I have tried to put together a narrative of what I expect for tomorrow. This may not be entirely accurate, but I want to write out a story that informs my body/mind so that I will be prepared.
On June 9, 2011 at 5:30 am, Dad and I will check in at the Hospital’s Inpatient Admissions. Then, we will walk down the long, diagonal hallway to the point at which it Ts. Dad and I will separate there. I will head to the right and check into the surgical area. Dad will head to the elevators and go upstairs to the third floor where he will begin his surgical prep.
The nurses will bring me back into the holding area. My husband will accompany me. I will change into a hospital gown, get my IV started, and talk to the anesthesiologist and the surgeons. When all is ready, my husband will go and visit with my Dad and someone will wheel me into the Operating Room.
I will be anesthetized and go into a deep and pleasant sleep. They will position me on my side so that my organs will naturally move out of the way. The surgeons will make their incisions, manipulate their laparoscopic equipment, and work to extract my left kidney. During the procedure, they will make a digital image of the procedure so that I may share it on my blog at a later date. My body will work to aid the surgeons in any way possible, while keeping me healthy and calm. The surgery will last about 4 hours.
Following surgery, I will be moved into the Recovery Area. I will remain there until I can cough, take deep breaths, and come out of the anesthetic. This could last up to two hours, but will more likely be shorter. Once I am ready, and my room is available, I will be wheeled to the third floor and into my hospital room.
I will be allowed clear liquids and popsicles that evening. My daughter believes that all surgery should end in ice cream, so she was sad to hear that I could not have any for awhile. Hopefully, I will have the opportunity to get up and move around a bit. Then, I should be able to visit my Dad. He will be in The AICU working through the beginning of his recovery.
It will be a day full of healing and renewal.
My thoughts & prayers with you and your dad tomorrow. I know it will go smoothly & be a success. Sending you *and* your dad a long distance hug (a really BIG one). Enjoy the popsicles (although I do agree w/ Clare -- Ice cream would be a better way to celebrate... but you can do that in a few days!). Sweet, restful dreams tonight.
ReplyDeleteMuch love,
Julie