Today was the big day to have my pre-surgery physical exam and testing to determine if I really would get a new hip next week. It’s been about two months in the planning, but I’m happy to report that I passed! Because of the doctor changing hospitals and all of the delays, I was feeling the surgery was never going to happen. I hate these kind of days.
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Tonight’s photos are from my roving time yesterday on the refuge. Dew on a young longleaf pine.
I was pretty calm until I got about five miles away from my first appointment. I could feel my blood pressure rising as I neared the orthopedic office. I’m sure some of you know that feeling in the pit of your stomach when dealing with doctors and nurses. I wish it wasn’t so.
It took about an hour to go through that initial exam, and then I was sent off to the Mayo hospital for further testing. Each person I talked to asked the same questions, but I was prepared for that.
I figured I would be poked and prodded, and I was. Blood draws, urine sample, and an EKG were done. There was one test, however, that took me by surprise.
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Hermit Thrush in the understory.
At one point, a nurse took a long wooden Q-tip to swab my nostrils. I’ve never had that done before. I was told it was to check to see if I had a staph infection. The thing that popped into my mind as she did it was that old insult “Up your nose with a rubber hose!”
I also met with the anesthesiologist, and he assured me that I would be in La La land next Tuesday. The distance between different tests at the hospital was daunting. I was thrilled when they plopped me in a wheel chair and took me from place to place. When it was all done, they even wheeled me out to my car. You can’t imagine the amount of pain that saved me from. I was very thankful.
By the time I left, my blood pressure was down to normal again. It should be fine until that drive into the hospital next Tuesday…
Thanks for stopping by… talk to you later, Judy
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Good for you! You'll be so glad to have the surgury done. Here's to lots more walking in 2013
ReplyDeleteI was sort of taken aback to see you were jumping hurdles a week before your surgery.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year Judy and I look forward to more give and take next year.
Never thought I'd congratulate anyone on being poked, prodded and bled, but congratulations! :c)
ReplyDeleteYou are getting there, Judy. Today's tests were a big hurdle, for sure!
ReplyDeleteYou are getting there, Judy. Today's tests were a big hurdle, for sure!
ReplyDeleteTake Care & God Bless Judy, know we are thinking of you!!!
ReplyDeleteIt even has a name - white coat syndrome. Lots of us suffer from that. So happy you were able to leap those hurdles with room to spare. Onward to the next test. What a great way to start the new year - being able to walk again.
ReplyDeleteI sure do understand what you are sayin.... First the anxiety of just being there, then they run you through all the hurdles, back and forth and the first thing they want to do is check your blood pressure. Surprise, it's elevated!! Glad your are through the prep stuff. Soon you will be on the other side looking back! It WILL be a good year!
ReplyDeleteWhew! One more step toward better health in 2013.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year... and "up your nose with a rubber hose!"
Happy New Year to you and Emma. So glad for you that things are moving forward on your surgery.
ReplyDeleteI think you'll be amazed at how much better you will feel in 6 weeks or so. LG
ReplyDeleteJust keep telling yourself that all that poking and prodding... and elevated BP... is going to put you back on your feet .. literally... again! Best Wishes!
ReplyDeleteInteresting about the nasal swab. My husband (who had hip replacement 1 yr ago) was recently diagn. with nasal staph infection which Dr said is somewhat common - who knew! Reminded me- do you have the recommended nightgown for post-surgery?I recall pics of your pretty new jammies, but you'll need something that doesn't require pulling up over thighs and hip area for a few weeks -- unless you don't mind your brother doing that -- lol! When my husband got tired of the nightshirt, I was the one who had to help him pull up pj bottoms. Not sure I'd want my brother to do that tho. Good luck with the surgery - you'll do fine and wish you had done it a year ago. Happy New Year and New Hip. Lynn-Kingston NY
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos, Judy. I know you are so eager to get this over with!
