The mass (otherwise fondly referred to as the “Zebracorn”)  was not specifically attached to the stomach or small intestine but on a vascular pedicle (like a skin tag) to the stomach.  They had to make a small cut in the stomach to remove that.  Otherwise, Dr. O. said it was right there waiting for her when she made the incision and she scooped it out.  She describes it as the consistency of jello.  (if this is too much info, stop reading at any time – it’s not going to get any better!!).  So, back to the hospital room……I wake up and it’s hard to swallow.  Hurts like severe strep throat with a golf ball sized wad of mucous (told you it wasn’t getting any better!!!) stuck in my throat.  I’m literally gagging, choking, whining.  I’m told I have an NG tube.  Short for nasogastric but I say short for “no good”!!   I was assured that the result of not having it would be much worse than the short term discomfort.   I immediately offered $20 to remove it.  No such luck.  Have to keep it in to drain stomach since they had to make a small cut and stapled it.  Without the tube, I’d be throwing up.  The thought of that was definitely, most very definitely, disturbing.  Thanks to the epidural, I could barely feel the long incision in my abdomen, but that tiny tube in my nose and throat draining out my stomach contents was going to be the end of me.  Within a couple of days, the foley catheter was out, the O2 was discontinued, the epidural was removed (replaced by IV Dilaudid) and I was walking the halls with determination (and assistance). But that terrible, awful tube was still in there and I was up to offering $350 in bribes.  I whined like a baby and they all gracefully validated my moaning.  A few RN’s even had to push it back down in when it would sneak out a bit and I could tell they felt just awful about having to do that.  Evidently, it’s not fun on either side of the NG tube.  On day four, it finally came out.  Praise Jesus and all the angels.  I felt a freedom that I can’t explain.  I felt like healing could really, truly begin!!  I have had the most amazing care.  I’ve met nightshift aides and nurses that I’ve never met before.  Everyone is wonderful.  Seriously, wonderful.  So many departments are involved in patient care, including those most don’t think about……like, Materials/Supply!!  Although I will never feel the same about stocking those NG tubes now that I know how they feel!