Pre-op Today

The days are counting down now.  I am getting excited.  I had my pre-op today and everything is going as planned.  I have to do the prep on Sunday and be at the hospital on Monday at 10:30am.  So I am not looking forward to the prep and Dr. Gandsas took me off my birth control pill today, so my friend will be here for surgery as well.  So Sunday is going to be hell!   Any advise for Sundays prep, I can have no broth.  No salt on sunday or sugar.  He will not let me take my BP med on Monday due to the HCTZ in it.  So that is why no salt.  I am starting to bite my nails and feel a little sick in my tummy.  Just my nerves I guess.  Tonight I am second guessing myself, when I know this is what I want to do.  I hear everyone gets this way.  Well I am off to do homework with Gabriella, who said she hates first grade and does not think she wants to go to school tomorrow.  HELP!    I am just feeling wierded out. (is that a word)

Stay Positive.  It is definately normal to be excited and nervous at the same time.  I can't give you any advice on the prep because my doctor didn't have one but stay positive!!! If you need anything call me. Melaine

What a coincidence - I had my pre-op today with Dr. Gandsas as well.  But you already know that since we got to meet.  Did he let you drive the robot?  I was just kidding when I asked but he fired it up and let me drive it down the hall.  Pretty nifty.  None of the nurses I went by paid the least little attention to it.  I guess they're used to it by now. I'm pretty sure I can have broth but I don't have the HBP so that may be the reason.  Still not looking forward to the the whole inard cleansing though. Good luck over the next few days - I won't tell you to stay calm 'cause I can't figure out how to do that myself. See ya Monday - I'll be the groggy one with the XXXXL gown ;-)

Hello, Kristen.  I, too, have HBP  and use sodium free or low salt all the time.  What you can do is look for chicken bouillon packs at the grocery story when they have the bouillon cubes.  They have chicken and beef.  If that fails and there are others in your house you can boil a few chicken wings or breast with some veggies and don't add salt.  Then only drink the juice.  I also do beef the same way.  My sister loves the broth. I pray you have a safe journey.  And you too, Ted.

Kristen - Everything you're feeling is perfectly normal, so just go with it.  The morning of my surgery, I wasn't nervous, just ready to get started with my new life. The prep was okay, nothing especially unpleasant except for the salty, lemony taste of the stuff I had to use.  My bowels didn't really explode or anything like that, but everyone reacts differently, so stay close to the potty. Ask your doctor or nutritionist what you CAN have as far as liquids - s/f popsicles, jello, etc., but be aware that they may not want you to have anything red because of the dye. You're going to be fine and everything's going to work out beautifully! Hang in there, Tia

wait a minute, you got to drive the robot, Ted !  OMG that is not far.  I am going to have to talk to him about this cause I need robot time as well.

Kristen, Y don't you ask your Dr's ofice if you can try some calming tea (herbal tea, valerian tea) available anywhere from Wholefoods, GNC or Vitamin Shoppe. The Valerian root tincture might be too strong for you now that is right before your surgery, but the tea has this calming effect. If not, you can try camomile tea. Hang in there and only a week from now, you will begin the losing process and we all will envy you.  Keep us posted please so we know what goes on around the tiem of surgery. Ellie

Hi Kristen,

I have my fingers and toes crossed for you!  Its going to be grrrrr-eeaat!  Focus on the outcome and the journey will be more than worth it.  Funny the subtle differences though, huh? I am to go no intake the night before, clear liquids 24 hours pre-op, but no mention of salt restrictions or discontinuing meds. I think I saw taking a small sip of water with AM meds was acceptable. Apparently, its all about making the liver shrink. I wish you a speedy recovery, Mark PS  I'll trade you my son's Calculus hw for your daughter's. :) Talk about blowing the dust off some brain cells. Anyone see my coterminal?

I am feeling much better today!

I am glad that your surgery date is quickly approaching.  Soon all iof this will be behind you and you will be doing great.  I am sorry the doctor is taking you off the pill and AF will be around.  But it is for the best.   I am sorry Gabriella is having a hard time with school maybe she will adjust and make friends soon and feel good about going to school.  Maybe some positive re-inforcement would help with this situation. Wishing you all the best with everything.