Post Surgery

So lots of things happen after surgery. In this specific case you are in CSICU. (Cardiac Surgery Intensive Care Unit). Don't let the CSI part fool you there are no forensics going on but lots of tests are happening. One of the complications that can occur is bleeding which in this case did and was being blamed on the fact that blood thinners were being used before the surgery. Necessary as you don't want thick blood to maybe cause a heart attack or stroke but post surgery you bleed alot. Plavix supposedly takes a while to get out of the system. There was an extra day spent in the CSICU and then off to the regular ward.

Now in regular care more things can happen. Due to the extra bleeding they keep an eye on you to make sure all the fluid drains. In this case it didn't and therefore they need to put you on meds to dry you out. In the mean time it gets hard to breathe with all that stuff built up in there. Also keep an eye on those hemoglobin levels. Too low and you feel very weak and groggy. So 2 more units of blood to get those iron levels up.
Having gone through this with my mom a few times I know they get an angry/mean stage. My mom is usually a Saint but wanted to punch us all and complained about anything and everything. The nurse practioner spoke to me about this a bit today and says it partly due to hemoglobin levels, post surgery meds wearing off but also said different people heal differently and not to compare.
But how can you not. We do it with our kids. What can they do at what stage. Given there were 4 other guys that had surgery on that day you start comparing. One fellow is a smoker and is recovering quite well. Whistling, doing crosswords and showering himself. He'll leave the hospital tomorrow. We are in for a bit more of an endeavour. At least I know he is in good hands because at home this would be a overwhelming.