Pre admission today

I went to the hospital this morning for my preadmission tests. It was painless! Got there at 8:45. Went to admissions and the clerk checked the info on the computer and took a copy of my insurance card. Signed authorization for the hosp to bill the insurance company.
Next to an admissions nurse for vitals - height, weight, bp, pulse. Then on to another admissions nurse for the preadmission "interview". She asked extensive health history questions and entered it on the computer, current medications, allergies, any prior surgical problems, etc. It was pretty complete. Then she gave me "the list" of pre-op instructions:
Time of surgery (10:30), what time to arrive (8:30).
No food after midnight the evening before surgery, oh yeah the fleet enema and the betadine douche (I had read about those here so I was prepared).
I can have up to 6 oz of clear liquid 4 hours prior to arrival time, and take my regular am med with a small sip of water.
No smoking or alcohol 24 hours prior to surgery, and smoking is not allowed in the hospital or on the grounds (I don't smoke so that's no big deal).
Shower with soap and brush teeth the morning of surgery. Taking a shower helps to remove the normal bacteria on your skin that may cause an infection.
Do not wear make-up, nail polish or jewelry the day of surgery. Leave money, credit cards and any valuables at home. You may wear contact lenses. Bring your case so that you can remove them before surgery.
Bring toiletry items (comb, toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, comfortable walking shoes and bathrobe).

She also talked to me about anesthesia, but I won't meet the anesthesiologist until the day of surgery. She told me what to expect that day. Where I'll go when I arrive, how soon before surgery they'll take me to the holding area, where the family may wait, about moving the legs and taking deep breaths in recovery. Also about pain management and 1-10 scale. I got a little leaflet about the pain management. It says staff will be asking about your pain on a regular basis, because they want to make sure your pain stays below the moderate to severe range, and it is important that you do not wait until the pain is severe before you request relief. I already know I'll have a morphine pump and catheter the first 24 hours after surgery.

Then it was on to the lab to have blood drawn. Back to admissions to leave some forms and I was done. Took maybe
1-1/2 hours total.

No chest x-ray or ekg.

I go thurs for my pre op w/doc and hospital the day before.. I have had surgerys before so I know the drill. But this isn't like any surgery I've had so I'm glad you popped into give this info.
Good Luck!!!!
K

Hi Mary Lou,
Thats a great detailed description of pre-op!! Thanks for sharing it with the new Ladies in Waiting. I am sure it will be very helpful to them about what to expect on their pre-op day!!

All the best with your surgery Mary Lou!!
Hugs
Maria