Pre-Op Boot Camp

Well I am confirmed for surgery. The monster is scheduled to be taken out next Wednesday, April 25th. The surgery is currently scheduled for 1:00 pm and I have to be at the hospital 3 hours before hand.

To get to this point, I had to go through a "Pre-Op Boot Camp" yesterday; Five hours at the Victoria General Hospital in Halifax. Although this seemed like a long time, I am glad for the experience. The folks (nurses and anesthesiologist doctor) were excellent. I had to give blood (once more), register my weight (I have lost about 13 pounds), measure my height (I have grown 1/2 an inch ... I don't understand this one) and answer a bunch of questions including if I was suffering from depression. This last one is a tough one. I am not sure if I am depressed. I told the nurse that "my world was NOT black" but that I get scared every once in a while. I guess this should be normal.

My visit with nurse was the most special. What seems typical for Nova Scotia is that you can become friends with almost anyone. Bluenosers are similar to stubble jumpers; you can get to know someone in 20 minutes if you want to. The nurse and I talked about skiing a lot. I told her I was from Saskatchewan and she said she loved the west, especially the Rockies. She loved to ski and she has skied Lake Louise, Sunshine and Fernie. As we talked it seemed that I was skiing once again. What a nice trip! I used to work in Fernie when I was going to university during my first COOP work term. That was my very first adventure away from Saskatchewan and it was wonderful.

My visit with the nurse was about 1 1/2 hours and I think she was trying to find out about my mental health more than anything. Surgery is scary and she did a wonderful job of reassuring me that I was in capable hands with Dr. B and Dr. R. She said they are very capable young surgeons; they are technically competent and committed to their patients. She had nothing but glowing remarks for Dr. B. But here is how I knew she was telling me the truth. She told me that Dr. B. is cute! He could work on her anytime. Now I am not sure what that meant however, if Dr. B want to play around with my plumbing next week, I guess that will be OK.

The nurse also "buttered me up" by saying I have good oxygen capacity and I have an excellent EKG, excellent blood pressure (118/76) and a good heart rate (70 bpm). I guess walking Max around Lake Banook is paying off. The nurse thought that I was "walking around raindrops" and when I heard this ... I got goosebumps. Maybe the raindrops are tears ... I know I have shed a few and so has my "A".

After 5 hours of being in boot camp I left. The nurse tracked me down as I was leaving to shake my hand. We hugged instead. Thank-you "nurse" ... I will see you next week. I will remember to ask your name.