Pre Op Appointment

The most stressful time for me was making a decision. To proceed or not to proceed!? I dwelled on this for about 2 weeks, and in that time I spent many nights stressing about worst case scenario’s. Then one day I finally snapped, and decided I am going to do this. So I called the Surgeon’s office and asked them to lock me in. There was no turning back now!

2 Weeks before the actual surgery date, I had a Pre Op appointment. This consisted of me signing documents, excepting the risks and outcomes of my chosen procedures. The Surgeon also took photos of me from different angles. This was also my last chance to ask about any further questions or concerns. I was also asked about my current medications, and any allergies I may have. The Surgeon then prescribed me some medication for before and after the surgery, including antibiotics, sleeping pills, and pain killers. And interestingly, he also advised me to start taking Vitamin C, Zinc and Arnica both before and after surgery. Apparently this assists with the healing process. It was also suggested by the nurse not to drink any alcohol up to a week before surgery. DOH! So once I was finished with the Surgeon, I was walked into his coordinators office, and it was time pay up! Thank god for Uncle Amex! Once payment was organised, I was introduced to the nurse. The nurse basically prepared me for what to expect on the day of surgery, and recovery. She advised that I limit my diet to liquids for the first day, then soft foods from then on. She also suggested I sleep with my head in an elevated position after surgery, as this helps with the swelling. Another suggestion was to drink lots of Pineapple juice. Apparently this also assists with swelling.

That was about it for the Pre Op appointment. It was very non eventful. I was expecting blood tests, x-rays, stress tests etc. But I guess for my age, and the procedures I was about to endure, this was unnecessary.