Today was pre-op assessment day (Monday 9th October 2017). This was to check that I am healthy enough to be able to have the liver cancer resection operation. As I said in my last post this will involve cutting out the tumour from my liver then the surgeon will manually check my liver for further tumours. See my last post for further information. Also click on the underlined hyperlinks as usual for more information on that subject.
And so, Kit and I set off for my appointment at 2pm at the Martha Morehouse Medical Plaza in Columbus. Not too much to be scared of really, although I did feel some trepidation as this will be the final appointment before the operation I presume.
MARTHA MOREHOUSE MEDICAL PLAZA.
We arrived early and it was great to find that parking was free or valet parking was only $3. Can’t beat that. Registration was simple and quick and we were forwarded on to the pre-assessment unit. The usual tests ensued, blood pressure (good 128/68) weight good (180lbs) temp, good, Hat (black & very sexy) and so on.
HAT, BLACK AND SEXY…LOL
My major check was an EKG heart test which was also fine according to my babe who sneaked a peak at the read out (Kit is a nurse). It was shirt off, trousers rolled up and lots of sticky pads and electrodes attached. I think if the medical assistant had pressed the wrong button I’d have lit up like a Christmas Tree. All these tests, and in particular the EKG were to determine if I was healthy enough for the forthcoming operation.
Next a Doctor Rogers came in (coincidence) gave me a few facts and departed before the Nurse Practitioner arrived. These are the warrant officers of the medical profession I think as they seem to know more than the docs who would equate to officers. I was given the lowdown. No meds apart from my Felodipine on op day and stop all my other meds including over the counter stuff and aspirin at various times before the op.
I was also given a bottle of jollop called Hibiclens and told to shower with it the night before and morning of the surgery. No food or drink after midnight before the surgery … the usual. I was given a load of printed instructions to follow and we were on our away apart from the usual blood test on the way out. It was great, one of the few occasions I haven’t felt a thing as the needle went in. Hats off to the phlebotomist whose name I can’t remember.
HIBICLENS JOLLOP
She also gave me a red envelope which I was told not to lose and to bring to the op. If I forget apparently, my op may be cancelled. It has, I am told, a green wristband in it with my blood type (blue, laced with coffee) in it.
And that was it for my pre-op. Pretty straightforward really but now the wait begins and I am worried about it. I have asked my doc for something to help me sleep. I am normally a fairly sound sleeper but I was awake this morning at 3am. As soon as I was awake … well that was it. The working through of varying scenarios in my brain, the worrying about outcomes and my Kit, who worries as much as me. The hospital doc said I can’t take Melatonin which is freely available over the counter in the USA even for kids, so I will have to see if the doc prescribes me anything. I have heard nothing yet. And I guess tonight might well be another sleepless night but hey-ho.
MELATONIN GUMMIES
If you would like to ask me any questions about the medical routines and upcoming operation, feel free to message me and I will point you in the (hopefully) right direction or let you know of my own experiences. Don’t be afraid to ask or even share my posts. They may help someone going through the same or similar problems.
And as always … take care and stay healthy.
Stan R, Dublin, Ohio 9th October 2017.
© 2017 Stan M Rogers. All rights reserved.
Stan M Rogers 