Yesterday I had my port removed. As many of you know, I was pretty nervous about this procedure because I knew pain would be involved. When my medi-port was put in around this time last year, I was sedated (so that means awake & fully aware of what was going on) and knew everything that was happening. The lidocaine injection hurt pretty bad. That was one of the biggest reasons for my anxiety upon going in to have my port removed. Well, let me tell you how God provided comfort and peace before the minor surgery.
Before I was taken back to the OR, I changed into the hospital gown and an IV was started. I was told at the time an IV was needed so I could have the sedation medicine. My nurses name was Aaron. He was retired Army and in his 40's. Before he started my IV, I asked him if he was good with needles. He told me he had a background with NICU and had dealt with small veins several times. I then told him I was a preemie and we chatted about that for a little bit. So ... attempt one ... he went straight through the vein. Attempt 2, he tried to "float" the needle in. After the second attempt, as politely as I could without punching him in the face, I asked for someone else to poke me. Someone that could actually do it right, ya know?! So another Army nurse came in and said he was as good as gold. I laughed and commented, "Yeah ... that's what he said (pointing to Aaron)." Jesus must be good at IV's too because I believe that's why it went in. To me, the IV would be the second worst part of the whole procedure. It proved to be true.
About an hour after all the needle pokes and misses I was taken back to the OR and prepped for surgery. The prep stuff only adds to the anxiety because you see, feel, and hear them getting everything ready. At this point, my Mom would probably say, "That's when you thank Jesus for all of your senses." Ha ... I'm very thankful for my senses, but in those moments it was pretty hard to thank the Lord for them. I asked one of the techs when they'd give me the sedation medicine and she looked at me puzzled and said, "What sedation medicine?" Oh my word!!! I was ready to jump of the table. I really didn't think I was able to get through the procedure without it. I was then asked if I had anything for breakfast. Well, the nurse that called me earlier in the week failed to tell me that since I was wanting sedation I shouldn't eat anything before surgery. I had a waffle for breakfast, thinking I needed to eat something to help my usual morning nausea. I guess that was a bad idea. The tech then told me that she couldn't give me sedation since I had something to eat. I was so aggravated and frustrated after hearing that. I was mad that an IV was even started for no reason. Especially with how hard it was to get a vein. (I later learned an IV is started regardless just in case it is needed during surgery for any emergency) So the Lord helped me with Ativan instead.
The procedure began with the painful lidocaine injection. When the port was placed, I cried when given the injection because it hurt so bad. This time all I could get out was, "Jesus help me" about four times. I think the nurse next to me thought I was crazy. After the lidocaine, the tugging and pulling began. In about 10 minutes I was being stitched up. So YAY GOD! He brought me through!
When I was back in my little curtained off room, in recovery, the Army nurse, Aaron came back in to check on me and see how everything went. He also apologized again for not getting my IV the first time. Before he left, I asked him if I could pray with him. (I like to pray with all my nurses and doctors) When I finished praying, Aaron kept holding my hand and started praying for me! I was so surprised. I think he was the first nurse that has ever prayed for me WITH me. It was such a blessing!
I woke up this morning thanking Jesus that the procedure was done and over with and for helping me through it. Now that the port is gone, I'm one step closer to complete healing. :)
Things to pray for:
- that the incision site of my port will not get infected and that it will heal perfectly fine
- Aaron the Army nurse - that God will bless him for taking a stand and praying with a patient
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