somebody to shoot MAINTAIN your guns while you're laid up.  ;D



TT, I think EXERCISE is the word you were looking for.   ;D
Title: Re: Hernia Surgery........Again !
Post by: MikeBjerum on September 17, 2010, 06:49:37 PM
any updates bill
Title: Re: Hernia Surgery........Again !
Post by: Ulmus on September 17, 2010, 07:12:55 PM
Having been there, I know what you mean.

Hope you feel better and I also hope you get the same hot looking nurse I had when I had my staples pulled.  ;)
Title: Re: Hernia Surgery........Again !
Post by: MikeBjerum on September 17, 2010, 11:03:46 PM
Having been there, I know what you mean.

Hope you feel better and I also hope you get the same hot looking nurse I had when I had my staples pulled.  ;)

There are times a hot nurse is not the best option  :-[
Title: Re: Hernia Surgery........Again !
Post by: TAB on September 18, 2010, 01:06:18 AM
There are times a hot nurse is not the best option  :-[

Having a hot doc is always heplful.  I met my wife during a er trip.
Title: Re: Hernia Surgery........Again !
Post by: billt on September 20, 2010, 05:34:43 AM
any updates bill

Well here is the deal. When I noticed the bulge on my right side last Thursday and went to the doctor, they made the appointment for me with the surgeon after my doctor diagnosed it. The problem is it isn't until October 20th. These guys are backed up further than a toilet at the ball park! I just got off doing 3, 12 hour shifts this past Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. There is no way in hell I can wait that long! I'm going to call them this morning and try to get the appointment moved up. This thing is killing me!

Not only that, but the October 20th appointment is for consultation only, not for the surgery itself. God only knows when that will happen. Most likely not for at least a couple of weeks after that. That means I'll be all cut up, sore, and healing just in time for the holidays. That stinks on ice! If this guy can't get the ball rolling quicker, I'm going to try and find someone who can. So much for a bad economy and people not having health care. You would never know it by the business they're doing.  Bill T.
Title: Re: Hernia Surgery........Again !
Post by: billt on September 20, 2010, 05:54:39 AM
Here is another kicker Melanie found out. I had this done before in the Spring of 2003. The doctor who did the surgery was a younger woman in her mid to late 30's. She had a very large practice here in town. I asked my doctor how come he didn't go with her, and he simply said, "she wasn't practicing anymore." That just didn't sit right, so Mel got on her computer and got out the shovel, and started digging up the dirt.

As it turns out this doctor lost her whole practice, or else sold it, because they pulled her prescription pad for over dispensing pain medication. There also were charges of drugs missing from her office that were unaccounted for. Anyway she is filleted and fried as a M.D. We never would have known this if it weren't for the Internet. It's unbelievable what you can find out about professional people. I don't have the patience to look for that kind of stuff. My general rule is if I can't find it in 5 minutes, I'm done looking. But Melanie has the patience to peck away at these leads and links for hours until she uncovers the body. She checked up on the new guy who is scheduled to go Benihana on me and his record is spotless, and he's got all kinds of recommendations from people, and has been on the knife for over 18 years with zero issues, so I hope I can get the date moved up. Otherwise Mel with have to do Colombo with whoever can get it done. Hard to believe someone can trash a good career like that. All that school, time, and money down the drain just for some happy pills. It's not just the scum that gets hooked on that garbage.  Bill T.
Title: Re: Hernia Surgery........Again !
Post by: Hazcat on September 20, 2010, 09:09:38 AM
These aren't the ol' fashioned country Drs anymore.  You need to check them out!
Title: Re: Hernia Surgery........Again !
Post by: billt on September 20, 2010, 11:03:21 AM
What a difference a phone call makes. I got an appointment for tomorrow at 1:00 PM.   Bill T.
Title: Re: Hernia Surgery........Again !
Post by: Hazcat on September 20, 2010, 11:28:43 AM
COOL!!!!!!!!!

