Tuesday, August 29, 2006

I can't smoke today. Nor can I drink alcohol. Again. For the third time, I am on a pre-surgery diet of NO FUN. I am "banded," as the phlebotomist called it, where my blood is typed and screened and ready just in case I need a transfusion. Which I shouldn't. But, you know, just in case.

I've been to the hospital here more in the past two months than I thought I would ever visit it in my life. I'm starting to recognize, and be recognized by, people. Today, I was helped by a nurse who was there with me on my first pre-admission appointment, my second pre-admission appointment (when my first surgery didn't happen), and now today. "No offense," I smiled to her as I left, "but I hope I don't have to see you again. Here, anyway."

She smiled and rested her soft, chubby hand on my arm. "Me too, honey. Me too. Good luck tomorrow. Again."

After I left, the hospital called my cell phone to tell me to come in at noon tomorrow for the operation. "Now," said the new nurse over the phone, "that doesn't mean you'll get in for your surgery at that point. We just need you to come in, and get an IV in you. Since you can't eat after midnight." Great. So I could be waiting to get in for my half-hour (prep and cleanup INCLUDED) procedure until four in the afternoon. I was hoping that, because this particular rendez-vous with my doc will be quick and incision free, maybe they could squeeze me in first. No such luck.

And, even though the surgery part of this sucks, I'm glad I'm getting it done this way. Because, yes, I could get it done in the doctor's office, with just local anesthesia. But then I could hear, see and smell what they would be doing to my cervix. And I don't want that. I want a nice, deep, unconscious sleep and get it overwith.

So I won't be posting tomorrow. But I invite you to read below this post for a long one I put up today. I hope it sort of makes up for my absence. I'll see you all on Thursday.

7 comments:

Michele said...

I hope all goes well tomorrow.

Anonymous said...

Ask the hospital for a "Frequent Flyer" armband or something...might save you a few bucks on that next medical bill!

Again, L, we'll be thinking of you. Get back soon!

Unknown said...

Yes, I'm glad you're getting it done that way too, rather than allowing Billy to try and fix your cervix! (sorry, I hated people making me laugh after surgery, it hurts!)

Jasika said...

thinking of you - I may even throw in a few sympathy pains. I'll let you know ;)

xoxo

Pandora Wilde said...

Hugs and candles lit with wishes for the best

Liz said...

Will be thinking of you tomorrow.

I really think that hospitals need to institute frequent flyer miles or something.

Tiffany said...

Here's hoping you have a great dinner Thursday night complete with booze AND cigs!!