Consents signed, bible/binder in hand

I am SO ready to go! My appointment to sign consents was 3.5 hours before the bypass class :sigh:, but other than that very minor inconvenience, what a GREAT day.  Slightly annoyed with my PCP office, which just cements my decision to change doctors after surgery. I went last Tuesday for all of the required pre-op tests, and nothing was faxed to COMP. Bypass class was so great. I just adore Sloan, and have felt very comfortable with her since our first meeting. She talks to me/us, in such a down to earth, real way. I'm not finding the words I want. But, she makes people feel very comfortable. She doesn't make anything seem like it's un-obtainable, and she doesn't make you feel as though you've done anything wrong in the past. I feel that she really knows what she is doing, and that she really cares about each of those that she helps. I ran into Dr. Moein in the hallway, and was pleasantly surprised that he recognized me and gave me a warm hello. Not that he has ever not been warm. But, I haven't spent that much time with him, yet, and he has so many patients. When I saw him in the past, he didn't remember me. I'm glad that I am finally making an impression on him. I get a great feeling about him, and look forward to a very successful partnership with him. I found out that surgery is in the AM, which I like. That will give me more time to get myself up and moving around in the afternoon/evening. Plus, less time in the morning chewing on my fingernails because I'm finally nervous.  I'm not nervous yet, but I know it's coming! I was originally scheduled for 1pm, but there was  cancellation, and I'm not scheduled for around 10 Kathi said. I have to be there at 8:30. Kathi said that patients with severe sleep apnea usually spend the first night in SICU. For some reason that sounds a little scary to me. I guess I expect that sick people need intensive care. I'm planning on being well that night.  Has anyone had to go to SICU after surgery? Was it any different than time you spent in your regular room? I do have one more quick question for those of you who hung in and read this long winded post... how quickly does the phosphosoda work? I am planning on working the day before surgery, and was told I can take it as late as 2pm.  Can I work till 5 without being in the bathroom a lot? Or should I go home right after? Philips and other laxatives usually take a few hours to work, but I've never taken anything heavy duty like Fleet before. Thanks to all who have given me support, shared their stories which have helped me so much in my own prep, and who I know will be there to share in my upcoming successes.  Move over on that losers bench, a (temporarily) wide load is coming in for a landing and is going to take off running.

Good luck and my sincere hope for the best and easiest journey for you. Ellie

Kathy,    With a previous surgery I had to go in ICU after. I don't recall much of it because I was unconcious, but when I woke up it was ok. Pretty much like the reg floor, BUT A LOT less privacy.  Can you believe HOW fast this is coming????!!!

Time is FLYING by! When I was waiting a month for insurance approval, I felt like the days were a week long. Now, I've known about my date for 3 weeks, and it feels like 3 days, lol. I've been working like crazy, and my apartment is a mess. I'll be happy when I get it cleaned up, so that I can come home from the hospital to a nice clean, comfortable place.  Other than that, bring it on. I'm glad time is flying by. I don't have husband and kids to worry about, so I have it very easy as far as prep.

HI Kathy, I know the feeling! I thought I was going to go crazy waiting to hear from insurance and now time is almost here. I wish you a speedy recovery! hugs Amy

Hi, Kathy.  Your day is rapidly appproaching.  You will soon be a loser.  The fleets phos-soda, take it after you get home from work or leave work early if you have to take it by 2pm.  That is some powerful stuff.  I had a colonoscopy last Wed and before I could finish the bottle in 30 mins. I was in the bathroom where I stayed for the next 2 hrs. or more.  I had to take it twice that day.  I was not a happy camper. My prayers are with you for an uneventfull surgery and a speedy recovery. Peace.

I would take a half day the day before. That stuff starts working and doesn't stop until you are CLEANED OUT! Best of luck!

KATHY: i WOULD AGREE WITH EVEYRONE ELSE AND SAY TAKE HALF A DAY OFF TO DO THE PHOSO STUFF:  IT WORKS QUICK AND IT TAKES A WHILE TO GET COMPLETLY CLEANED OUT. AS FAR AS THE SURGICAL ICU;  I DON'T REMEMBER A THING TILL THEY WOKE ME UP THE NEXT MORNING;  BUT THEN ACCORDING TO THE NURSE I WA****TING THE MORPHINE BUTTON A LOT LOL  ONE THING I ADVISE YOU TO DO IS INSIST ON A WHEELCHAIR TRANSPORT TO THE REGULAR WARD.  THEY MOVED ME IN A BED AND IT WAS THE  WORST PART OF MY HOSPITAL STAY.

MOVING OVER ON THE BENCH ;  IF ITS OK I WILL STOP IN AND VISIT ON THE 5TH/

BEFORE OR AFTER THE SUPPORT GROUP MEETING

DARLA

 

 

Thanks to everyone for the advice! I'll make sure I request to leave early the afternoon before surgery. Darla, and anyone else who might go to the GBMC support group holiday party, I would love the company. Sorry, won't be putting out low carb munchies and sugar free drinks, but would welcome anyone stopping by to say hello. Anyone who hasn't been to the COMP office lately, they have posted the details in the office. The meeting/party is from 6pm-8pm on Wed. 12/5/07. It is in the conference center where we had our information session in the Physicians Pavilion. Wasn't it East?  Anyhow, it's the one at the end of the main driveway. Looks like the remodel of the office is complete. Well, not exactly a remodel, but a downsizing. The waiting room is pretty small now, just two aisles with seats on both sides.

Kathy What hospital is your surgery and how many days are you staying in?  I am so excited for you and now things are really starting to happen.  Just a couple weeks ago you were upset about the wait and insurance companies at such butts.  I am sooooo glad that you hung on.  Now is the time to get excited and ready for your new life.  I am just thrilled! Love Kristen