Kong's Recovery Reveals An Unexpected Trauma

Olive: How is your recovery?

Kong: Really good. Almost zero pain from the surgery in the last week. The only problem is the gum damage caused by the breathing tube.

Olive: I can see some swelling, can you explain.

Kong: I mentioned to the on call anesthesiologist that I could have nausea after being under. The next day when my surgery happened, I feel like I was molested.

Olive: I am so sorry, can you tell us how?

Kong: I had been in overwhelming pain for the night - but cancer tests had to be done and I agree with that decision. When the anesthesiologist for the surgery came on, he was a condescending older man who didn't listen.

Olive: How so?

Kong: He gave me something to "dry up" any liquids that could cause me nausea. Fine. But immediately I felt like I was choking on my own dry tongue. I called out that it was too dry and could barely speak. I felt like I might die. He chuckled and said in an amused voice that it was all under ok and not to worry. I remember trying to say that there was no way he could put a tube in my mouth/throat - but I doubt he heard more than 'mmm' because my mouth was fused in a way I can't explain. It was so dry it had become a solid. I couldn't breath. They gave me the big sleep medicine and I went under, feeling like I was suffocating.

Olive: That is so traumatic. How are you now?

Kong: When I woke up, I felt like I had glue in my throat and coughed up blood clots for days. My mouth has been traumatized like you wouldn't believe. Bleeding lips, gouged gum tissue and possibly some tooth damage. I can barely eat because of the pain from gum damage on one side and I am 2 weeks out. My dentist said most gum damage heals in a few days, unless it is very deep.

Olive: It sounds like your anesthesiologist did not listen to you.

Kong: He was one of those "yes sweetie" pat you on the head types. I feel very traumatized from the experience with this anesthesiologist.

Olive: I am so very sorry for your experience.

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