Surgery POSTPONED!

I AM COMPLETELY & TOTALLY BUMMED OUT RIGHT NOW! 
At 1:00 p.m. today, after 7  months, I was on the gurney with an IV in my arm when the anesthesologist comes in and says that there are some pre-op tests that were not done and, my for my safety, he cannot and will not put me under for my operation. I WAS, AND STILL AM, STUNNED and DEVASTATED!!  Here I was, mentally prepared and psyched up, gotten my leave from work approved, I've been on the 8-day liquid diet, had nothing to eat or drink since 11:00 p.m. last night and I'm ready for the show to get under way and then - BAM! SORRY - NO GO! Someone at Vandy didn't do their job correctly so I am now having to wait another 2 weeks for my surgery. Now I have to do another 8-day liver shrink liquid only diet. Now I have to get my leave from work approved again.  Not to mention that the entire surgical team- all the doctors and nurses - wasted their time. Not to mention that my wife had taken off this week.  Not to mention that my sister had taken leave from work today to drive us the 2 hours to Nashville and stay with my wife for support. 

We just got back home, still in dismay.  This has NOT been a good day. I'm really feeling pretty low and depressed. This is the pits.

Oh gosh Bob I am so sorry for you.  I really am not sure what to say.  Keep your head up and know that there had to be a reason for it some how.  Melissa

I'm so sorry that you had to go through this. I'll be praying for you.

Oh my gosh Bob!  That is insane.  That is just ridiculous.  I am so very sorry.  Well, it's awful that some how some thing fell through the cracks and put you in that position.  That doesn't look very good on Vandy's end.  I'm just stunned.  I can just imagine your frustration right now.  Man oh man.  I have you in my prayers and wishing you much luck forward!   Chandra

WOW!  So sorry about the mishap at Vandy.  Makes me nervous about my upcoming big day (if it ever gets here-still waiting for a date).   Seems like they are taking so slow.    Everybody tells me not to get depressed or too anxious so I'll tell you the same.  It will all work out.  Just be patient.  Good luck and I hope the best for you.

Bob,           I can understand how upset you must be and I too would be furious.  Did they go ahead and do the pre-op testing that they needed today while you were there, what had they not done if you do not mind me asking, because you would think since they messed up, they could run them stat since you were there and go forward.  Maybe, that is just to reasonable!! I am so sorry for this, but on the bright side your liver is going to be that much smaller and you will be that much healthier when you go into surgery!! As hard as it is, please SMILE and remember we are here for you, well that may not make you SMILE LOL!! Shelia

Hang in there brother!  As frustrating as it is, I know there is a reason.  Whether we understand or not, there is a reason.  Would I be pissed!  Dang right I would be.  Does anything I say right now make it better?  Probably not!  Just remember, you are in our thoughts and prayers!  It's probably something really silly like the guy who was supposed to give you the sponge bath was off, or something like that!

Bless your heart, I am so sorry. I prayed for you. I will keep you in my prayers for the two weeks. I know that it has got to be so frustrating. We lived in Piedmont for 2 1/2 yrs. and the last 1/2 of yr. drove back and forth up here to bring Ash to and from School. She would stay down there during the week, and up here on weekends. The drive isn't fun, but when you have plans and reasons, you are right it is just devastating. I would call to see if there is a possible sooner date, Maybe there has been a  cancellation and they could get you in sooner, and to put you on that list.  If they could, just and idea. Keep us informed, again we are so sorry this happen to ya.

sorry about the delay, i can only imagine how frustrating. What test didnt they do

Thanks folks.  Someone in the process at Vanderbilt Hospital made an error, didn't do their job properly, or whatever, which led to a huge screw up for me and the surgery team. Believe me, it was definitely a bummer that this happened to me.   However, after calming down and thinking this through, one thing that I am totally thankful for is that Dr. Hyman, the anesthesiologist, and Dr. Richards put MY safety and well being ahead of their's and Vandy's interests.  Instead of just going ahead with my operation and possibly putting me at greater risk, they stopped the show.  They did what they knew was best for ME under the cir****tances!  I think this speaks volumes for their professionalism and integrity. After all, the easy thing for them would have been to go ahead, let ME unknowingly take the risks, do the operation, get the insurance payment, stay on schedule for the day, and carry on with business as usual. They didn't do that - they looked out for ME and my safety above profit and what was easier for them. THAT makes me feel even more comfortable with Dr. Richards and Dr. Hyman. So, no use cryin over spilled milk! It is what it is!  Another 8-day liquid diet, another 2 weeks of anticipation and another challenge on my journey.   Now, since Jack Daniels isn't on my liquid diet, pass me a protein shake please!!