So I had this hernia surgery almost a week ago. Honestly, the thing I feared the most was the possibility of the medical personnel failing to recognize that I never respond to my first name, Jon, in the manner as it happened in 1972, when I did not respond in the recovery room after surgery to remove impacted wisdom teeth. So, I made sure everyone knew, and my ID bracelet showed the right name this time. I felt prepared, comfortable with the surroundings at Englewood Hospital, and with the personnel involved.
The first day at home really went well. I was writing emails and pursuing “business as usual” from home. I didn’t have a lot of pain because I took the medications as directed. But what I didn’t realize was the side effects of the oxycodone would really do a number on me. Beyond the constipation and related incontinence, the buildup of the drug over 5 days created a severe depression for me. I didn’t see it coming, and wasn’t able to acknowledge it until my friend, Nancy, pointed out that it’s not uncommon. I guess I need to read up more about these things. But, it did raise a lot of questions in my mind regarding the thousands of people who are treated every day across the nation, many like me, who unknowingly experience side-effects they do not expect or can readily acknowledge. Scarey stuff — especially for someone like me, who is definitely not accustomed to dealing with these kinds of thoughts.
In the meantime, even through my “fog,” I’ve been busy trying to stay caught up with school correspondence, the away marching band performance over the weekend (a big thank you to Matt Bilyk, my adjunct faculty, and parents, who took charge), the reworking of my websites, and Scrabble.
I’m pointing this out only because I’m not the greatest Scrabble player. But I happen to play with some really great players. My friend, Cathy Vitale, is a terrific player, and apparently she juggles a number of games, Scrabble and otherwise, on a daily basis. I’ve lost the last couple games to her by overwhelming scores. I just had to take a moment to point out the current match, where I’m currently leading by almost 100 points. Like the old Northwestern cheer (“Watermelon, watermelon, watermelon rind, the ‘Cats are ahead, the other team behind . . . “), I had to take a moment to gloat without shame. It may be my one and only chance! Sorry, Cathy — but thank you!
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