Derek's hospital stay

*edited, with picture

Saturday, 17th December

Three hours later, I came to. It was after seven. I was feeling extremely drowsy. Tried to open my eyes, but my eyelids felt so heavy. Was shivering a little from the cold too.

I could hear clearly the voices around me. The nurses were talking softly to another patient next to me, telling her that her operation went well and that she would be fine.

My abdomen hurt. Just above the groin area.

I tried to get the nurses attention by moaning. By turning my head left and right. I could barely open my eyes for more than a second.

Finally, I mumbled, “Cold.” Only then did someone gave me an extra blanket.

Later, as I was pushed out of the room, my head has cleared up a bit. I saw my family waiting outside. They followed me as I was brought back to my ward.

I felt numb and weak all over. The nurses asked whether I could get back into the bed. Obviously I couldn't. Thus, they had to carry me, slowly and gently, back to the bed.

By now, I could speak and knew what I was talking about. My family was around me and we talked for a while. They left a while later, after having said, “Just rest. We’ll come see you tomorrow.”

I began to feel increasing pain at my lower abdomen. The anesthetic must be wearing off. Not long after, I fell asleep.

I woke up at about ten. I was hungry, but the pain was stronger and it overwhelmed the former. The nurse came in to give me an antibiotic jab.

I was told that if I was hungry, they could heat up some porridge for me. If the pain become unbearable, I could request for painkillers.

No, I said that I wasn't hungry yet. And I drifted into slumber once more.

Close to midnight, I was awake again. I felt a little better. I have had enough of sleeping for the time being and took out my book to read.

I was quite absorbed in the book till a nurse came in and I was interrupted. She asked if I would like some Milo as I shouldn’t be eating food yet.

Hmmm ... I was receiving conflicting messages here. Didn’t another nurse earlier wanted to bring me porridge, which never come?

I said OK.

After I have finished my Milo, I returned to sleep.

Less than hour later, I was awaken as another nurse came in to take my blood pressure and temperature.

Throughout the night, I was intermittently awake. And the pain was persistent and keenly felt.

Finally, I couldn't stand it any longer; I couldn't have my rest. I requested for the painkiller.

To my shock, it didn’t come orally. I had to take it up the ass.

In that period, the nurse came in check on my vitals one more time. Or twice. Can’t really remember.

Warning: Vivid description follows. Might be too much information for some of you.

By then, I had taken a look at my bandage. It was just above my groin area and went up 8 centimeters, at a 45 degrees angle.

And my bush had to be shaved to make way. Heh, I felt like a porn star. ;P

Anyway, the whole area hurt. The surrounding skin was red and it extended till my stomach. It felt painful to the touch.

The doctor also removed something that measured about 5cm, called a hyrdrocele (a collection of fluid in the scrotum that surrounds the testicle).

The hydrocele, which measured about 5 cm

Thus, my balls hurt as well. Just the right one. It has turned a shade of purple black. This was due to the surgery affecting some of the nerves, which lead into the testicle.

When morning came, I was assured by the doctor that the bruised testicle was nothing to worry about. I had my doubts, as my genitals was still feeling numb and unresponsive ...

It was also quite difficult for me to pee.

Did I just reveal things I shouldn’t? Oh what the heck, these are just human anatomy and bodily functions. ;P

End of description.

When it was a third into Sunday, a male nurse brought breakfast, which consisted of porridge (hopefully it wasn’t the one promised last night) and two slices of bread.

I just had the bread and a cup of Milo.

Later at ten, I was discharged.

In short, what I can say about my hospital stay was that it was utterly boring. Though it was comfortable and the nurses were warm and friendly, I don’t think I could stand another night in the hospital (the doctor did suggest for me to stay another night if I wanted to).

I stayed in a four-bedded room, which is a misnomer really, as it only had two beds. The hospital has two bedded rooms, which cost about 50% more.

The difference between the two rooms? The latter has a television and a phone. Comfort, hygiene and service wise, they are the same.

I sure hope I won’t be seeing the insides of a ward anytime soon, looking at the ceiling from the bed.

The doctor gave me three weeks of medical leave, which I think is quite excessive. But who am I to argue with the doctor anyway? ;P