Pre-Op

I had my pre-op appointment today. I was to be at the hospital at 8:30 and I was. The desk didn't open until about 8:35 or 40. I was second in line but when they started to take people back I was the fifth one they called. I was beginning to get a little irritated. About 9 I was finally taken back to begin all the questions, pokes, x-rays, etc. needed before surgery next Thursday. The worst part was drawing the blood. My good vein is in the arm that is sore. I can't straighten it out right now, so they tried the left arm. She got a vein but only a trickle of blood would come out. We finally ended up taking it from my hand--ouch! Then the gown they gave me for the x-ray was about 10 times too small. Is there only one size? I don't think so. The technician gave me a sheet to drape around me on the way to the x-ray room. It was about 11 when I was able to leave.

Now you have to give a deposit for the surgery! Didn't have to do that 4 years ago with the colon surgery. But they want part of the deductible before the procedure. I had to do that with Dr. Burlison last year when I had the D&C. They figured out what the insurance would pay and I had to pay the rest before surgery. Anyway, I left the hospital today with less blood and $200 less than when I arrived. It would be nice if that was all I would have to pay but I am sure that there will be much more. Four years ago I only had to do 10% which ended up with paying less than $80 to the hospital. Now I have to come up with 30%. Good thing I have a CD that is maturing in October.

By this time next week it will all be over and I will be on the road to recovery. I am really expecting to get to come home after only a couple of days if they don't have to make an incision. And then I will take a couple of weeks off and then get back to the library and clothes closet. I won't work too hard but I figure I can sit at those places just as well as I can at home.