for the surgery. Just when you think you "know" what's going to happen, you don't really know what they will be doing.
When they called me into the pre-op that wonderful morning, I had no clue what to expect. They had me strip down and put on that wonderfully fashionable hospital gown, and into bed.
Oops. I forgot to take my ring off. I dropped it off to my wife, and jumped back in bed. They then noticed I had an ear stud. I even had to take that off. So boys and girls, be sure you have EVERYTHING off before you go in.
A nurse came in and started an IV on the back of my hand, took a blood sample, injected the first medication to relax me, and hooked me up with a bag of of saline solution.
Next, the anesthesiologist came in and introduced himself, and gave a brief description of what he will be doing. Next, the surgeons nurse came in and introduced himself, and what his role in the surgery will be. They then put a cap over my head, laid the bed down, and we headed for the OR.
The OR was very brightly lit -and COLD! Everyone was in their place, making final preparations for this mornings activities. They moved the bed next to the operating table, and slid me over. The one thing I didn't expect - they pulled out arm supports and strapped me down!
Yeah, that made me a bit uneasy at first until they explained why (now I know how Braveheart could have felt at the end of the movie!)
The surgeon came in, said good morning and asked if I was ready. Here I am strapped down on the operating table, and he's asking if I'm ready?!
He verifies who I am and what I'm there for (hey, wouldn't want to end up without my appendix, instead of gastric bypass!)
The anesthesiologist looked down at me, and kept telling me what he was doing, right down to placing the mask over my mouth and nose, instructing me to breath deeply. He had me count from 10 backwards. I think I got to seven and don't remember a bloody thing!
The next thing I know, I'm in a bed in the recovery room, and a bit sore. I open my eyes and there was my son and wife sitting there smiling at me.
Then, two more days in the hospital. I could have gone home after day 2, but nooooo - my white cell count wouldn't go down, so I had to stay an extra loooong booooring day.
I'm sure your day will be as exciting as mine! Heck, you'll be sleeping anyway - and believe me, you'll be doing a lot of that for the next 24 hours or so - that is, until they wake you up every few hours to check your vitals, take blood, and all that other fun stuff!
Relax and enjoy the ride - at least what you can remember of it!
You Can Never Really Be Prepared ...
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