Surgery 2.0 - Expanded

Alas, the long awaited day arrived.  Preps for doctor visit and subsequent registration were somehow able to fit in one morning.

Some good news - according to doc, I've healed from the surgery performed about a month ago.  This opened the door for the next one.

After getting the go-ahead from the doc, I made my way to the hospital to pre-register.  Having gone through this process prior, I thought I knew what to expect: The obligatory blood work (which I detest), and yet some things new.  An EKG, and a nurse consultation making absolutely sure where I stand on allergies, medication, prior medical problems, etc.

A sidebar: The twitpic I posted showing the needle was actually kind of interesting for the nurse.  I explained I was on twitter and wanted to show some of what was going on to my followers (Ala, pics or it didn't happen).  She heeded my request of "posing" without actually sticking me so I could take the snap-shot.  Whereby afterwards, I told her to keep that way while I turned aside and that then she could proceed.  By the way, the picture looked more menacing than the experience.

The EKG took longer to hook me up than the actual exam.  In the end, both the nurse and I concluded I was alive. =o)

Next, was the nurse consultation which tested my patience a bit as it took a while for that to happen. As I waited in the lobby, it wasn't long before an older woman sitting next to me began a conversation.  It was clearly evident she was apprehensive about her particular ordeal and a little jittery.  Hell, I was (and still am a bit jittery) - who isn't? - but, in her case, you could see it in her eyes that she was looking for comfort and just someone to calm her and offer reassurance.

She told me that they were going to remove her gallbladder, and even went through the trouble of looking in her purse to show me the papers.  Now, I'm no stranger to surgeries.  This upcoming one will be my fourth.  Years ago, I had my gallbladder removed, so I felt at ease in calming her down and explaining that in my case, all went well and that post-op pain was minimal.  You could almost see this virtual weight lift from her, and a brightness fill her face.  Moments before, she was sitting idly, dwelling on what I'm sure was a desperate and anxious moment in her life. And now, a complete stranger has given her hope and confirmation that as serious as the procedure may sound, one does recover and and life goes on.

A few moments later, her ride arrived, and she was preparing to leave.  As she got up from her chair, she said "thank you", and we wished each other luck.

I'm glad I was able to give someone the help they were looking for.  This surgery promises to be a bit more involved with more recovery time required - which is to say, it won't be a 4 day rest and then head to work kind, like my last one.

On Tuesday sometime, as I prepare - my heartbeat will be racing, my blood pressure will be high, and I'll be nervous, shaky and anxious.  But, I'll remember this experience with this older lady, and put my words to use in hopes that the taste of my own verbal medicine will serve to calm me as well.