Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Pre-Op testing done...now more waiting

So I went in for all my pre-op testing this morning.  Bright and early, had to be there at 7.  On the drive in all I could think about was soon I would be driving there one morning for my surgery and I was so nervous/excited.

So here's the list of everything I had today:
  • Vital signs
  • 10 tubes of blood drawn 
  • chest x-rays
  • Upper GI (aka barium swallow)
  • EKG
  • Pulmonary function tests
  • met with the nurse to review my med history
Nothing too horrible,  except the barium.  BLECH!  Taste wasn't so bad, but the consistency was horrible.  Felt like I was drinking chalk mixed with liquid paste.  I also felt like I was on an amusement ride. They have you stand upright on the machine   First they give you what looks and feels like pop-rocks, and drink that down with a tiny bit of water.( I read about this on another blog, so I was prepared)   Then the thick barium, a big glass full.  The they tip back the table while you are on it until you are lying flat.  The you have to roll over a couple of times to get the barium to get coated on your stomach. OF course the pop rocks release gas and makes you want to belch, but you aren't supposed to, they want to keep all that gas in the stomach for the pics.

The they start taking the pictures, on your back, on your side, half way between back and side.  Then had to drink the thin barium, luckily just to large sips.  More pics and then it was done.  YIPPEE.  I asked the tech how many people vomit during all that moving and she just laughed.

I have an appointment with the hospitalist (MD) next week.  They'll have reviewed all the test and Ill find out if there's any reason why I can't have the surgery.  If everything is ok, then I'll get put on the surgery schedule.  The nurse today said it could be up to 2 weeks until I hear back from the office to schedule.  She thinks my dr is still scheduling in May, but isn't sure.  She said one of the other drs in the practice is already booked into June!

PLEASE, PLEASE don't be that far away!!!!!!

7 comments:

  1. I've got my fingers crossed that your appt will be sooner rather than later!!

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  2. Oh Lordy, I have to say, I am almost worried about the barium than I am about surgery. I am a pretty picky eater and will gag/ throw up without much provocation. I still can't take liquid cough medicine! I wonder how many people really have thrown up during the procedure! Glad you got all your stuff done!

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  3. Morgan: thanks, I've got everything crossed ;)

    Sara: it was pretty nasty, but I just thought about why I was doing it. Going to be totally worth it in the end.

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  4. Totally Worth it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  5. The waiting is the hardest part!

    http://www.andreasweightlossjourney.com/

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