Interview: Jack Olmsted's Hernia Surgery
Post Surgery Work Station
Introduction:
Undergoing surgery is always a significant experience, and for Jack, his bilateral inguinal hernia repair at the Surgery Center of Silverdale was no exception. On April 1, 2025, also known as April Fools' Day, Jack Olmsted faced the procedure with a mix of preparation, anxiety, and curiosity. In this conversation his bother Rob, Jack shares his journey from pre-op to post-op, detailing his experience with the medical team, the effects of anesthesia, and the initial stages of recovery. His insights provide a firsthand look at what patients can expect and how to prepare for such a procedure.
Pre-Surgery Experience
Rob Olmsted: How did you sleep the night before surgery?
Jack Olmsted: I only got about two hours of sleep. Our puppy, Poppy, was outside howling with the neighborhood dogs, and it took me over an hour to get her back in. Then I woke up at 1 a.m. with anxiety and couldn't sleep until around 5 a.m. I got another hour of sleep before waking up at 6 a.m. and staying up for the rest of the day.
Rob: What time did you arrive at the surgery center?
Jack: I checked in at 10:30 a.m. It’s not a hospital but an independent surgery center. The surgeon, who owns a stake in the facility, works on his schedule. I found out he’s going on vacation next week to the Caribbean!
Pre-Op Preparation
Rob: What happened once you arrived?
Jack: I went to the pre-op room, changed into a gown, and got an IV. I chatted with three nurses before the anesthesiologist arrived. They gave me an antibiotic intravenously. Then I walked down the hall to the operating room, where three masked and gowned staff members were waiting. They positioned my body, and that’s the last thing I remember before waking up in the recovery room.
Surgery and Immediate Aftermath
Rob: What was the actual surgery like?
Jack: I was under anesthesia for about an hour and a half. I only remember being in the operating room and then waking up in the recovery room, fidgeting. The surgery was open, not robotic, and the surgeon said my hernias were larger than expected.
Rob: How was your pain level after surgery?
Jack: Surprisingly minimal. I didn’t feel sharp pain—more like an itch or raw sensation. Right now, I’d rate my pain at a one or two out of ten. I know I’m still under the effects of the medication, but so far, it’s manageable.
Rob: How long were you at the surgery center after the procedure?
Jack: I was there for about five hours in total. Once I was cleared, my wife, Christina, came to pick me up. The doctor called her to let her know when I was ready.
Recovery and Post-Op Instructions
Rob: What were the surgeon’s instructions for your recovery?
Jack: I can’t lift more than 20 pounds for six weeks. Other than that, he gave general guidance. I had already done my own research, so I felt prepared. I have a follow-up appointment on April 14 to check on my recovery. The doctor is very accessible, though he’ll be on vacation next week.
Rob: How are you managing your recovery at home?
Jack: I prepared ahead of time. I have a walker, a cane, pillows, a bed table, water, and my medications all set up. I even have a pan nearby in case I get nauseous. I knew I’d be groggy, so I made sure everything was within reach.
Rob: Are you able to walk around yet?
Jack: Barely. When I got out of the car, I had to lift my legs with my hands. It took me five to ten minutes to walk from the car to the house—a trip that normally takes 20 seconds. I’m moving like an old man, slow and careful.
The Need for Surgery
Rob: Did you really need the surgery now, or could you have waited?
Jack: It wasn’t a question of if, but when. My hernias had grown significantly since last year. In March 2024, the surgeon could barely find them. But after two severe bouts of coughing in early 2025, they got worse, causing pain. I couldn’t wear my hernia belt anymore. I knew I had to get it done before it became an emergency.
Rob: Could you have opted for robotic surgery?
Jack: I could have, but my surgeon advised against it due to potential complications. I wanted a straightforward procedure, so I went with open surgery. The surgeon made two five-inch incisions and placed a mesh to repair the hernias.
Final Thoughts
Rob: How do you feel about your surgeon and the staff?
Jack: Everyone was fantastic. The receptionist even told me she had her daughter operated on by my surgeon and highly recommended him. The whole team was kind, reassuring, and professional. The surgeon himself took the time to talk with me before the procedure, and we even chatted about his upcoming Caribbean cruise. It made the whole experience more personal and less stressful.
Rob: What’s next for you in recovery?
Jack: I’ll start with small movements and light walking indoors. Once I regain some strength, I’ll gradually increase my activity. I’ll check in with my surgeon on the 14th and follow his guidance. For now, I’m taking it easy and letting my body heal.
Rob: Any final thoughts?
Jack: If you have a hernia, don’t wait too long to get it repaired. Mine got worse due to coughing, and I don’t want to imagine how bad it could have gotten. I’m relieved I got it done, and I’m grateful for the great care I received. Now, it’s just about getting through recovery one day at a time.
Hernia Posts About Jack's Journey
This song was created from the above interview. Click the title to listen to the song:
April Fools Silverdale Surgery Jam (Hair Medal)
Verse 1
Yo, it’s April Fools’, twenty-twenty-five,
Jack rolled to the center to get back his vibe.
Bilateral hernias, messin’ with his groove,
But the Silverdale squad had the moves to improve!
