On April 13, 2011...

Hi Randa,
I've been following your husband's posts with interest as my surgery is next week, April 21. I am glad to hear you are doing so well and am amazed how quick your surgery was. I have a question. I was surprised to hear that you were actually awake while the breathing tube was in. This is a big concern for me. How did that feel and how did you react to that? All the best wishes for a very speedy recovery.
Ruth Howell

Randa Gaalswijk Hi Ruth - I have been following your posts as well. Glad the pet sitter issue worked out. In hindsi ... Read more

Randa Gaalswijk Hi Ruth - I have been following your posts as well. Glad the pet sitter issue worked out. In hindsight, the breathing tube was probably the most interesting part of the whole surgery day.

I had told them I don't want to wake up on the tube and they notes i had HIGH levels of anxiety in general. The surgery went well and I am told they tried to take the tube out about 1 pm and I went a little crazy. I do not remember any of this. They had to call the Anestesthia guy back in (Who I had befriended the night before at your suggestion) and he gave me some more drugs that put me in a twilight state. From that point on they let my husband and brother in the room and apparently that seemed to have a calming effect on me. So I do not remember much - but I do know the tube was there, I was very aware of the date and time and my family being around. My brother was right next to me trying to communicate for me. It did not hurt - just was uncomfortable. Apparently I was breathing on my own and it could have come out any time, but they had to calm me down enough to make sure it would come out OK. Finally - when they felt I was settled, they pulled it out - which was honestly - very quick and not really painful. It has taken my voice a few days to recover. But overall - it was OK.
Once the tube was out - about 5 pm, My family stayed and I remember the TV being on and talking, my son calling - sort of random memories- but I did go in and out of sleep. My Friday morning, the next day - Mentally - I was on target!

Just make sure you let them know how anxious you are and make sure someone who has a calming effect on you in near by. You will do great!

Randa

On April 13, 2011...

Randa,
It's so great to hear that you are doing well and that all of the anxiety and fear is behind you. I'm sure it feels great to be home and moving around, and the boys can enjoy spending time with you. You've got a great support group there, so don't forget to accept their help as you continue to gain your strength! We love you and are so proud of you...you did it!!!
Take care,
Jenny

On April 13, 2011...

We are glad you are home. Take care and rest well since your job as a wife and mother will completely take over again soon. As you know is the hardest and yet most satisfying job in the world! We are happy that you are doing well and recovering quickly! Lou & Cathi Varni

On April 13, 2011...

Randa, this was an excellent "read" for me while sitting through a second day of IM training. I was thrilled for you to know that there is a sense of normalcy in the Gaalswijk household this week. You posting your own journal today is evidence of how far you have come in such a short time. I jave training for the rest of the day today and also tomorrow but we will catch up live soon. I think about you off and on all the time. Take care of yourself! Fondly, Jeannie

On April 13, 2011...

Randa - I knew you were a tough broad....but now we have evidence of that!!!! So very thrilled to hear of your progress and recovery. Keep up the wonderful attitude!!! You go girl.
Jan

On April 11, 2011...

Congratulations on a successful surgery Randa. I am so glad you are doing well. take care and rest when you get home. NO cooking, cleaning, laundry, and anything else that isn't in the fine print. My husband would also notice that, although he cooks a majority of the time. lol I;m glad your husband still has a sense of humor after all this. :)
Rest,
Stacy

On April 11, 2011...

Yeah! Enjoy the walks. (I'm sorry I can't stop by to take one with you;) Eating your regular food will make you feel 100x better/stronger, too. I remember that distinctly when I got home from my 1st surgery.

Take it easy,
Larry

On April 11, 2011...

Randa and family - Congrats on a successful surgery - happy to see the positive updates on the site and so glad to hear everything you are homeward bound. Bet you can't wait to get home and squeeze those boys whenever you want!

Take care and take it easy!

Lauren

On April 11, 2011...

Randa, Cornel & Family,

CONGRATS on a successful surgery! I will keep praying for a speedy recovery.

Victor

On April 11, 2011...

Yaaaay!!! Have safe travels home and take good care so Randa can have a painless and quick recovery!!!

On April 11, 2011...

Cornel,
Thank you for all the updates...What great news! Randa is a trouper, way to go.

If you like we could see if we can make arrangements with the hospital to have food delivered to you. LOL.

Will keep the prayers coming.
Elaine

On April 10, 2011...

Hi Randa,
Glad to hear things are going so well.
Bet you can,t wait to get home.
Will be in touch.

Joe W

On April 10, 2011...

So glad you are progressing so well, Randa! Looking forward to having you back in Granby soon!

Beth and Steve

On April 10, 2011...

Randa
We were surprised to learn of your illness from John's Facebook but heartened to hear the good news of your great progress. Wish you a full and speedy recovery. You and you family are in our prayers. G-D bless. Elly & Steve

On April 10, 2011...

Great news! Can't wait to have her home!!!!

Steff

On April 9, 2011...

Hi Randa,
Glad to hear of your progress.Just as anticipated.
You will have that ice cream sunday soon enough.
May it be the best one ever made by a DQ.
All the best
Keith

On April 9, 2011...

Randa,

Praying for a quick recovery and that the Lord would be near to you and your family!

God Bless,
Bethann Morton

On April 9, 2011...

Wish you a speedy recovery

Hani

On April 9, 2011...

Glad to hear you are continuing your recovery at an amazingly fast pace...I wouldn't expect anything less!!! Also glad to hear the boys made it to see you today! Hope you enjoyed Justin's card. He, of course, directed us all in exactly what he wanted it to say and look like. Sound familiar??!!

Best wishes for continued "speedy recovery!!!"

Doreen

Randa Gaalswijk Hi Doreen - Apparently one nurses asked Cornel what I did for work as I was quite directive in my car ... Read more

Randa Gaalswijk Hi Doreen - Apparently one nurses asked Cornel what I did for work as I was quite directive in my care. :)

I wonder where Justin gets it from ???

LOVED THE CARD!

Randa