Now "get r dun"  ;)
Title: Re: Hernia Surgery........Again !
Post by: fstraz on September 20, 2010, 02:50:23 PM
I had the same surgery last Feb here in NY. My doc used a "pain ball" & I highly recommend it if it's available in your area. Basically, it's a small plastic ball filled with a pain killer like Novocaine that you wear around your neck. During the surgery, they insert a tiny catheter just above the surgical incision and it steadily drips pain killer for 4 to 5 days. Then you take it out yourself - easy & pain free.  Even though I have a 4 inch scar, I didn't have to take ANY narcotics - just a bag of frozen peas for the swelling! Hope this helps.
Title: Re: Hernia Surgery........Again !
Post by: ellis4538 on September 20, 2010, 06:11:30 PM
That pain ball sounds pretty good but after what they had me on in the hospital in 2008 the stuff after my hernia operation was a piece of cake.  Really don't think I needed it but took it just in case....I'm not into pain although I'm married for the 2nd time!  LOL


Richard
Title: Re: Hernia Surgery........Again !
Post by: MikeBjerum on September 25, 2010, 09:31:31 AM
Any good reports Bill?
Title: Re: Hernia Surgery........Again !
Post by: billt on September 27, 2010, 06:22:49 AM
Any good reports Bill?

I'm going in for the surgery on Thursday, October 13th. This will be much like a Maaco automotive paint job. In by 7:00, out by 4:00. He told me he is going to try to repair it Arthroscopically by punching 3 small holes. One for a light, the other for a camera, and a third for his cutting tools. By doing so he will be able to repair the damage from behind, much like patching a tire from the inside. This method cannot be used 100% of the time in all cases however. If in my case it can't or won't work, he'll simply go to "Plan B", pull the camera and Arthroscope, slice me, and fix it conventionally. Either way he said when I wake up it will be fixed. Because it is a re-repair from a previous surgery he said the recovery time will most likely be a little longer. He told me to plan for 4 weeks off. In that time I won't be able to do much, or lift a thing for 2 weeks. After that lifting under 10 pounds is permissible. Most of my guns weigh less than that, so hopefully I'll be able to salvage some of the time off.  ;D   Bill T.
Title: Re: Hernia Surgery........Again !
Post by: philw on September 27, 2010, 07:08:31 AM
best of luck mate 
Title: Re: Hernia Surgery........Again !
Post by: PegLeg45 on September 27, 2010, 06:31:29 PM
best of luck mate 

+1

Best wishes for everything to go well, Bill.
Title: Re: Hernia Surgery........Again !
Post by: billt on September 27, 2010, 06:46:07 PM
Thanks guys. I'll keep you informed   Bill T.
Title: Re: Hernia Surgery........Again !
Post by: MikeBjerum on September 27, 2010, 07:04:48 PM
Are they talking about the screen repair, or are they stitching it up?

Wish you the best either way!!
Title: Re: Hernia Surgery........Again !
Post by: billt on September 27, 2010, 08:37:27 PM
Are they talking about the screen repair, or are they stitching it up?

He said he won't know until he reads the notes on my last surgery, and gets in there. I sent him the request forms today.  Bill T.
Title: Re: Hernia Surgery........Again !
Post by: billt on October 15, 2010, 10:37:58 AM
I had it yesterday at 9:00 AM. All went well. He said it was a very large hernia, but he had no trouble repairing it. It hurts to sit upright too long, so I'll be here for just short periods for a few days until I heal a little better. You guys hold down the fort for me, OK?  ;)   Bill T.
Title: Re: Hernia Surgery........Again !
Post by: cookie62 on October 15, 2010, 10:48:38 AM
Take it easy, let it heal. Don't want to rip it back open.
Title: Re: Hernia Surgery........Again !
Post by: ellis4538 on October 15, 2010, 11:19:20 AM
Good to hear all went well!  Guess that means no housework, mowing lawns, raking leaves, shoveling snow and etc. for at least 6 months!!!!!  Make sure the Dr. gives it to you in writing.

Richard
Title: Re: Hernia Surgery........Again !
Post by: jaybet on October 15, 2010, 11:25:01 AM
MEDICAL EXCUSE!!!
Title: Re: Hernia Surgery........Again !
Post by: MikeBjerum on October 15, 2010, 11:26:11 AM
Take care, and tell "Legs" she will be rewarded for the excellent care she gives  ;D
Title: Re: Hernia Surgery........Again !
Post by: PegLeg45 on October 15, 2010, 11:59:07 AM
Just use the down-time to build a long 'shopping list'............  ;D

Glad it went well and you're on the mend.

Peg
Title: Re: Hernia Surgery........Again !
Post by: Hazcat on October 15, 2010, 12:33:13 PM
Good to hear Bill.  Don't push it and let it heal properly. 

PS.  We'll try to keep the noise down here while yer recovering. ;)
Title: Re: Hernia Surgery........Again !
Post by: MikeBjerum on October 15, 2010, 01:00:02 PM
Good to hear Bill.  Don't push it and let it heal properly. 

