Taking a Breath

Summary

Ben's successful dialysis-related surgery brings relief to his partner, who realizes the extent of their tension and concern only after the procedure's success.

Abstract

For the first time in weeks, the author feels a sense of relief following Ben's successful surgery to create an arteriovenous fistula for long-term dialysis. The surgery, which was completed in under an hour, allowed Ben to recover quickly, declining prescription pain medication in favor of over-the-counter Tylenol. The author's anxiety, which had been building up, dissipated upon seeing Ben's resilience, allowing them to finally breathe deeply and fully. This experience underscores the emotional toll that medical procedures can have on loved ones, and the profound impact of a positive surgical outcome.

Opinions

The author expresses a deep sense of relief and a decrease in anxiety after Ben's surgery was completed without major complications.
There is an appreciation for the quick recovery time and Ben's decision to manage his post-surgical pain with simple over-the-counter medication.
The author reflects on their own stress levels, acknowledging that they had been operating in a state of heightened tension and shallow breathing for weeks leading up to the surgery.
The quote from Thich Nhat Hanh suggests a belief in the connection between mind and body, emphasizing the importance of mindfulness and deep breathing for mental and physical well-being.
The overall tone conveys gratitude and a renewed sense of hope for the future, as the successful surgery marks a significant step in Ben's dialysis journey.

Our dialysis story — chapter 11

For the first time in weeks, I feel like I can breathe.

Ben’s surgery yesterday went surprisingly well. By the time we were summoned to the hospital in the late afternoon, his blood pressure was high and his blood sugar was low — thanks to not taking any food, liquids, or medications since 7 am — but he was functioning.

Surgery started at 5:11 pm and was over at 5:56 pm. At 7:00, I was allowed to see him. Eager to go home, he nearly catapulted from the bed when I entered his curtained recovery space. I did the discharge routine with the nurse, helped Ben dress, and we arrived home before 8 pm.

The surgeon joined an artery and vein in his right arm — an arteriovenous fistula — to create a strong conduit for long-term dialysis. Once it heals in about two months, the temporary port that was installed during his hospital stay will be removed.

Although the hospital offered prescription pain medication, Ben declined. He really had no pain, just soreness that responded well to Extra-Strength Tylenol.

His arm is bandaged, but he has full use of it. He has no activity restrictions.

Best part? He feels good and I can breathe again.

I didn’t know how tense and concerned I was about the surgery until it was over and Ben was okay. That’s when I took a deep breath and realized that I’d been breathing shallowly for weeks. Only enough air to keep me alive.

Breathe in deeply to bring your mind home to your body. ~ Thich Nhat Hanh (1926–2022), Vietnamese Buddhist Monk and Author

Our Dialysis Story: