Finally had enough pain

[Elf1]

@enoughpain having the 0530 report time is good, sounds like you're first up for the day. Can't say for sure with your hospital but here are some of the things they did to me pre-op, and these folks had their stuff together.

They drew blood to run some last minute labs, one of which was blood typing. They want to make sure they know your blood type in the event of transfusion. They will run an IV for pain meds, saline, possible transfusion, etc. They check your vitals, blood pressure, etc. They did the nose swabs on both nostrils. They may put your TEDs on or not, they also may put the cuffs on that will pump your lower leg circulation after surgery. They go over information in the computer with you. They put on the various bands on your arm, to include any allergies. They will more than likely give you something to mellow you out a little and an anti nausea med.

I had someone come in with a huge mobile stay machine that took some last minute drags so Doc had the most up to date picture. The Anesthesiologist comes in and chats with you. If you have any concerns about how you are going to be sedated or any little abnormalities with your spine, etc. With me I had previous lower back fusion so she to location and knowing there was scar tissue we opted to go with General anesthesia. He will ask if you've ever had a problem with this or any other meds. If you have questions, ask.

Your OS should pop in somewhere during this time to see how you're doing, chat with you and hubby, see if there are any last minute questions and he'll draw on your let so you both agree he's going after the correct one. You may also have to wait for them to finish prepping the OR and sometimes they may stack folks a little in pre-op so if things go faster than planned they have next one ready to go. The will keep you pretty busy so you don't have time to stress.

Also, folks from the anesthesiologist team will take you over to the OR, you may not remember this part. They say that they keep you awake so you can assist them moving you into the table. Ok, I believe them but I sure don't remember that which they say most people don't. Sorry I wrote a novel but was hoping to put your mind at ease. We'll be cheering for you and checking in waiting for you to pop up when you're ready. You can do this!

 

[mainegirl1]

I have a 7:15 surgery and must be at Admitting at 5:30. The same timeframe occurred with my knee. There is a bit to be done before the operation starts.. getting to the right floor, introduction to who your caregivers are,( this is done with family here so they know too) relaxers and IV and making sure you are you and that the correct hip is marked and good to go. There is more. I forget what but the time did fly by.

I am so sorry @enoughpain that you aren't confident in your team.. I hope that on Monday morning you get the comfort and peace and confidence you deserve.

I got the call from anaesthesia today.. Its another presurgery call .. The same old information was sought and I dutifully acted the parrot role.. But it is from another department.. Its called being attentive to detail and making sure nothing was missed. I can understand that as I worked in the prehospital medical field and patients told me one story sometimes and the hospital staff another( and the police another yet). We just gotta roll with it.

 

[enoughpain]

Thank so much @Elf1, the novel was enjoyable and informative! I appreciate all of the effort you put into it. I'm not the first surgery of the day, I'm the second.

They drew blood to run some last minute labs, one of which was blood typing.

I've had two sets of blood work done at the hospital already, one of which was to confirm my type.

They did the nose swabs on both nostrils.

Already had those done.

I had someone come in with a huge mobile stay machine that took some last minute drags so Doc had the most up to date picture.

Had those done on Tuesday at the OS office.

If you have any concerns about how you are going to be sedated or any little abnormalities with your spine, etc.

No spinal issues (confirmed by the x-rays in OS office) for which I am very grateful, and I am not going to be sedated.

Just not feeling good about this hospital, but don't have a choice at this point.

 

[enoughpain]

@mainegirl1 , Thanks for trying to help, I truly appreciate it. You have proven my point:

I have a 7:15 surgery and must be at Admitting at 5:30.

You have to be at the hospital 1 hour and 45 minutes before surgery, which seems reasonable to me. I have to be there 3 hours before surgery, which does not.
I am grateful for your and Elf1's attempts to help, but this has put me in such a dark mood, I am just not going to post anymore. There is nothing to be done about this, and none of you deserve to be subjected to my ranting.

My apologies.

 

[mainegirl1]

I hope that you can have a weekend doing something you like @enoughpain ! We're here when you are ready!
Don't feel bad.. We are all entitled to feel what we feel.

 

[Mojo333]

Since I've already done 90% of the paperwork, what can they possibly need 3 hours to do?

They try to lull you into a mean game of blackjack, after they give you a mild sedative...to rob you blind..
Really. That does seem a bit early...
You will be glad to get this done and say goodbye to hip pain.
Try to have a relaxed weekend @enoughpain

 

[Elf1]

@enoughpain I'm sorry you're not feeling good about the hospital and also understand the not having slot of choice in the matter. Please reach out over the weekend if you need to talk or vent. We're here for you and would rather you not go through this alone.

