More Waiting....

I'm still going to have the resection surgery but now it's been delayed.  It won't be in the next few weeks like originally planned.

This morning I had to be at Barnes for a chest ct scan at 8:00 AM, thankfully we left plenty early because there was some freezing rain when we left and then traffic around St Louis was backed up.  After the scan I saw the surgeon at 10:00 AM.  He was very nice and I feel very comfortable with him.  He said he would like to go in and take a look before the surgery. He's scheduling this minor surgery for the next two weeks, they'll call to let me know when.  He will dilate while he's in there but not do the laser, as that seems to just make more scar tissue to build up. I asked when the resection would be and he said probably in January or February.  So now I wait.  I was disappointed because I want this over with.  I will try not to dwell on this and just be patient as I wait.

I've read a lot about this surgery and what other people have gone through.  So needless to say I had lots of questions for the doctor today.  He took his time and answered them all in detail.  I took a few notes because I figured I'd forget something.

Here are a few of those questions:

Have you done this surgery before?   Yes, it's not a common procedure but I do at least five a year.
Of those have you had any problems?  No, all went as planned.
Has anyone had to return for further surgeries or dilations?  No
How long will I be in the hospital? Approximately one week.
How long will I have the chin stitch in? 4-5 days
How long before I can eat? Probably two days
How long is recovery time? 6-8 weeks is normal

He said the section of my trachea that is narrowed is short, which is good.  But, and this is a big BUT- it's very close to my vocal chords.  They will do the very best but I have to know there is a chance my voice could be effected.  Also due to the location there is a chance I could end up with a trach.  This is something I'm going to try and not think about.

After I saw the surgeon I had to go to pre-op dept.  That dept is always busy and takes forever.  It's never fun spending the day at the hospital/doctors office but at least everyone I had to deal with was very friendly.  It's amazing how nice they all are at Barnes Jewish.

I couldn't have made it through the day alone and thankfully I'm never alone.  My family is ALWAYS there for me.  Today Phil drove me there and sat by my side, as usual.  If you know Phil he hates waiting so this was really like a cruel punishment for him.  He didn't complain once!  If you know me then you know I hate riding in a car, especially in bad weather or traffic, but thankfully Phil drove extra cautious and never scared me once.

Now I wait for the call....