Mommy's a Mummy!

Yesterday I got to experience the German healthcare system.  Thanks to being genetically unlucky in the vascular department and pregnancies, I had to have a surgery to remove a varicose vein.  At first I was really excited to be able to have this procedure because who wants to have a purple foot?  In the US it would have been really hard to get it approved as most varicose vein treatments are considered cosmetic surgery.  Here in Europe they categorize it as a real issue and therefore insurance will pay for it.

So, I went through all the pre-appointments and not-so-fun tests.  If anyone tells you you need to have a phlebography x-ray, run the other way and fast!  I almost passed out during it a few weeks ago.  Yesterday I had the actual surgery.  I had to have general anesthesia and they cut my leg in about 4 places.  Apparently, I don't do so well with general anesthesia as when I came to, I was shivering uncontrollably, and in a lot of pain.  They gave me some other meds to help the pain, but I was still crazy cold.  After about 20 blankets I was okay enough to have Jason and a nurse walk me to my room. 

The room was actually a hotel!  The clinic where I had my surgery was attached to a hotel with one wing being for patients like me.  I think it was really more of a private "resort" hospital like in California.  It was kind of weird.  Especially when I had to walk (hobble) up and down the halls wrapped like mummy in my PJ's in front of a room that was hosting a banking conference!

But that was today when I could walk.  Yesterday after the general anesthesia was a different story.  Once I got into my room they gave me soup for lunch and some tea then I took a nap.  Jason brought the kids back later and the nurse said I should go for a walk.  So Jason helped me walk and Aidan came too.  I made it about 7 steps before passing out!  Luckily Jason was there to catch me and the nurse  was close by, too.  It scared the hell out of Aidan.  The poor kid was crying and said he thought I died.  I'm hoping he's not scarred for life!  I came to quickly and reassured Aidan I was OK.  Lainey wasn't phased by it at all.  In fact she just drew me a picture of me lying on the floor.

Anyway, I'm home now and have a leg wrapped like a mummy.  The doctor said my purple foot should be history and that I should heal quickly.  Supposedly, I'll feel good enough to run or ski by next weekend according to my doctor.  Apparently he doesn't know my low-threshold for pain.  I'm just hoping to be able to walk normally as we are scheduled to fly to Barcelona next weekend!