All Clear
I had to go into hospital for a day procedure. The preparation was worse than the actual procedure but I won’t gross you out by going into detail about that.
Did not sleep well the night before – not unusual. I get up and shower, unhappy that I can not have a drink of water or cup of tea. I am dreading the day ahead – anticipating the throwing up that usually occurs from anaesthetics. My friend picks me up early and the traffic is surprisingly light. The reception is full and I become anxious.
I am finally admitted and find out I am second in line. I am taken to a cubicle and told to change. The hospital gown makes me feel vulnerable and exposed. Then comes the endless round of questions – I get asked 3 or 4 times what my name, date of birth, and procedure is. Hopefully that means I won’t get mixed up with someone else – better to be safe than sorry. They do my stats – BP is good.
The anaesthetist is lovely and explains what she will be doing clearly. As she leaves I find myself inexplicably dissolving into tears. I try to settle myself by concentrating on something else – taking a few deep breathes and counting the hooks holding up the curtain around my cubicle – 51. I am unable to block out the noise and conversations going on around me but am thankful the curtain is drawn. I am very anxious – just breathe – in through the nose, out through the mouth.
One of the anaesthetic team come to put the line in and can’t find a vein. After a 2nd attempt she calls for assistance and they finally decide to leave it for the anaesthetist, who they say is a genius at getting the line in – 3rd attempt is successful thankfully. I do not enjoy the feeling of falling asleep and almost immediately waking again even though more than an hour has passed – I have lost time and it always freaks me out. However, I am very grateful not to awaken throwing up as I usually do. I cannot remember having an anaesthetic without that happening so am pleasantly surprised.
I awaken enough to have a welcome glass of water. I get dressed and have a cup of tea and sandwich. All good – still no nausea – happy. I have been asked 3 times by now how much pain I am in – ‘zero’ I say again.
I have to wait for the results before they can let me go – it worries me a bit that the person who went in after me got their report before me but the nurses say not to read anything into that. They were right – I am fine, no sign of cancer. I can go home now. This was what I was expecting even though I have been waiting since November to get this news. I go home with a grateful heart and the added bonus of not having to work the next day.
So glad it worked out and all is clear. All that anxiety and you still did it! Take that as a win mate xxx