So I went in on Friday for my Pre-Op info and for them to make sure I knew what to expect. They ended up giving me an EKG to make sure my heart was ok, and took a bit of blood for other testing (I think this was all mostly for the extended anesthesia they will be administering for 4+ hours during surgery, to make sure my body can take it). They also gave me some special gatorade type drinks to have amid the bowel prep (that I am currently taking as we speak…grooooooooooooooooss!). They said that the special gatorade stuff helps to stay hydrated, and people often have a better time having drank it before surgeries like the one I’m about to have tomorrow. They issued me some special antibacterial soap to use both tonight in a shower, and tomorrow morning before I leave for the hospital (jeez how many showers am I supposed to take?). The weird thing about this soap is that I have to use it twice per shower, and it’s not for the face or genitals. The first pass is like normal, and then the second usage of it is timed, in which they provided an old-skool plastic sand timer, straight out of Days of our Lives. So much for the digital age…
So I came home and went through a series of videos the hospital wanted me to watch for further information. And a few of them gave me a bit of the shakes and maybe even light PTSD, just thinking about what was going to have to happen during this surgery. Now I’m not squeamish, but this is just all new to me so yea, admittedly I’m a little freaked out, especially since by this time tomorrow I will be done with it all, and into the thick of things recovery wise. But don’t worry…everyone assures me that all will be fine. Heh easy for YOU to say! But really…I’m sure it will all be ok.
I expect to be pretty laid up at least for this first day right after surgery, so if I don’t post anything, don’t panic! I’ll try to, but if not I’ll more than likely post something at least short and sweet the next day, and then try to post more in the coming days after. Maybe you’ll even be lucky enough to get a hospital pic of me…dare to dream! You can text me if you want, and I’ll try to get to them when I can, but I recommend not to call at least for the first couple of days, or longer. I’m still going to need to get used to things, and I can only imagine some frustration over what all I’ll need to do to prepare for my new life in the next 4-6 months.
So I might post something quick tomorrow in the morning before surgery (no guarantees, surgery is at 9am), but if not, wish me luck! See you on the other side. And thank you all again for your support and love and well wishes.
Thanks for sharing this with me Charles, it’s the first I’m hearing of it. I’m sorry we’ve fallen out of touch and hope we can get reconnected after you recover. I am praying for a successful operation and speedy recovery my friend!
Thank you Matt, appreciate all the support and good wishes!
Good luck!!!
Thank you Camille!
Charlie, I’m with you in spirit, so is my family. You’ll get through this in no time! It’s scary and I’m a bit on the fence as for why they’d want you to see exactly what’s going to happen as it’ll only create panic and fear but at the same time you’ll know what to expect in detail. I don’t know how I feel about this from the mental health perspective as the last thing you need is extra worry but it might be enlightening to nerd out on this. So try to separate yourself from those videos and look at it from the educational perspective. I know, easier Saud than done but hey, you’re strong, smart and you’re a trooper! You can do this and you’ll do well! You’ve got so much love and support from so many of us and it’s endless. Let this consume you, not fear, but let our love, care and support be the turning wheels that’ll pull you out of the dread and let the magic of the qualified specialists do its job to get you to the speedy recovery! We love you so much, Charlie! ❤️ Always!
Thank you Anechka! Very much appreciate the support from all! So heartwarming to feel it from so many good people!
Sending you all the good vibes I can muster!!! You got this! 🤗
Thank you Sue…I’ll take all I can get!
Hi Cuz,
Hope surgery goes well, we are all pulling for you here in Michigan! Sending you all our love, hugs, and well wishes. I’ll contact your parents to get updates for the next few days. You got this!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thank you cuz! ❤️ I’ll be writing more in the blog shortly, so keep your eyes peeled…
Hey Charles, I hope it all went okay. Sending lots of love from sunny UK. You made me lol at the sand timer comment – reminds me of the witch in the Wizard of Oz threatening Dorothy and Toto.
You got this dude, wishing you every blessing and prayer and everything that you need to feel better and recover as quickly and completely as possible. Love Kate xx
Thank you Kate! ❤️
Lol @ the Day of our Lives hourglass. Not the best day of your life! Very, very glad the surgery seems to have gone well, though. Hang in there, man…sounds like the worst is over…!