Report from the recovery room.

My ear, both in the interior and around the incision behind it, hurts. I've been spitting up bloody phlegm since yesterday morning. And every time I cough, sneeze, or move my head quickly, I feel and hear an almost unbearable buzzing behind my right ear.

The nurse tells me that all of this is to be expected. The pain is mostly controlled by Vicodin, although it has woken me up around 3:00 a.m. each of the past two nights. The blood in my mouth is draining out of my ear, and also coming up from my ventilator-abraded throat, and should go away soon. And the buzzing, apparently, is caused by blood moving around the implant.

Aside from these annoyances, I'm feeling fine. I've been relaxing at home, getting a fair amount of work done, and watching a lot of Veronica Mars on DVD. Because it is so difficult for me to find a comfortable position for sleeping, I'm a little tired and draggy today, so I may take it easier than I did yesterday, when I went out for a walk with my parents in the afternoon.

I am so appreciative of all the cards, flowers, cookies, and blog comments I've received from thoughtful friends and family. My wonderful imaginary internet friends even managed to replicate my bridal bouquet, bringing bountiful color to the house and a great big smile to my face. I'm not a pray-er, myself, but I do believe in the power of good wishes, and I feel very lucky to be receiving such an abundance of those.

Comments

[Jennifer]

I'm SO glad you came through the surgery so well!! Yay!!! I think it's awesome that you'll be activated in just two weeks! I'm so excited for you!
Will keep checking back for more progress reports.... :)