I had a robotic scarcoppopexy surgery at SJHMC. The doctors informed my husband that I had come through surgery with flying colors and said I would be out of recovery in 2-3 hours. My husband and son went to have breakfast and came back. They were getting very concerned when I did not come back to the floor. When I was brought to the floor they were shocked by my appearance. My husband said my coloring was pale and then turned gray. Alex was the nurse on duty and did the assessments.
My husband said he asked him if I was on oxygen at home. My husband said "No" he next asked if I took pain pills. My husband said "never".
My son was talking to me and asking me questions. I remember having difficulty talking and getting a deep breath of air. He said I mumbled, "I am just too tired to talk." Alex kept testing the pulse ox peter on my finger. My husband said my face was gray and my fingers were turning gray. I was on O2. My husband said, "I'm getting concerned this is not like Judy". Alex said, "I'm getting concerned too". And my husband thinks Alex called a "code" because a bunch of people came in the room.
I remember Alex saying to me, "I know what is going on. You are reacting to the drugs and anesthetic in your system and I'm going to give you a shot."
I remember nothing after that but I could feel myself "drifting away". My husband said when the staff came in. Alex gave them directions to keep me awake and keep working with me; he would be "right back".
The staff kept talking to me, rubbing my arms, shaking me trying to keep me awake.
Alex was back in no time. My husband said he told me he had a shot of Narcan that would take the drugs out of my system, was that okay? My husband said I weakly nodded my head "yes". Within a matter of seconds, my husband said my eyes blinked open. Within minutes, I was fully awake and answering Alex's questions. I was told later that it was a mental test (status) and I had passed with flying colors! My husband said the staff was so happy. He said they all were wonderful.
The doctor from recovery came up and said maybe he should have kept me in recovery longer. But we think it was a good thing I came to the floor and Alex recognized what the problem was. His fast thinking and timely actions saved my life!
As Alex explained to me the next day, since I was not used to taking pain medication (I rarely take a Tylenol, nothing stronger) when a normal amount was given, it affected me like an overdose. Without his accurate assessment and quick action, I would not be here to enjoy so many wonderful moments there past 8 months. Alex is my hero.