Chorus
Jack’s on the mend, shout out to his friends,
Surgery Center Silverdale, where the love never ends.
Dr. Wixted and the crew, they’re the best around,
Jack’s bouncing back, hear that happy sound!
Verse 2
Debbie at check-in, with a grin so bright,
Made Jack feel chill, everything’s alright.
She set the tone, said, “You’re in good care,”
Welcomed him smooth, like she’s always there.
Briana in pre-op, cool as can be,
Kept Jack calm, set his mind free.
Talked him through it, step by step with flair,
Prep so tight, he knew they’d repair!
Verse 3
Jessica’s touch, gentle and sweet,
Kept Jack steady, couldn’t be beat.
Emily’s strength, lifting him high,
Support so real, she’s that ride-or-die.
Jennifer’s kindness, a comforting glow,
Made Jack feel loved, helped the good vibes flow.
Sarah L.’s warmth, like sunshine each day,
Brightened his world in every way.
Ryan’s the man, always on deck,
Had Jack’s back, no need to check!
Verse 4
Dr. Wixted stepped up, skills so tight,
Fixed those hernias, made it all right.
Precision on point, he’s the surgery king,
Now Jack’s got wings, hear his spirit sing!
Chorus
Jack’s on the mend, shout out to his friends,
Surgery Center Silverdale, where the love never ends.
Dr. Wixted and the crew, they’re the best around,
Jack’s bouncing back, hear that happy sound!
Bridge
From the door to the table, they were all in sync,
Care so dope, made Jack blink.
Compassion and hustle, they brought the heat,
Turned a tough day into a victory beat!
Verse 5
Now Jack’s at home, taking it slow,
Walker and cane, but he’s stealing the show.
Each little step, he’s feeling so grand,
Thanks to the love from that Silverdale band!
Verse 6
Six weeks out, he’ll be back in the game,
Pickleball courts, calling his name.
For now, he’s chillin’, soaking up the win,
Grateful for the team that fixed him within!
Final Verse
Silverdale's finest, they rose to the test,
Dr. Wixted led, with the crew at their best.
Their care and their skill, made Jack's worries cease,
Turned a tough day into a moment of peace.
Now Jack's on the mend, feeling fresh and alive,
Thanks to the team, he's ready to thrive!
A Conversation with My Brother and the Songs That Followed
Reflections on Surgery, Support, and Songwriting from an April Fool’s Day to Remember
Introduction:
In this heartfelt segment of the recording, Jack recounts a post-surgery phone conversation with his brother and the creative journey that emerged from it. The discussion, which begins as a simple interview about his experience, blossoms into two original songs—one a gentle folk tune and the other a hair metal version—both paying tribute to the nurses, staff, and surgeon who cared for him. Jack's story, layered with emotion, humor, and gratitude, unfolds between the lines of memory and melody.
Interview with Brother and Songs
Jack described how a casual phone call with his brother in Oklahoma turned into a meaningful “interview” about his recent surgery. “When I got back from surgery, I was at home, and I called him up,” Jack said. “I asked, ‘Can you record this conversation?’ and he said, ‘Oh yeah, okay.’ So I recorded the conversation, and that became the interview.” During their talk, Jack recounted what he experienced on April Fool’s Day, 2025—the day of his surgery. His brother asked him questions, and Jack responded candidly, sharing what the night before and the day of the operation were like.
Inspired by this conversation, Jack created a song titled April Fool Silverdale Surgery Jam. It appears at the bottom of the page where the interview is posted. In addition to the original version, there’s also a more humorous “hair metal” rendition for listeners who enjoy a different vibe. Jack explained that in the lyrics—particularly in verses two and three—he includes the names of the nurses who helped him. After returning home, he received a thank-you card from the staff, with all their first names signed. Touched by their kindness, he wove their names into the song as a way of honoring them.
He recalled one moment vividly: “Debbie checked me in, and she had a grin so bright,” he said. “She really helped me feel like everything was going to be all right.” Debbie shared with Jack that her daughter’s birthday was also on April 1st, which struck an emotional chord for him. She had even recommended the surgeon, reassuring Jack with her confidence in his skills and reputation.
The night before surgery had been rough. Jack was alone at home—his wife had gone to stay at his son's house to take care of their dog, while his son was away skiing. That evening, Jack had trouble getting the family’s new puppy back inside the house. Despite all his efforts—treats, coaxing, yelling, not yelling—the dog wouldn’t come in. “She was out from around 10 to 11:30,” he said. “I only got maybe two hours of sleep. I was already nervous, and that didn’t help.”
The next morning, his wife returned home around 8:00 a.m. They walked the dogs, then left at 9:15 to get to the surgery center by 10:30. Everything that followed—the warm welcome, the reassuring words from Debbie, the smooth check-in process—helped Jack begin to feel a sense of calm.
He didn’t just stop with one song. Jack also wrote a second one dedicated to his surgeon, Dr. Wickstead. “If you’re interested, you can go listen to that song, too,” he added, referencing where it could be found. “They’re all very catchy tunes,” he said with a smile. As the segment wrapped up, the interviewer asked if there were any questions, but none were needed—Jack’s story, through words and song, spoke volumes.
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