Buh-Bye! A Report and Photo Gallery

And don't let the door kick your booty on the way out! Wahoooooooo! Ding dong the tube is gone, my wicked tube is gone, Gone, GONE! Following is the demise of my NG tube. May it rest in peace.

Day 1 - Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2005

We had to check in at the hospital at 9 a.m. and my procedure was scheduled for 11. After the admitting process, Nurse Rhona took me back, took my vitals, and presented me with my designer hospital duds. See Photo A below.

Photo A

After getting suited up, I still had a lot of time to burn (especially since we found out my procedure would be delayed an HOUR) so I went over and checked out the vehiculars in the PCH Parking Patio. While doing so, I got to ride in my first Mercedes Benz. Only the best, I say. The BEST! Please refer to Photo B.

Photo B

After my luxury car ride, I played with several other vehicles and finally the time came for mommy and daddy to meet with all the gists and a geon (anesthesiologist, pulmonologist, gastroenterologist and surgeon). Now, it was time for me to go under the knife. Mommy and daddy were able to go with me to the operating room and hold me while they gave me the sleepy gas. I fought it hard, but it was stronger than I was.

Unbeknownst to me, I flew through the procedures and all went well. My next memory is being in recovery and mommy putting this annoying mask over my face. The nurse said it was because my breathing was too shallow. I was a bit of a mess for the first 24 hours. But I also got to do some cool things like draw and talk on the phone. Refer to Photos C, D and E.

Photo C

Photo D

Photo E

So, at this point, all is going pretty good considering all I had been through. However, as the day progressed, it was becoming apparent that I was not responding very well to the Morphine they had prescribed for pain. Mommy worked with the nurse to have my doctor prescribe me Tylenol with Codiene and that did the trick. By about 1 a.m. I was sleeping soundly.

Day 2 - Thursday, Sept. 8, 2005

My shallow breathing continued and would be the reason I had to stay an extra night in the hospital. To help, I was told I should go for some walks, but my tummy was sore! I braved it though. Boy I was a sight for sore eyes! This is when you will reference Photo F.

Photo F

Despite my lack of desire, the walking proved beneficial and I was able to go off the oxygen. My oxygen levels remained strong and my discharge was set for Friday.

Day 3 and Beyond!

All in all, the experience wasn't so bad. I am still a little sore but am getting better each day. I really like my new tubeless look, although I have to admit that sometimes I still grab for it when I am upset. Once I realize it's not there anymore I just hit my head and rant and rave. I guess this is typical tantrum behavior.

Well, if you have read this far then you are wonderful. Thanks again for all of the support in this journey to newfound feeding.

Cheers!

WOOOOPS! Wait a minute! I forgot the most important picture of all! My 'After' picture. You know, the one they show on all those makeover shows where the person looks way better than before. Duh! Silly me. Check out Photo G and tell me what you think.

Photo G

Hugs,

Emerson