Started the Pre-Op Diet

Well, my surgery date is June 25 in Regina, SK because I didn't qualify for the program in Manitoba.  I started the liquid protein yesterday and I can say it's not bad at all.  Althouhg, I would love to eat something but I don't feel hungry or anything...yet.

However, I am frustrated as I was called yesterday around 4:00pm by the hospital scheduling person informing me that I had to come to Regina prior to the surgery to speak with the anesthesiologist before they will okay me for surgery.  Well, it would have been nice to have this piece of information relayed when they scheduled the actual surgery.  I am not prepared to make an additional trip to Regina. 

I will have to drive this time and leave on Sunday, coming back on Monday and back to work on Tuesday.  Then I have to finish the work week and go back to Regina on Sunday the 24th so that I can have the surgery on the 25th. 

While I have had a great experience with the program in Saskatchewan, it sure would have been easier and much cheaper if I had been able to have the surgery in Winnipeg.  I have made 4 trips to Regina already, flown 3 of those times and drove once.  Spent many nights in hotels because some of the appointments were on Wednesdays.  I will also have to go back 2 weeks post-op, then 6 weeks post-op, then 6 months and one year.  The dietician wants to see me at 3 months, 6 months and 9 months.  Although, she did say that we can have the appointment over the phone at 3 months and 9 months if coming back to Regina is not convenient. 

I am stressing big time.  I am worried.  I have work that has to be completed before I am off for recovery.  I am going alone to Regina for the surgery and I am scared. 

I made the decision to do this and I know it's going to be great but this old broad is wondering if I am too old for this!  (I will be 50 in October)  I have an 8 year old little girl who is the light of our life and a wonderful husband of 26 years.  It's all good but there is just too much going on right now and I am stressing!

Sorry for the length, just sitting here at work during lunch (which took no time as drinking 1 1/4 cups of liquid doesn't take too long!) and decided to post.  Maybe I should have introduced myself first. :)  (I'll do that in another post!)

"While I have had a great experience with the program in Saskatchewan, it sure would have been easier and much cheaper if I had been able to have the surgery in Winnipeg.  I have made 4 trips to Regina already, flown 3 of those times and drove once.  Spent many nights in hotels because some of the appointments were on Wednesdays.  I will also have to go back 2 weeks post-op, then 6 weeks post-op, then 6 months and one year.  The dietician wants to see me at 3 months, 6 months and 9 months.  Although, she did say that we can have the appointment over the phone at 3 months and 9 months if coming back to Regina is not convenient. "
 
I totally feel your pain, both financially and on the tailbone ..... and I live in MB!  Flying from The Pas is out of the question - it's between $700-1500 round trip, depending if you can get a deal or not so driving is the only way for me.  Sometimes I cringe that having it done in MB will cost as much as going to Mexico (after all the pre and post op appts.!) ...... oh well , I'm so close now that I will just press on.....

but exciting for you to be done so close in the future!!! Keep us posted on your progress

NGD

 

From one old broad to another.....we're not really that old.  Acutally middle aged if you know many centarians LOL.  I turn 50 in September and had my surgery May 15th and it's the best thing I have ever done for myself.  I went back to work ( self employed ) at about 3 weeks post op mostly doing things at my desk but really I am just now feeling good enough to get through a whole day comfortably and it's 4 weeks.  I think I came back a bit soon but being self employed, if I don't work I don't get paid.  Oh, and I had no complications from the surgery so that made it a bit easier as well.  Are you flying home after the surgery, I hope so as driving alone for 6 hours is probably not a great idea. 

Best thing you can do right now is manage your stress.  If you can prioritize and do what must get done and keep your stress under control you will manage your liquid diet better and your surgery will go better. 

Good luck, you can do this!  Heck if I could anyone can!

Super good words Alle!  Don't think of the big picture, just one step at a time.  Prioritize for sure and remember "this too shall pass"