Well folks, on November 8, 2023 I underwent some major surgery. Always assumed the surgeries in my future were more likely to be related to knee or hip issues. Fortunately not yet. Instead, has a follow up to a hospitalization last June for a severe upper G.I. Hemorrhage, which, according to the gastroenterology doctor, most likely originated from a diverticulum of my esophagus. That turned out to be a large diverticulum.
So, specifically doctors at a university hospital performed some pretty significant surgery on me going in between my seventh and eighth rib. To be specific: TRANSTHORACIC (left thoracotomy) EPIPHRENIC DIVERTICULECTOMY WITH LONG MYOTOMY, Belsey Fundplication (Left)
In two days it will be two weeks. I've actually mended pretty well considering what was done. I was able to get off of oxycodone about four days after discharge last Tuesday. For the last 2 1/2 days I've been coping with pain slowly using Tylenol. Pretty damn good. being off the opioid means I don't have any restriction on driving or, in the realm of bad habits, are we dram of whiskey, or such. Cannot do beer or any carbonated beverage. Probably not for a months.
B, my wife was afraid I would be severely laid up and that has not been the case. I have needed very little extra attention or assistance. Kind of amazes me and it certainly amazes her. Although I think she'd like to do more for me, since she was psychologically prepared for that.
So today as I'm getting a little more into the day, I'm finding my main pain point is right on the curve of my left ribs where I presume they pried open as they had to reach the diverticulum and repair it. The incision reaches from the left of my back up to my left shoulder blade. The incision doesn't particularly hurt. Just rib pain as expected.
I really have nothing to complain about other than getting a little bored. I may try to go out later or I may leave any errand for tomorrow. We'll see. Meanwhile it's heating pad time I think.
