Surgery info update

Rynleigh · August 2012

After another long talk with our specialist, we've gone ahead and scheduled for them to remove my right ovary on September 4th (next Tuesday). He's going to have me in at 5:30AM for the very first surgery of the week back from Labor Day weekend, so everyone involved should be well rested. They're having me meet with the anesthesia department this week, to determine the safest and best option for me... I've never been under general and it mildly terrifies me, so I'm hoping that a local will be sufficient. They're arranging to try to squeeze me in to one of the open beds in the postpartum department, so that I can rest without sharing my room with anyone. I could get bumped since I (hopefully) won't actually be postpartum, but they're going to try. I'll be in the hospital for two days if everything goes well, longer if necessary. They are going to give me sedatives and post-op meds to prevent contractions/PTL. I'm going to be allowed to have my cell and my knitting in my recovery room, as well as cable tv... so I hope I won't go completely bonkers. Once I go home, I should be able to come back to work on Monday as long as I'm just sitting. I'm not allowed to drive for two weeks, and I can't lift "anything" (as per the doctor) for the rest of the pregnancy.

I am still terrified of the risks involved, but he did reassure me that he has approximately three to five patients per year who are pregnant where he removes one or both ovaries, and that he has never had anyone actually miscarry during or due to the surgery.... so while the nationwide statistics might say that there is a 20% chance of PTL and or miscarriage, his personal statistics put those risks far lower. It makes me very nervous to know that if I lost them as a result of this surgery that I made the active choice to go through with it... but I don't believe that I can responsibly hope and pretend that the problem will go away or that my risks of more serious complications will just disappear if I avoid surgery.

Dr. Fabio was a bit less intimidating this time. He caught on that I've never had surgery before, and I think he better understands that the babies are the top priority (after keeping me alive, of course). Trying to trust him and not fear him. Because he kind of looks (and acts) like a little old version Robert Downey Jr, but with a heavy Italian accent. So it's like putting faith in the most arrogant *** of a superhero out there.... my Ironman oncology surgeon.

yinyang124 · August 2012

I'm laughing at your last statement because I can absolutely picture that scenario in my head. Best wishes for a perfect surgery, quick recovery and safe babies!

Rynleigh · August 2012

It's all in his eyes and his attitude. He has total Iron Man eyes and he's got a goatee and this pompous "Why is everyone so stupid but me" attitude.... but every single one of my doctors, from my OB to my Peri to the consultant to my nurse all beam that it's very justified arrogance, because he's the very best as what he does. You can tell that he doesn't *mean* to be an ass, he just is one. We're in there today and I ask him if this means a guaranteed Cesarean if I am getting the low lateral incision right now for surgery, and he mumbled a few things off about how I really should assume I'll have a CS regardless because it's a 90% chance that I will but that this particular cut won't much difference and that if they want to let me do traditional delivery that I can.... and then he goes "But I don't really care how they do it". I think he meant well and was trying to convey that he's not going to be delivering my babies so it wasn't his business, but I could see my DH was ready to punch the guy lmfao

yinyang124 · August 2012

Rynleigh:
It's all in his eyes and his attitude. He has total Iron Man eyes and he's got a goatee and this pompous "Why is everyone so stupid but me" attitude.... but every single one of my doctors, from my OB to my Peri to the consultant to my nurse all beam that it's very justified arrogance, because he's the very best as what he does. You can tell that he doesn't *mean* to be an ass, he just is one. We're in there today and I ask him if this means a guaranteed Cesarean if I am getting the low lateral incision right now for surgery, and he mumbled a few things off about how I really should assume I'll have a CS regardless because it's a 90% chance that I will but that this particular cut won't much difference and that if they want to let me do traditional delivery that I can.... and then he goes "But I don't really care how they do it". I think he meant well and was trying to convey that he's not going to be delivering my babies so it wasn't his business, but I could see my DH was ready to punch the guy lmfao

Hahaha! You should start calling him Dr. Stark. Justified or not, it's still shocking to encounter it though. Every time we go to L&D, I get some arrogant resident talking like he knows everything. I don't know how my partner keeps his cool when they get nasty with me if I ask a question. :P I've come across too many doctors who need to get their egos in check!

Metts1 · August 2012

Oh my gosh! I'd been thinking about you, I remember your ohss post because I had it as well, mild though.

I will keep you in my prayers! I know it has to be scary, but you are doing the right thing and he sounds like a great dr.

pixiem38 · August 2012

It sounds like you are in good hands (even the tone of.your message seems to.convey it). I will.be thinking/praying for you and your babies. I cannot begin to.imagine how terrifying it must be...but it really does seem.like your team.is competent (and better than competent, but i can't think.of the right word).

copilot · August 2012

tiI don't post often and I'm rarely here, but I saw this post and had to respond. I had an ovary removed due to complete torsion in a semi-emergency surgery when I was 30 weeks pregnant with my twins. I had had horrible issues with that ovary from 7 weeks pregnant on and in a way, I was relieved that they were finally removing it. The surgeons did their best to keep me under the anesthesia for as short of a time as possible which meant they actually woke me up on the operating table as they were finishing stitching me up (I didn't feel a thing). I blurted out, "Are the babies okay??" They were just fine. I can't remember how long I was in the hospital... maybe 3-5 days. I got a shot to prevent PTL and a steroid shot in case I did deliver. Because I was so pregnant, they had to do an incision verticly up my belly. Got a nice 7 inch scar that runs from just above my belly button straight down. It was all worth it though and none of it effected my pregnancy, other than making me more uncomfortable than I already was in the third trimester. I delivered healthy twin boys at 34 weeks (I was induced due to pre-e). Because my belly was stretching while the incision was trying to heal, it took longer than normal for the incision to close up properly. This probably won't be an issue since you aren't as far along. Good luck! I am sure everything will go just fine. My twins are almost 20 months now and I look forward to the day when I can tease them about how I lost organs and sacrificed ever having a good looking stomach because of them

copilot · August 2012

Also wanted to add, I did not have a c-section to deliver my boys. They were both head down. The doctors were trying to avoid a c-section since I had just had surgery a month before and the incision was still healing from that. However, they did say if I ended up with a c-section they were just going to use the same incision site.

Rynleigh · August 2012

Thank you for that. Every first hand story with positive outcome really gives me so much reassurance. I laugh a lot off, but this situation has me shaken to the core.

MuseumMaven · August 2012

I just want to say good luck, and please keep us posted! You'll be in my T&P.

thetwinkies&Vivi · August 2012

Dr.Fabio/iron man sounds like quite the character! Glad you can appreciate the funniness of that during this situation. You sound incredibly strong,well researched, and prepared. I wish you nothing but the best. My thoughts will be with you and your LOs.

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