Posted on by LydiaA1614

Surgery is Hard Work

And by that title, I am not referring to the doctors and nurses! As you read this keep in mind that I didn’t even have the surgery. sickdog

Okay, so the day I saw the surgeon and it was decided I should have my hernia repaired, I had a multitude of forms to fill out. Thankfully my hubby was there because my arthritic hands don’t work very well to write, and my fibro brain doesn’t remember anything past my nose! I have cheat sheets but forgot them at home. I think it took a half hour to fill everything out!

Then we waited for the call to find out when my surgery would be. I was given the opportunity of a short wait if I didn’t mind the risk of being bumped for an emergency. So, I had about 10 day’s notice to my surgery date.

During these 1o days, Hubby arranged for the week of the surgery off so he could take me to my pre-op appointments and help with other arrangements.

The day of the pre-op everything was in one building but on three different floors. On the first floor, I had my bloodwork done. Then it was up to the third floor to meet with the nurse and anesthesiologist. The nurse had a whole pile of questions, a lot of which were on the forms I did at the doctor’s office. Thankfully I took my cheat sheets with me this time. But there were still a lot of questions.

When she was done there was time before I could see the doctor so I was sent to the second floor to have and ECG because of my age. I went down but they didn’t have my paper and we thought we were running out of time so we went back up to the third floor. Now, we are not talking about a short walk to the elevators on each floor, everything I needed on the second and third floors was at the far end. All this walking back and forth was tiring me out.

We got back to the pre-op section and were told that we might as well go back down with the form because the doctor was not ready. So, down we went and I had the test. Then it was back upstairs once again. There were just a few minutes to wait this time and the doctor called us in.

Again, a lot of questions, repetition and I was able to talk about my fear of oxygen masks (claustrophobia) and of being put under general anesthetic (losing time).

Finally, we were done and could go home.

So, the next day, Wednesday we went shopping for things that I knew we would need (like cat food) and wouldn’t be going out for over the weekend. We went to Costco as well for a few items.

When we came back, there was a message to call the doctor’s office. I thought it was probably to say it was canceled, but no, it was to say it was now at 2:30 not 12:30.

After dinner, I reviewed my checklist

  • (Evening before surgery)Stop eating solid food at midnight
  • Stop drinking clear fluids four hours before surgery
  • Shower with regular soap and shampoo. Rinse well. Then use one of the provided sponges and rinse well. Dry with a clean towel and put on clean clothes
  • Do not put any other products onto your skin
  • Change all bedding to clean sheets
  • (Day of surgery) Do a second shower with the second sponge, rinse and dry with clean towel, and dress in clean comfortable clothes
  • Brush teeth, tongue, and roof of mouth, rinse with mouthwash
  • Do not put any other products onto your skin
  • Remove all jewelry and piercings. Leave valuables at home.

By the time I got to the hospital I was ready for a nice drugged sleep! But of course, that never happened!

At least next time I know what I am in for. 🙂

Lydia!

34 Replies to “Surgery is Hard Work”

  1. I was super disappointed to find that anesthetic-induced sleep is NOT the same thing as real sleep. I didn’t get enough sleep on the day before my surgery and going under didn’t make me feel any more rested. 😂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Yeah, that’s why I shared it. I don’t ever remember having that for any other surgery. Oh, and TWO antiseptic showers! By the time we drove there and walked through the snow into the building I am sure I was no longer sterile!

      Like

      Reply

  4. I’m sending you lots of good and healing thoughts! I also have a new YouTube channel, I’d love it if you’d be interested in subscribing back. I just posted my newest video on my blog, so just go there for the link.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

      4. I agree, but it is still a lot better than the United States. If we had to pay out of pocket it would be around $100/month for a couple. That covers all doctor fees, hospital stays, lab work, x-ray, treatments such as chemo, etc. Prescriptions are paid after a deductable which is lower if you have extended medical which we do. It pays for a percentage of dental work (all basic work is 100%), physio, even naturopaths!

        Liked by 1 person

  6. Great post…lets hope it goes ahead next time..with all that you have to do. I was in hospital last month and as I live so far away I went there the day before and stayed in a hotel. I had to take some horrible preparation and I was up all night . my worst fear that when I rang at 2pm I would be told I was re scheduled. it was only real when i got to the hospital the next day and was finally put in a gown and given a bed.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  7. Well, it seems am pleasantly surprised, the thoroughness is enchanting, have gone through four surgeries that just happened on me, no emergency though. Where I am, it is like things are just rushed over-just to be done with.

    Like

    Reply

  10. I’ve never had those instructions and I’ve have 32 surgeries. From having my tonsils out to knee surgery and everything in between and never such ridiculous instructions. Blessings to you. I hope when you do have the surgery you feel up to following those instructions, for whatever reason they gave them to you. ~peace

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  11. I remember the two sponges routine. I’ve had five major surgeries and the first four I did not have to do all the things you mentioned. But the last one, about four years ago, I did. A nurse friend told me it is due to C difficile ( not sure of spelling) infections in the hospitals. Best wishes to you for when you do get the surgery.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

Leave a Reply