Adam and Penny Lain Hensley

I have an absolute phobia of needles and doctors. I spent months in therapy to overcome this fear. I did not overcome it, instead I now have ways to cope with this phobia. After years of back pain, not being able to wear certain clothes, and being very disproportional, I had a breast reduction. 

Last Tuesday, we checked into Fort Sutter Surgery Center. The nurses were amazing with accommodating my crazy ways to cope with my fear. I was taken back quickly and given my gown to change into. Next the nurse put lidocaine cream on my hand where the IV would be inserted. I must add that the entire time, I was wearing sunglasses. Those awful lights set off anxiety attacks for me and I have found that sunglasses prevent these attacks. While waiting for the cream to numb the surface area, the nurses brought Adam back. I quickly realized I did not pack my iPod with my ocean sounds. There was a lot going on in the pre-op area and I began getting quite anxious. Adam had his iPad but it did not have my ocean sounds on it. I chose our Mardi Gras playlist. Instantly, I calmed down! Adam and I began talking about our trip to New Orleans. By the time the nurse came to insert the IV, Adam and I were in full force reminiscing about our favorite city. I could slightly feel the needle go in and began doing my breathing techniques while Adam continued talking about NOLA.

Here I am waiting to be taken into the OR

Once the IV was in, my surgeon and anesthesiologist both came to get my consent for what seemed like the hundredth time! Next thing I knew, I was being wheeled into the operating room. I moved from the gurney onto the operating table and that's the last thing I remember.

I woke up in the recovery room very out of it and in lots of pain. The nurse was right by my side giving me ice chips, pieces of crackers, and apple juice. After being given morphine through my IV and taking a few pain pills, they allowed Adam back. After keeping the crackers and juice down, I changed back into my clothes with lots of help and was moved to the wheel chair. Adam and the nurse got me into the car and we headed home. Once the morphine wore off, the pain meds were not helping me sleep. The doctor tried 2 other meds, one made me sick and the other caused me to break out in a massive rash. 

Here I am with my childhood stuffed animal sleeping.

We couldn't keep Tucker and Otis from being right by me.