Steve,
So sorry to hear that Claire had the reaction to anesthesia, but it's good they've been keeping here somewhat sedated because that is giving her body a little bit more time to heal before she's fully aware of any possible frustrations. That extra healing time is good for her because I think she may be a little stronger a few days post-op than she would have felt if she'd been alert the first day post-op and have to face the news about the change in procedure type.
When I read Wendy's post where she mentioned Claire being thrust into menopause, it reminded me of something I experienced during my hospital stay that I didn't figure out until I was about to be discharged. For days and days I kept having the nurse's or whom ever to change the setting on the thermostat, and I couldn't figure out why they couldn't keep the temperature at a constant level for me. First I'd be freezing, and not long after I would be having to take the covers off, and even my robe. Of course I finally figured out it was because of the hysterectomy, and it didn't have anything to do with the hospital heating/cooling system. So finally here comes my suggestion and it's something I would have taken along with me had I thought about it, and that is a hand fan. I actually make fans that I used to use when my son played in the youth baseball program in our community, because here in Alabama it can be in the 100 degree range before the beginning of June. They always had our teams name on them and all the boys names, etc., it was lots of fun. You can possibly find something like what I'm talking about as some businesses hand them out to customers, like funeral homes, banks, athletic concerns. I don't know if things would be the same there as here, but you might ask someone. Whether or not you find a fan, just being able to tell her why she goes from being hot to being cold in a matter of minutes may help her. I was certainly frustrated myself, but once I realized the cause I had to laugh because I hadn't figured it out earlier. I think dealing with a surgical procedure and knowing you have cancer is a lot to have going on in your brain and not understanding some of the other things is understandable, but finding the answer makes you realize you're not nuts!
Don't hesitate to ask the hospital staff, doctors, nurse's etc., any questions you might have, the only stupid question is the one you don't ask. Ask them for emotional support for Claire as well, especially since she's had the reaction, and also the change from the expected procedure. They're there to help both of you, but you have to ask for it.
Tell Claire we're all pulling for her to have a speedy recovery, even though the beginning of it has been rough. We've got you both in our prayers and we know where you're coming from, maybe not blow for blow but we've been there.
God Bless,
Lou