PS.  We'll try to keep the noise down here while yer recovering. ;)

P.P.S.

Party In BillT's Gun Safe !!!

Did I say that out loud?  ;D
Title: Re: Hernia Surgery........Again !
Post by: Solus on October 15, 2010, 01:03:02 PM
Sounds good, Bill...rest up.

Just hoping you don't end up in the corner....we'll all be pulling extra duty hauling in your supplies.
Title: Re: Hernia Surgery........Again !
Post by: ellis4538 on November 20, 2010, 04:48:36 PM
Doc says I'm in need again so I go under the knife after turkey day.  Hope to be healed in time to deal with the snow hits big time and before Christmas.

Richard
Title: Re: Hernia Surgery........Again !
Post by: MikeBjerum on November 20, 2010, 04:53:10 PM
Take care!

I've been through two check ups in the last couple months, and you guys scare me.  When he takes hold down there I always try and picture anything but him and his hand.  However. all I can picture these days is all you old farts with your health issues  :'(  Just once I wish I could get Squibby, Red or M'ette to come to mind, but Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooo, it is always some grizzly old fat guy in need of a shave with a finger up his A** floating around my mind  :'(
Title: Re: Hernia Surgery........Again !
Post by: tombogan03884 on November 20, 2010, 09:22:46 PM
Ellis, I had that done in Jan '04 and was out of work for 2 months, twice as long as for the first heart attack.
Title: Re: Hernia Surgery........Again !
Post by: ellis4538 on November 21, 2010, 03:19:14 AM
First one was down a week and a half until I developed a baaaad sinus infection which made it a month.  Doc expects even less of a problem this time.  Around here heavy snow is a possibility anytime so I hope to be healed, somewhat, before it hits.  Trying to push a snowthrower thru the end of a snowplowed in driveway is no fun!  Christmas is coming too so I don't want to be down for that.  I'm retired so missing work is not a problem.....just don't like being down!

Richard

PS:  Don't like having someone down there with a sharp object!
Title: Re: Hernia Surgery........Again !
Post by: tombogan03884 on November 21, 2010, 04:12:43 AM
I was up and about as soon as the gas wore off, (I REALLY don't like any one going toward Mr. Happy with sharp objects)
Later that day I walked a mile and a half, I just couldn't lift anything heavier than my spirits for a while.
It is a good time to stay depressed , laughing hurts like hell.
Title: Re: Hernia Surgery........Again !
Post by: billt on November 22, 2010, 02:30:16 AM
Doc says I'm in need again so I go under the knife after turkey day.  Hope to be healed in time to deal with the snow hits big time and before Christmas.

Richard

Overall mine wasn't too bad. After you wake up from the surgery, until the next day you won't experience much discomfort because of all the anesthetic and Demerol they shoot you up with before they release you. The next day is another story. Make sure the pain meds your doctor prescribes agree with you, and don't cause nausea and or vomiting. If you are not sure ask your doctor if you can have the prescription a couple of days before the surgery so you can fill it and try one. That's what my doctor did, but I didn't try the Percocet he prescribed until the day after the surgery, and it made me sick as hell! Trust me, vomiting the day after Hernia surgery ranks right up there with gargling dog diarrhea! He then wrote me a prescription for Vicodin which is Tylenol based. It still made me sick, but not as badly. For some reason as I get older my system is less tolerant of narcotic pain medication.

My choice was to basically lay there and hurt, or else lay there nauseated. After the first week try to walk around some and keep moving. If you don't you won't "move things" like you should. If your system is "full", you will feel worse. Trying to pee the day after the surgery is about like trying to empty a tanker truck with an eye dropper. That gets better after a couple of days as well. I'm all back to normal now, and my surgery was done on October 16th.  Bill T.
Title: Re: Hernia Surgery........Again !
Post by: kmitch200 on November 23, 2010, 12:51:39 PM
Overall mine wasn't too bad.

Good to hear! If those guns of yours need some outdoors time put out the all call. It's a short drive for me. I can beat the others there!  ;D

Quote
Make sure the pain meds your doctor prescribes agree with you, and don't cause nausea and or vomiting. If you are not sure ask your doctor if you can have the prescription a couple of days before the surgery so you can fill it and try one. That's what my doctor did, but I didn't try the Percocet he prescribed until the day after the surgery, and it made me sick as hell! Trust me, vomiting the day after Hernia surgery ranks right up there with gargling dog diarrhea! He then wrote me a prescription for Vicodin which is Tylenol based. It still made me sick, but not as badly. For some reason as I get older my system is less tolerant of narcotic pain medication.

