Army Surgery Is Over

11 years ago

I'm the successful kidney transplant recipient with the arm difficulties. The "fistulas" vein in my left arm where I got my dialysis for four and a half years was big and swollen. I had an operation in June to close it off ("ligation" )but it formed blood clots and remained swollen. Another surgery in July to remove the blood clots ("thrombectomy") but they came back. I was disappointed and saw another vascular surgeon, who gave me a second opinion, offering a minor procedure like the first surgeon wanted, or a more major removal of the vein with plastic surgery. I went back to vascular surgeon yesterday and he did another thrombectomy. Things went well from the start. My daughter drove me to the hospital and stayed all day with me. I was told to get there at 6:30 am, They prepped me and got the IV sedation in easily, the actual operation lasted from about 8:30 to ten, recovery went well,I was given some pain medication, some food, and sent home. We got home about noon, darling daughter Vicki made me lunch, put me to bed and then cleaned house! What a doll! I felt pretty good, my dressing isn't as tight as the others, no real pain, I just kept it propped up on pillows and rested. Today (Tuesday) I woke up early and still feel good. I'm going to the doctors office on Wednesday to have him remove the "pressure bandage." Now I'm just crossing my fingers my arm will look close to normal. Anyone else want to cross their fingers? Toes?

Comments (29)

OklaMoni
11 years ago
I realize, there was a super fast Y that climbed in your subject. LOL

But on the surgery, and the healing...

BEST WISHES, FAST HEALING! and that all is well!

Moni
gemini40
11 years ago
Oh lets us all pray that everything went well and the healing can begin for real.. Good luck and rest.

june
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phyllis__mn
11 years ago
Sending wishes that this was a successful surgery and that all will be well with you.

Phyllis
jannie
Original Author
11 years ago
My typo is hilarious. I've never been in the Army.
wanda_va
11 years ago
I'll be crossing fingers and toes, but I'll also be saying big-time prayers that this is the last surgery you need on your arm.
alisande
11 years ago
I believed the "Army." LOL

So glad to read good news about your arm. And you've got a great daughter!!
nanny98
11 years ago
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers that THIS time will be a great success so you can really enjoy your new life. (((((HUGS)))))
evatx
11 years ago
I even have my eyes crossed for you! Take care of yourself, and I wish you a rapid, uncomplicated recovery.
yayagal
11 years ago
Jannie, sending healing prayers your way. I was thrown by the Army surgery lol. After all, I am a blonde. :)
glenda_al
11 years ago
You are in my thoughts!
ont_gal
11 years ago
Thinking of you!! get better for good,real soon!
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
11 years ago
I hope you have an excellent outcome this time you sure deserve it.

I too was trying to fit the army in there some where LOL
patti43
11 years ago
Fingers crossed that will work. You sure have been through a lot, my dear. And yes, you do have a wonderful daughter.
pam_25f
11 years ago
Good to hear.
Kathsgrdn
11 years ago
I hope it heals fast and you don't have to have any more surgeries. I think you've had enough.
petaloid
11 years ago
My fingers and eyes are crossed with hopes that your "army" heals quickly and well.
dedtired
11 years ago
Hmm, I thought you had your surgery at a military hospital. I do hope with all my heart that your arm heals well and soon.

I was thinking of you because I found out recently that my ExH has been going to dialysis three times a week for the past year and no one told me. I was very upset. He's my kids' father so you think someone might have mentioned it. I feel very bad for him. We had our differences but I never wished him ill. I imagine it is very hard for him to be so limited in where he can go and when. I have learned a lot about it since I got the news (my older son let it slip). I have no idea what his prognosis is. He is 67.

What was it like to be on dialysis? Hugs to you.
matti5
11 years ago
I pray all goes well this time. You continue to be an inspiration to all! Hugs to you!
Marilyn Sue McClintock
11 years ago
Jannie, I am so pleased things seem to be going well with your surgery. Best of luck on Wednesday.

Sue
Georgysmom
11 years ago
You are due some good fortune so here's hoping all will be well this time.
pudgeder
11 years ago
Crossing my fingers,toes and saying prayers of healing!
jannie
Original Author
11 years ago
It's Wednesday morning. I slept well last night, but when I woke up my left hand looked swollen. The bandage will be off in just a few hours. Also have an appointment at the transplant center to go over my kidney readings.
katlan
11 years ago
Daughters are awesome. I hope you continue to heal quickly, fully, and pain free.

It's Wednesday morning, how are you feeling this a.m.?
Jasdip
11 years ago
Best of luck today Jannie. You are a real trooper, for sure!!!
kacram
11 years ago
Wow. i'm glad it's over and everything went so smoothly!
yea!! I sure hope that this is the last one you'll need.!
sjerin
11 years ago
Hopefully the swelling is from the tight bandage? Many good wishes that the third time is a charm!
jannie
Original Author
11 years ago
The third time WAS the charm! Bandage off yesterday, my arm looks much much better. Doc says I can leave bandage off at night, re-wrap in the morning for the next 30 days.
dedtired
11 years ago
Hurray!
sjerin
11 years ago
Congratulations! I'm very happy for you, Jannie.

Army Surgery Is Over

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