The doctor becomes the patient

Tommorow I have to have surgery. You would think that with the extensive knowledge I have, I wouldn't be worried or nervous at all. Well, that is not the truth. I am probably MORE nervous because I know exactly what can happen and what can go wrong! I think, though, that I am more worried about the stuff that I DON'T know about - what happens while I am waiting for surgery? What happens after? How much pain will I be in? Will I be sick after? These are things that I haven't had to deal with from the other side.

I have a whole new appreciation for what our patients go through. Just getting this all set up was a nightmare. First, I had to see my family doctor. Then, the wait of when do I go for an ultrasound. Then, what do I do with those results. Then, the wait for the apointment with the surgeon which I have no control over and have to miss some of work for. Then, the wait for the appointment for surgery, which again I have no control over. Let me tell you switching call at the drop of a hat is not easy. You would think that all you would have to do is say the words "surgery" and people would immediately jump at the chance to help you out. Not so. It did get taken care of though. Then, getting a preop from my family doc on such short notice was damn near impossible! The only way I got in at all was I was put on the cancellation list. What a pain all of that was.

So, now I am on call for the ICU, and dreading what the morning will bring with my surgery. Yes, it is just day surgery, but I am still worried. The unknown is always worriesome, at least to me (and some of those who I am closest to). I plan to have a big meal just after midnight. Then clear fluids until two hours before (I know better than all that NPO after midnight garbage). I will still be hungry, though, and cranky too. My poor husband who is going to have to deal with me after the fact.

This all gives so much more meaning to the phrase, "physician, heal thyself." Sometimes we don't have much choice in the situation.