Really good idea about taking one before getting the knife!

Just an FYI for those undergoing a slice and dice, technically, neither med is 'tylenol based'.
Tylenol is added to oxycodone (percocet) and hydrocodone (vicodin) to aid in breaking the pain cycle.
They act a little different on the CNS so the combo is usually better. (same reason they used to mix aspirin with the two, but that can be even harder on peoples stomachs and has more drug interactions than tylenol.)
The trick is to take it WITH FOOD. Hard to eat when you feel like crap but it makes a world of difference. Something in your stomach, doesn't have to be much, will really help.
 
Quote
My choice was to basically lay there and hurt, or else lay there nauseated.

Lousy choices! 
Ellis, good luck on your surgery.   
Title: Re: Hernia Surgery........Again !
Post by: billt on November 23, 2010, 08:22:28 PM
Food didn't help me. The more I ate, the more I threw up.   Bill T.
Title: Re: Hernia Surgery........Again !
Post by: Big Frank on November 23, 2010, 11:41:22 PM
They have anti-emetic pills for that. If you know the pain meds will make you sick you can start the other pills first. Or they can stick it in your IV.
Title: Re: Hernia Surgery........Again !
Post by: fightingquaker13 on November 24, 2010, 12:19:06 AM
I replied to this earlier and deleted it as I went on too much about my current medical BS. Let me just say this. I have some issues with meds and food and nausea. My issues are managable without plan B. However, I did have a talk with my doc about the "demon weed". It seems to work. I haven't smoked in many a year, but what the hell is the difference between something a drug company makes millions from and advertises on TV warning you that side effects may include death; and something you can grow in the back yard if its not used recreationally? Why should some cop in DC get a say? If your meds make you you puke? Light up a fatty. Its not like you are looking to get stoned. Hell, vicodin gets you ten times as high and its legal. Why not a little weed so you can eat? I haven't had to go there yet, but I can assure that I will without blinking an eye. My body, my choice. The DEA can KMA if it comes to that.
FQ13
Title: Re: Hernia Surgery........Again !
Post by: tombogan03884 on November 24, 2010, 01:34:23 AM
I'm the only person I know who does not heave their toe nails out taking Vicoden, When my Ex wife had her wisdom teeth pulled the DMD had her take one there, we did not make it out of the parking lot, before she let loose.
Only thing that ever got me that way was a multi vitamin on an empty stomach.
FQ has a point, I've  known  several people who would never think of "getting stoned" and would look down on you if you did, but it's the only way they can keep food down with their Chemo or other meds.
Title: Re: Hernia Surgery........Again !
Post by: kmitch200 on November 24, 2010, 02:17:07 AM
Food didn't help me. The more I ate, the more I threw up.   Bill T.

Man that sucks! As if you didn't know... :P

Zofran is a great anti-emetic. We would give it pretty much routinely when pushing morpine into people with kidney stones.
Title: Re: Hernia Surgery........Again !
Post by: billt on November 24, 2010, 05:16:06 AM
Why not a little weed so you can eat? FQ13

I couldn't agree more. The only problem is I'm probably the only guy in Phoenix who doesn't know where to buy it.  Bill T.
Title: Re: Hernia Surgery........Again !
Post by: JC5123 on November 24, 2010, 08:34:47 AM
I've never had that type of reaction when taking pain meds. Of course I've never gotten to see the pink elephants that everyone talks about either. :'(

When I broke my ankle I'd get up and take 2 vicotin, go to work. Honestly all it did was make my ankle stop throbbing and loosen up enough so that I could get dressed. Taking 3-4 advil gave me the same effect.

I've basically given up on prescription drugs. 600mg of Ibuprophin and I'm good to go. The last two proceedures I went through (wisdom tooth, vasectomy) I refused the prescription stuff, went home and took a handful of Advil.
Title: Re: Hernia Surgery........Again !
Post by: billt on November 24, 2010, 08:42:30 AM
I never used to have any trouble with these type of medications. Back in 1972 I had major reconstructive open knee surgery that was very painful. I was prescribed all kinds of narcotic pain medication, and none of it had any ill effects on me. I think as you get older your system changes and you become less tolerant of certain medications. I'm the same way with alcohol. Back when I was in my 20's I would go out and party all night, then go to work the next day, and go right out the next night and do it all over again. No way I could do that today. Your system calms down as you age, and you need to calm down with it.  Bill T.
Title: Re: Hernia Surgery........Again !
Post by: JC5123 on November 24, 2010, 08:52:31 AM
I never used to have any trouble with these type of medications. Back in 1972 I had major reconstructive open knee surgery that was very painful. I was prescribed all kinds of narcotic pain medication, and none of it had any ill effects on me. I think as you get older your system changes and you become less tolerant of certain medications. I'm the same way with alcohol. Back when I was in my 20's I would go out and party all night, then go to work the next day, and go right out the next night and do it all over again. No way I could do that today. Your system calms down as you age, and you need to calm down with it.  Bill T.