ReplyDeleteWhen I had cardiac bypass surgery they made me swab the inside of my nose with neosporin ointment for 5 days before surgery to be sure there was no staph when I came for surgery. At another hospital,I was tested before admission and at discharge for the staph. It is a good thing that they are trying to keep those bugs out of the hospital.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year. Looking forward to reading about your pain-free adventures in 2013.
ReplyDeleteSo glad for you. . .to be soon on the road to recovery! yaaaa. . .
ReplyDeleteJanice
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You're almost there!
ReplyDeleteI wish you all the best for your surgery and recovery. From what I've heard, you'll be doing a jig in no time!!
ReplyDeleteAll the best on your upcoming surgery Judy. Best part will be waking up on the other side of it knowing it's over & finally behind you.
ReplyDeleteAfter all this hoop jumping the surgery is going to feel like a piece of cake.
ReplyDeleteYour almost there Judy. I was so happy to be getting my knees done I would have let them do just about anyting to me.
ReplyDeleteI have a picture on my post of a hawk take a peek let me know which one is right. Thanks
Happy New Year
Congratulations to you, Judy ... and Happy New Year. May things progress well for you!
ReplyDeleteHappy new year Judy!!..hope the surgery and recovery go well!
ReplyDeleteA Healthy and Happy to you and Emma.
ReplyDeleteHappy news for your new year! You are finally about to get there and we are all happy for you to take this journey.
ReplyDeleteLast sinus surgery for me, the "ingredients" were cultured and staph was one of them. I was told it was a common sinus infection item. Interesting about the swab.
Blessings to you on the doings in the coming days of preparations.
Glad your passed the tests - I don't think I've ever had to go through that before. You will be so relieved when this is all over with and you can walk pain-free again. Happy New Year to you.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear the hospital is so careful about checking for staph. That is one of the worst things you can pick up in a hospital. Seems they will be taking very good care of you. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year Judy and Emma!
ReplyDeleteSee just knowing the surgery is now around the corner has given you the wherewithal to jump hurdles. KIdding aside, good to hear that the pre-surgery "inspection" went well. Now to get the surgery behind you.
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking you couldn't be in better hands come next week..good luck!! and Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteFirst Step Done- Good Deal. Happy New Year and here is hoping all goes well with the Surgery.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you're on your way to walking freedom. Won't be long now.
ReplyDeleteWe'll be anxious to hear that you are through everything and on the mend! Happy New Year, Judy and hope that everything goes well for you in the upcoming surgery and New Year!
ReplyDeleteWill be thinking of you. I'm sure you have nothing to worry about, and I know all will go well. Sending you hugs and good karma!!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, Judy. It won't be long now before you're trekking along those trails again. Good luck with your surgery.
ReplyDeleteGlad you passed and hey, us nurses aren't so bad! Happy New Year Judy!
ReplyDeleteWell, so glad that day is over with. I think 2013 is going to be a very healthy year for you. Once the surgery is over, you will be busting up the trails. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteHey - things are on the uptick! Almost to the finish line and heading on strong for the new year.
ReplyDeleteThat is good news, Judy, they haven't forgotten you through the medical cracks!
ReplyDeleteHow very smart of them to wheel you around!
You will be in our prayers for a safe and successful surgery while you are off in La La Land! :)
Kathy
I think the pre-physical is the only test I passed on the first try...Are you driving yourself to surgery????? That really sucks pond water..Well, I'm sure that you have things all lined up and under control...Best of luck with the sawbones, and I'm sure that new hip will be "very hip"...pretty, and shiny and easy to move..."Batter up!"
ReplyDeleteRelieved for you that all the pre-tests are done. Wishing you a very happy and healthy new year!
ReplyDeleteGlad you had no problems with the exam:)
ReplyDeleteWe will be praying for you. From experience we know they have great knockout drugs and good pain meds.
ReplyDeleteI am sure you know how valued you are by the number of good wishes you have received in this blog alone. There are many more out "there" too. My thoughts are with you too. Give yourself a hug from all of us.
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