Had my surgery today...

SirenSongWoman

SirenSongWoman

Cathlete
... for my (formerly) deviated septum. In fact, as the staff was explaining everything that would be done I was surprised to find out my surgeon was actually going to do a lot more than fix my deviated septum... Evidently, A LOT got fixed today (we'll talk on Monday). Listening to the staff talk about my surgeon was hysterical: "He's the best there is... but he's late... AGAIN... He's so sweet and good at what he does... He's late again... We all LOVE him... He's STILL not here?" The first patient cancelled so that put me in the first slot (yeah!) but my surgeon didn't show for a solid hour (glad I brought a book). I knew my surgery was going to be long (2 hours) and I felt sorry for his two other patients, who arrived at the same time and had to wait until they were done with me. I nodded in the direction of the other two patients and said to the nurse "Those Guys are never going to get out of here" to which she replied "Well if the doctor would just get here ON TIME..." I suggested they start lying to him about when his appointments are scheduled: "Tell the patient to be here at 8:00 and tell him the appointment if for 7:00..."

I had two carpal tunnel surgeries and surgery on my left hand, from a car accident, last year and always relied on family to drop me and pick me up, which I didn't want to AGAIN. So this time a very kind co-worker/friend (Patty) did the deed. She'd recently had the surgery and she was so great. When it was all over and I was so out of it all I wanted to do was go straight home and forget about the prescriptions, etc. But she insisted on stopping to get my drugs and thank God she did. And what a sweetie, she got me chicken soup and crackers, too. My face hurts (especially without makeup, buhdum!) and I feel like I have a major sinus headache. My eyes are running and I have so much stuffing in my nose... and it's not coming out 'till Monday morning. Ah, misery. But, when I can REALLY breathe through my nose for the very first time I know it will all have been worth it. Right?

Here's my question: How shall I reward Patty for all her help? I mean, I imposed and pretty much destroyed her off day, which is why I always dread hospital visits. I'm so used to not relying on anyone. If Patty weren't diabetic I'd know how to reward her (chocolate, of course)... flowers die... I was thinking about a gift card to Aldi's, where she loves to grocery shop but a gift card seems kind of dry. I really put her out and want to reward her in a big way. Any suggestions?
 
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First and foremost ~~~~healing vibes~~~~ being sent your way. Here's to a speedy recovery!

How about a planter and the gift card for your friend/co-worker? The planter won't die (unless she doesn't water it:p). Then it isn't quite as "impersonal" as a gift card.

Carrie
 
SSW,

I really hope you feel better soon! I'm sorry to hear you're in pain! :(

With regard to showing your thanks, my "go-to" method has always been a sincere thank you card/letter with a gift card to a restaurant, like $25. I'm one (of the few?) who considers a gift card a "good bet" as far as gifts go because I've gotten some... uh... interesting... gifts in the past. I'm all about providing them the money to spend as they please!
 
This is what friends do so she probably isn't expecting anything. What about you two going out to eat at her favorite place or a gift card to where she could get a little pampering. Hope you fell better.
 
Also sending healing vibes and prayers for monday to come tomorrow! I know how uncomfortable even outpatient surgery can be (had my own go-round in April with the gyno ~ also waited 3 hours for my DR... pesky babies anyway!)

Friends are so important and do for their friends without concern or feelings of imposition. I'm sure you are feeling worse about asking her for help than she was about giving it! :) Your thoughtfulness in thanking your friend (especially now with all that stuffing!) speaks volumes about you too!

I agree, something a bit more personal is in order so... wheels turning here... what about a smelly (in a good way) or suble scented votive candle & some bath salts or bubbles... meaningful and useful to receiver, but inexpensive... (without harm to live plants as I managed to kill an Aloe plant!) I have found some really cool hurricane lamps and candle holders at Ross and even Walmart...

again, best wishes and happy thoughts for your speedy recovery! :)
 
Hope you heal quickly and are fully recovered soon!!

I was going to suggest the exact thing that Carrie suggested...a nice plant with the gift card. A little more personal, but still something she can use.
 
Sorry - I didn't even know you were having surgery. Glad it is over - lots of hugs and wishes for a speedy recovery.

As for the friend, she did it, I'm sure, because she wanted to and therefore is not expecting anything. That said, a kind gesture would mean a lot to her. I like to go to little unique shops and find something fun as a thank you. I have a wall of crosses - that's what people give me - they are from all over the world and all unique. Does she collect anything like that? Does she drink wine? Drink coffee? I would make it something special for her, something she wouldn't do for herself on a daily basis.
 
First of all, I'm glad your surgery was successful and that you're on the road to recovery!

Your friend was really generous and thoughtful. She sounds like a terrific person.

How about a gift certificate for a spa? Someplace that does massages, mani/pedicures, facials, so she can decide to spend it however she likes? There are usually price points for these that would allow a person who likes massages to go for a 45-minute or hour-long massage, OR, if they're not massage people, they can get a bunch of smaller treatments (facial, mani/pedi, foot massage). Someone got me one recently and I thought that was an AWESOME gift.

Lisa
 
Get well soon!!

I hope you have a speedy recovery!! I had a good friend that had that surgery and she said it was worse than her c-section. I think after she had her "packs" out she was 100 times better. Get some rest and I hope you get well soon!!! She did say it was worth it but the first few days are pure HE!!

As for your friend, I know some say gift cards are impersonal but given the tough economic times that are affecting all of us (on various levels) she may really need/want the extra $$s if you have it to spare. Could you maybe make something inexpensive to accompany the gift card like a handmade card, soup, diabetic cookies, casserole, etc.? That way she has something she really needs and something special.
 
glad things went well and hopes for a speedy recovery. i would get a thoughtful(or make one) card with a little gift card. just something that says "thanks and little something to treat yourself". i never thought of gift cards as impersonal when you add a little something like a homemade card that really expresses your feelings for them being there for you.

kassia
 
I hope you heal quickly and with minimum discomfort. Yes, it will be totally worth it when you breathe through your nose again!

I'd gift something based on what I know of her hobbies and likes. Does she like reading - then a book in a genre / by a author she likes. Perhaps a pretty trinket like earrings if she wears that kind of thing. Maybe even a nice thank you lunch or dinner if she likes your company (which seems likely since she came to help you). Amazon gift cards or store gift cards are a nice fallback when you dont know the person's tastes. They can buy what they like.

Once again, healing vibes.
 
I remember you asking questions about this surgery! My sis had it done and is very, very happy with the results and said she would do it over in a heartbeat! So all you need to do it get through the recovery :D Hope your weekend speeds by!

You said your friend also had the surgery, so she knew how important and wonderful having someone there to help out is! I love giftcards, but also love the person's suggestion to take your friend out for a meal and maybe a small gift w/card to thank her. Does she like to bake? You said she was diabetic. I have a great cookbook (sweets and goodies :p) called "The Big Book of Diabetic Desserts: Decandent and Delicious Recipes Perfect for People with Diabetic". Good luck!
 
Hope you're feeling better today and recovery is going well...

As for a gift, maybe Movie Tickets? I love the movies! Or maybe a GC to amazon.com? SO much to get there, and you can get it delivered TO your home.
 
Best wishes for a speedy recovery! I think the most delightful gifts are the ones that involve some kind of luxury item or service you would never buy for yourself. Or, of course, after you're feeling better, you can take her out to dinner. That's always a welcome treat!
 
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