Thanks for that, you have given me SO much to look forward to..... ::)  ;D

I just hope that by the time I hit 40 they can "check" things without having to resort to the finger.
Title: Re: Hernia Surgery........Again !
Post by: tombogan03884 on November 24, 2010, 09:26:56 AM
Sad to say Bill, but check with your friends kids, I bet half will know where to find you something.
Title: Re: Hernia Surgery........Again !
Post by: billt on November 24, 2010, 09:31:33 AM
I just hope that by the time I hit 40 they can "check" things without having to resort to the finger.

50 is more the "magic age". That is when you should have the much dreaded Colonoscopy. I was lucky in that they put me completely out for the whole thing. It scared the hell out of me when I was taken into "the room" and saw the actual Endoscope. This thing looked like it was made from 5/8" fuel line hose, and was so long it had graduations on it! The nurse tested it before the doctor got there and put me under. It had a headlight on it! I asked the nurse how hot that light got and she laughed like hell.

They use air to inflate your intestines so they can see everything, and after you wake up they told me if I had to fart to do so and not hold it in. I said if you insist, and let a long loud one rip! Both nurses were laughing so hard they had tears in their eyes. I said if the doctor has ordered me to fart, then that is exactly what I intend to do! Even he laughed. The procedure wasn't bad, but drinking 5 liters of that crap the day before was pure hell, along with what followed. You won't believe what comes out of you. Everything went well and he told me he didn't want to see me for 8 years. I said that would not be a problem.   Bill T.
Title: Re: Hernia Surgery........Again !
Post by: GASPASSERDELUXE on November 24, 2010, 09:36:15 AM
50 is more the "magic age". That is when you should have the much dreaded Colonoscopy. I was lucky in that they put me completely out for the whole thing. It scared the hell out of me when I was taken into "the room" and saw the actual Endoscope. This thing looked like it was made from 5/8" fuel line hose, and was so long it had graduations on it! The nurse tested it before the doctor got there and put me under. It had a headlight on it! I asked the nurse how hot that light got and she laughed like hell.

They use air to inflate your intestines so they can see everything, and after you wake up they told me if I had to fart to do so and not hold it in. I said if you insist, and let a long loud one rip! Both nurses were laughing so hard they had tears in their eyes. I said if the doctor has ordered me to fart, then that is exactly what I intend to do! Even he laughed. The procedure wasn't bad, but drinking 5 liters of that crap the day before was pure hell, along with what followed. You won't believe what comes out of you. Everything went well and he told me he didn't want to see me for 8 years. I said that would not be a problem.   Bill T.


The last time Ii had a colonoscopy i got a Rx for the pill version of the gallon of sea water. Had the same taste but a lot easier to swallow, just have to drink a gallon of water and take some stool softener.
Title: Re: Hernia Surgery........Again !
Post by: kmitch200 on November 24, 2010, 11:37:38 AM
Two words you NEVER want to hear in the same sentence: "colon" and "cleansing". Ranks right up there with "I'm gonna kill you!"

I had to pick up a bottle of Miralax. Doc says to split it into 2 quart jugs of Gatorade and drink them both in an hour. Looking at the label the regular dose is something like 11 grams or so. The dose I was taking was 11.5 times the norm! Uh oh.
The next day I felt like someone had stomped me.


and yes, this thread has deteriorated


Title: Re: Hernia Surgery........Again !
Post by: tt11758 on November 24, 2010, 12:29:42 PM
Two words you NEVER want to hear in the same sentence: "colon" and "cleansing". Ranks right up there with "I'm gonna kill you!"

