Pre-Op Testing Today

[sparklette77]

Hello! I had my pre-op testing today (bloodwork, x-rays, etc) and I was trained on how to use the spirometer and got to meet the nurse and the anesthesiologist. It went fine but I had in my notes that I would get to meet the surgical team and I didn't. Also no one asked me about my plans for plan b--i.e. what type of valve I choose in case they cannot repair my mitral valve.

My surgery is scheduled for Friday December 5, 2008 at Mount Sinai with Dr. Adams.

All of a sudden I feel like I have so much to do. I'm going home to my sister's house when I am discharged and won't be in my apt for a month so tonight I paid all my december bills (I'm sure I'm missing one) and tomorrow I plan to pack for my sister's house and for the hospital. I also have to wrap things up at work--I'm going to take a half day on Thursday. Clean the apt before leaving, finish a few files at work, clean out the fridge etc.

I wanted to say thank you to everyone who posts on this site. I haven't posted much since my first few frantic posts a few months ago but I have been reading everyone's stories and experiences and it's been so helpful to read everyone's posts.

For a while I kept focusing on waking up with a replacement instead of a repair and how that would make me feel and then last week I decided to just be excited that my valve was going to be repaired--not to entertain the possibility of replacement and deal with that if it happened--and so far it's been good.

I'm going to call the hospital tomorrow to ask about the plan b stuff. And hopefully I will meet the surgical team on Friday morning although that seems unlikely. From the nurses summary of what would happen to me it sounds like once I get there they dope me up and so I'm not likely to remember meeting anyone. I haven't seen the surgeon himself since August which feels SO long ago now, esp when I think of all the questions I had back then. Is it normal not to actually meet all the people that will repair your valve before the surgery? Is it unreasonable to feel a little upset about this? I don't really have any specific questions for any of them I just thought it would be nice to say hi, see what they look like, etc. Maybe have some further reassurances or an inkling that people remember me (or my chart and tapes at least). Maybe I am being overly sensitive.

What do you guys think?

 

[Phyllis]

Meeting the surgeon prior to surgery seems to have been different for everyone here- some have and some haven't. From the sounds of it, you have had an excellent pre-op session, have confidence in your surgeon and a great attitude. Go in peace and we look forward to hearing from you on the other side!

 

[neil]

hi sparky you will be fine,i didnt meet my surgeon till the morning of the op,as there was a switch of surgeons the week before, but everthing was fine,you will be ok and soon tucking into your xmas pudding,...neil

 

[Freddie]

Hey there Sparky,
I didn't meet the surgical team until I was wheeled in. They all introduced themselves, but I couldn't really see them since they were all wearing the surgical mask and were at the far end of the OR. The only person who wasn't wearing a mask was my antithesis and I saw just before I was wheeled in.

So, you might have a chance to say "Hi" to these fine people.

I'm sure you will do just fine, your strong and have a great attitude.
Prayers & Take care

 

[escargome]

Hi,
Don't worry, I believe everything will work out just fine. If you are still uncomfortable because you didn't go over plan "b" with your surgeon, the give him or his nurse a quick call. Just try to go with the flow, everything will work itself out. You just need to get your repair completed then get back on your feet. I will keep you in my prayers come Friday.

 

[zipper2]

All the best Sparky you are very organized and great additude

you have ,sounds like great idea to meet the team.....Whynot

i never met mine till the morning of surgery (groggy) 16 years ago.

All the best and can't wait for your posts after surgery,when your brand

spanking new .......Good luck with all.

zipper2 (DEB)

 

[Adrienne]

The only one I met besides my surgeon is a young doctor (resident I think) that was part of the team and who came in my room the night before the surgery to have me sign the document where you feel you are signing your life away!!

Good luck!

 

[Bina]

I met my surgeon twice before OHS. And when I was admitted the night before,
they sent over the CUTEST resident to have me sign papers.
I would have signed anything at that point...LOL.
My bills were all paid, but since I was in hospital for 16 days, I had hubby
bring me any new ones along with my cheque book. Maybe that helped me to feel
useful, and I was desperate to get my brain working again.
Yes, discuss a Plan B.

 

[hall]

I met my surgeon before surgery, so they tell me. (I don't remember) I think that would be one thing I would like to do if I could. Excellent idea to call and go over plan b. Wishing you a successful surgery and recovery at your sisters.