 

[Ptarmigan]

For you, @enoughpain , a story from my “ I can’t believe I DID that files”:

First cataract surgery, I was directed to check in with Admitting at noon. Stop food at midnight, clear fluids only and stop those at 6:00am. No time specified for surgery. I was so nervous, I woke up at 5:00am, which made it the longest of mornings, while my blood sugar kept dropping and my hip pain kept climbing. Finally, I arrived at Admitting - only to be kept waiting in the family lounge for another hour. I went back to Admitting desk, and was dismayed to learn my procedure was scheduled for 4:00! 4:00! Then real misery hit - the combination of nerves, hunger, thirst, pain, and exhaustion - too much - with a three-hour wait still ahead of me.

About 20 minutes later, a nurse came to take me to pre-op. And that’s when things started getting better, a little bit at a time. The nurse wrapped me in a heated blanket, found pillows to make a nest for my hip, and got my chair fixed just right. The anesthesiologist ordered a blood sugar test and then glucose, as well as Tylenol, and the sedative. They had all of their work to do - the questions and pre-op meds and exams - but they took such good care of me at the same time. Finally, all the preparation was done, and I was left alone for a few minutes with my husband. I said to him. “I really thought getting here four hours early was The Stupidest Thing Ever, but it worked out so well. I felt rotten then, but now I am comfortable and relaxed and ready.”

And then the curtain was pulled back, and I realized my nurse and anesthesiologist had very likely overheard me! They were certainly grinning like they had, but they’ll never tell!

 

[Barbaraj]

Oh, @enoughpain, sorry that this whole situation is so frustrating and troublesome for you. Facing surgery is hard enough, but having last minute concerns just amplified the whole situation. I, too, had a 5:30 AM check-in, with surgery scheduled at 8:00. I agree with @Elf1 that although it seems like a ridiculous amount of time, there was lots of things that happened—various medical personnel dropped by to introduce themselves, OS stopped by as well as anesthesiologists. Had to get set up with an IV line, and of course everyone asking you much the same questions over and over again. This last time I got permission to take a small dose of Lorazepam before I came to the hospital. It did wonders to keep me (mostly) calm and unstressed. Time went by slowly but I didn’t care!

I hope you find something to distract yourself with this weekend. You need and deserve that. Hang in there, and try not to keep spiraling down. I know it’s hard but trying to stay positive as much as you’re able would be a good thing. Sending cyber hugs to you today.

 

[linette333]

@enoughpain I too was annoyed at the idea of spending hours just waiting around, but I was surprised how much activity there was. Just being there at long last seemed to calm my nerves actually. Somehow I never even got round to opening that magazine I had brought to ease the boredom!
Not long now until you join us on the healing side!

 

[Jaycey]

All the best tomorrow @enoughpain ! You got this! See you on the other side soon!

 

[Layla]

Happy Sunday!
Wishing you all the best tomorrow. Try not to get hung up on the scheduling. Time moves really quickly in pre-op and they keep you pretty busy. Possibly the surgery before you was scheduled for extra time, depending how involved it is. If that is the case and it takes less time, yours may get bumped up so they need you on board and ready to roll. Mine was scheduled for 9:45 and I arrived at 7:30. I believe they took me into the OR at 8:15-8:20 so almost an hour and a half earlier than my scheduled time. If I wasn't there and ready, my OS would have to wait. Possibly they like to go, go, go once they're in the groove
Twenty four hours from now it will be behind you and hopefully you'll be relieved and resting comfortably.
Sending a hug. I'll bet you do great!
@enoughpain

 

[Elf1]

@enoughpain wishing best of luck tomorrow with surgery and look forward to seeing you on the healing side.

 

[Ptarmigan]

With you in spirit, sending you all the best! You truly can do this - you know you can - and then you’ll be on the healing side. I have an image of you in my mind, going back to the City, confident and secure in your person. Yes. Let’s do this.

 

[Hip4life]

Prayers and healing blessings to you. The waiting and nerves are about the worst right now and the next several hours. We will be holding you in collective thought and waiting on the healing side for you.

 

[Mojo333]

Wishing you all the best...and will look for you on the Healing side...
Time to get on the Recovery Road.

 

[Layla]

Thinking of you this afternoon.
I hope you're resting comfortably and your pain is well managed.
Will look forward to an update on the Recovery side when you're feeling up to it.
Wishing you comfort as you begin healing.
@enoughpain

 

[CricketHip]

Thinking of you and hoping you are doing well. Hugs!!

 

[Mojo333]

Wondering what you were going to name your recovery thread...these early days may not be soon enough to call it
EnoughPain Journey to NoPain or ???????
Would love to see how you are doing....thank you for checking on others...don't think I had that presence of mind at only three days out.
Healing Mojo coming your way @enoughpain

 

[mainegirl1]

I suppose PITA would not be appropriate.. Or would it be for a posterior approach? I too noticed you are here for others which is Great!