I had to pick up a bottle of Miralax. Doc says to split it into 2 quart jugs of Gatorade and drink them both in an hour. Looking at the label the regular dose is something like 11 grams or so. The dose I was taking was 11.5 times the norm! Uh oh.
The next day I felt like someone had stomped me.


and yes, this thread has deteriorated





Helpful hint:

Use GREEN Gatorade.  Through the scope it looks like bile.  Red Gatorade remnants look like blood.  FYI.
Title: Re: Hernia Surgery........Again !
Post by: PegLeg45 on November 24, 2010, 12:54:36 PM
I've never had nausea from pain meds and believe me, I've been on them all at one time or another.  ;D

Best anti-nausea medicine I've seen is Emend. Wife took it while on chemo last year and it really helped. Docs and nurses were amazed at how well she did with it (practically no nausea and they were giving her one of the strongest mixes of chemo). They can give it via IV or in pill form. Takes one per day for three days....but it is expensive, $350 for 3 pills. They also have a patch that goes behind the ear that will work for 48 hours or so. They gave her that to combat post anesthesia nausea (she has a terrible time after waking up from anesthesia and the patch really worked). Compazine is another good anti-nausea med.
Title: Re: Hernia Surgery........Again !
Post by: tt11758 on November 24, 2010, 12:59:16 PM
I've never had nausea from pain meds and believe me, I've been on them all at one time or another.  ;D

Best anti-nausea medicine I've seen is Emend. Wife took it while on chemo last year and it really helped. Docs and nurses were amazed at how well she did with it (practically no nausea and they were giving her one of the strongest mixes of chemo). They can give it via IV or in pill form. Takes one per day for three days....but it is expensive, $350 for 3 pills. They also have a patch that goes behind the ear that will work for 48 hours or so. They gave her that to combat post anesthesia nausea (she has a terrible time after waking up from anesthesia and the patch really worked). Compazine is another good anti-nausea med.

This probably goes without saying, and I KNOW you'll agree, but THAT particular woman is worth it!!  ;D
Title: Re: Hernia Surgery........Again !
Post by: PegLeg45 on November 24, 2010, 01:01:54 PM
This probably goes without saying, and I KNOW you'll agree, but THAT particular woman is worth it!!  ;D

YES!!  :D

Thankfully, her insurance picked it up after the deductible and then we only had to pay $45 per refill (every other week per treatment).

Title: Re: Hernia Surgery........Again !
Post by: billt on November 24, 2010, 01:45:57 PM
What came out of me smelled like 3 day old road kill on a Arizona highway. They say you have as much as 5 pounds of undigested red meat in your bowles. From the way the entire house smelled after I drank that crap, I'm not one to argue. The odor was akin to listening to Joy Behar discuss American Rights.   Bill T.
Title: Re: Hernia Surgery........Again !
Post by: tt11758 on November 25, 2010, 10:13:56 AM
What came out of me smelled like 3 day old road kill on a Arizona highway. They say you have as much as 5 pounds of undigested red meat in your bowles. From the way the entire house smelled after I drank that crap, I'm not one to argue. The odor was akin to listening to Joy Behar discuss American Rights.   Bill T.

There's an aroma my mind's nose can't unsmell.  Thanks Bill.   ;D
Title: Re: Hernia Surgery........Again !
Post by: ellis4538 on December 14, 2010, 03:27:32 PM
Well, after shoveling about a foot of "Global Warming" off parts of the drive (at 4:30 AM!) we made it to the hospital for my second hernia surgery.  Surgery went well but that is about it.  Dr. says it was worse than the first and I will be down this time for sure!  Can't drive until my follow-up appointment.  Pain was bad and the pain med made me sick as a dog.

Thanks for you thoughts and prayers.

Richard
Title: Re: Hernia Surgery........Again !
Post by: cookie62 on December 14, 2010, 03:33:21 PM
Rest, relax and get well
Title: Re: Hernia Surgery........Again !
Post by: billt on December 14, 2010, 03:39:51 PM
Take it real easy the first week, and don't lift anything but the remote. Take care,  Bill T.
Title: Re: Hernia Surgery........Again !
Post by: Teresa Heilevang on December 14, 2010, 11:21:21 PM
That a crappy deal to have to put up with right here at Christmas.. but think of it this way.. Now you can just sit with your slippers and robe on and the whole family can bring you whatever you want.. (I'd milk it for all its worth)  LOL
 Get well ~~
Title: Re: Hernia Surgery........Again !
Post by: ellis4538 on December 15, 2010, 05:04:26 AM
M'ette, sorta planned it this way because leaf removal is done and usually we don't have so much snow until later in Jan.  I figure a month to heal, even around Christmas is better than nothing.  Given that month, I could clean the snow off the drive with no problem if I take it easy, but we have had 2 early storms with 2-3'+ total and more predicted so I will have to call someone to plow.

Remember, SNOW is a 4 letter word!


Richard