Pre-op Physical Story

Hi, everyone -

Had my pre-op physical at the hospital this morning (surgery date is Sept 20). It was pretty much a breeze. A lady in outpatient registration took my insurance information, had me sign the various consents, and took a copy of my advance directives. She seemed impressed that I'd thought to bring a copy to give to the hospital, so maybe that's one lesson learned.

Next it was on to a nurse for a health screening, EKG, to draw blood and provide pre-op instructions. As one would expect, I will not be able to eat or drink after midnight the evening before my surgery - not even water (except to brush my teeth). I have to do a fleets enema and a betadine douche the night before. I also have a betadine scrub sponge to use in the shower the night before or morning of surgery. Seeing as how I have to be at the hospital at 6 AM, I think I'll shower the night before.

After meeting with the nurse, I went on and had a chest x-ray. I questioned whether this was really necessary (trying to avoid x-rays whenever possible) but the nurse indicated my doctor requires it for any patient over 40. So, I acquiesed.

I arrived at the hospital at 7:30 AM, finished at 9:30 AM and was back at my office by 10:00 AM. Not bad.

I also have a pre-op appointment with my doctor next Monday. Among the topics of conversation will be, I am sure, HRT. I am planning to ask her for Climara (a bio-identical estrogen transdermal patch) but want to discuss progesterone.

If any of you read my post a week or two ago about not having anyone to go to the hospital with me, you'll be happy to hear that i had dinner with my friend the other night, and she volunteered to be there for me. So, I'll have someone there after all.

Hope this little summary helps some of you who - like me - are anxious to read practical, real-life experiences of others. I'm feeling pretty ready for my surgery (TAH/BSO) - just about 12 days away!

Thank you ellie for sharing your pre-op appoinment with us...like you ,I get real interested in hearing about all the pre-ops and the differerences in the preps for surgery.

Luv & Hugs,

Mich

I am so glad your pre-op went well and very happy to hear that a friend will be there for you!

I wish you the very best with your surgery and a pampered and uneventful recovery!

Deb