The pre-op clinic
I had an 8 AM appointment for a pre-op clinic today.
I was taken through by a nice RN who weighed and measured me, took my BP, went through all my paperwork and asked me a lot of questions about my health (I'd already answered them on the hospital forms but they double checked everything).
We did an MRSA swab (swiped the inside of one nostril and in the fold between my leg and my groin with a cotton bud)- apparently if I test positive they won't reject me for surgery but they take precautions- probably get a private room or a room with another MRSA person.
Asked me about any injuries or skin infections- especially on lower limbs. I don't have any there, just a scab on my elbow from a weird blister that I got somehow. It is healing so she wasn't worried.
An Occupational therapist came and talked to me about my house- sounds like my surgeon doesn't have any precautions, so things like a toilet seat raiser are optional and only for comfort, which is good. She said I'd be fine to go up the stairs and so on, just be careful (duh).
Oh- also had an ECG which was normal!
Of interest was that they are doing a thing called "Enhanced Recovery" which means that I have to drink several high-carb special beverages (they gave it to me to take home) on a schedule, finishing just before I go nil by mouth. Fasting is only 6 hours, just long enough to clear my stomach. I'll get a call the day before telling me what time that starts. I hope my surgery is in the morning! I also get a special heated cocoon thingy from the moment I arrive for surgery so my body temp is nice and high. Apparently they see better recoveries when patients are well hydrated, carbo-loaded and warm. Whoda thunk!
Was given some antibacterial wash for two showers before surgery.
So now I'm just going to have to get a walking stick, buy food to bring with me to the hospital (protein bars and shakes I guess, I don't trust hospital food!), and go in next week for a urine test and a blood test (of course they couldn't be on the same day- one is 7-10 days before and one is 5 days before!). I paid my $500 gap to the surgeon and put the cash away to pay the hospital excess on the day of admission. Looks like I'm almost there.
Oh! Also had a call from HR at work, they gave me a disabled parking permit (only for work, not everywhere) and a case manager to help me organise my return to work after surgery. Looks like EVERYONE is all about not getting sued! Well it works for me!
I was taken through by a nice RN who weighed and measured me, took my BP, went through all my paperwork and asked me a lot of questions about my health (I'd already answered them on the hospital forms but they double checked everything).
We did an MRSA swab (swiped the inside of one nostril and in the fold between my leg and my groin with a cotton bud)- apparently if I test positive they won't reject me for surgery but they take precautions- probably get a private room or a room with another MRSA person.
Asked me about any injuries or skin infections- especially on lower limbs. I don't have any there, just a scab on my elbow from a weird blister that I got somehow. It is healing so she wasn't worried.
An Occupational therapist came and talked to me about my house- sounds like my surgeon doesn't have any precautions, so things like a toilet seat raiser are optional and only for comfort, which is good. She said I'd be fine to go up the stairs and so on, just be careful (duh).
Oh- also had an ECG which was normal!
Of interest was that they are doing a thing called "Enhanced Recovery" which means that I have to drink several high-carb special beverages (they gave it to me to take home) on a schedule, finishing just before I go nil by mouth. Fasting is only 6 hours, just long enough to clear my stomach. I'll get a call the day before telling me what time that starts. I hope my surgery is in the morning! I also get a special heated cocoon thingy from the moment I arrive for surgery so my body temp is nice and high. Apparently they see better recoveries when patients are well hydrated, carbo-loaded and warm. Whoda thunk!
Was given some antibacterial wash for two showers before surgery.
So now I'm just going to have to get a walking stick, buy food to bring with me to the hospital (protein bars and shakes I guess, I don't trust hospital food!), and go in next week for a urine test and a blood test (of course they couldn't be on the same day- one is 7-10 days before and one is 5 days before!). I paid my $500 gap to the surgeon and put the cash away to pay the hospital excess on the day of admission. Looks like I'm almost there.
Oh! Also had a call from HR at work, they gave me a disabled parking permit (only for work, not everywhere) and a case manager to help me organise my return to work after surgery. Looks like EVERYONE is all about not getting sued! Well it works for me!
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