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Scared out of my mind -

Last week I had my pre-op testing, which included a chest xray.   The results came back that I had a "nodule" in my lung. (What the sam heck is a nodule?!) My doctor said it had to be tested further before she could sign off on my surgery.   So, for SEVEN DAYS I've been waiting to get in for a CT scan and get the results back - sweating out a cancer scare, on TOP of all the emotions of this surgery. :smile2:   I was out of my mind, worried not only would I not get a "second chance" at life with this surgery, but I'd be facing a serious illness that would have made the last 6 months useless - that I'd be getting chemo instead of fills ...   On the eve of starting my pre-op diet, THANK GOD ALMIGHTY I got the call from my doctor tonight the tests came back COMPLETELY NEGATIVE - no sign of cancer whatsoever - just an old scar from a childhood respiratory illness. :tt2:   I swear, Bandster Hell will be a cake walk after this harrowing experience. Whew!
mscarly

mscarly

3
 

A few more things I learned today -

My internist strongly advised a couple other things today:   1) GET LOTS OF SLEEP in the next few weeks before band surgery [Jun-3]. It's one of the things that will boost your immune system and stave off getting sick so close to the date. Avoid people as much as you can (trains, etc); and wash your hands a lot / use hand sanitizer.   2) USE YOUR CPAP MACHINE and TAKE IT WITH YOU TO SURGERY OVERNIGHT. I quit using my cpap machine a few weeks ago, thinking tra-la-la it's just a little while before surgery and not having to use the darned thing at all anymore.   But she said that's incorrect thinking. I'm staying at a hotel downtown Chicago after outpatient surgery, and engaging the services of a nurse to stay with me overnight. Again, my doctor said to BE SURE TO BRING THE CPAP along, because additional drugs in the body with surgery can really effect your sleep.   3) Check your meds. Some are crushable, some are not. Some have liquid forms, some not. If you have a lot of pain issues like me, you need to plan for your pain management ahead of time. Also, she advised to wean off of Lexapro (antidepressant) before the surgery. I really don't need it that much, just take it as a hormone therapy substitute instead of estrogen - but she looked it up and it's not the greatest thing to be on if you're having surgery. Also, Celebrex isn't that great to be on before surgery, either.   Of course, consult your own physician - but these are a few things I learned today that are worth asking questions about. - mscarly
mscarly

mscarly

1
 

Good news today re surgeon

I received a *glowing* reference today from one of my physicians regarding Dr. Carlos Galvani at Day One in Chicago, who is going to perform my lap band surgery.   She was kind enough to ask around, so I take that as very comforting info as my Jun-3 2009 surgery date approaches.   Also, one of my colleagues, who is very knowledgeable about the healthcare industry, reviewed his CV and was very impressed with his qualifications. :thumbup:
mscarly

mscarly

2
 

So far, so good -

This morning, after the first 2 full days of my pre-op liquid diet, I'm down 6.6 pounds already.   I am very much at peace with this decision. Not eating isn't bothering me in the least. I'm not hungry. It's very easy.   Of course, after my cancer scare earlier this week ... liquid diet? No problem!
mscarly

mscarly

1
 

Lesson learned re cardiology clearance -

Went for my pre-op testing today with my internist (standard questions and tests such as blood pressure, blood work, EKG, chest xray, etc).   She said typically an INTERNIST can give cardiac clearance before surgery; but she looked closely at the order and called to make sure - my surgery center requires a CARDIOLOGIST to give the clearance.   This is usually even more the case when you're having ELECTIVE surgery, she commented. They are being very sure to have complete due diligence on you ...   Word to the wise - it would be a heck of a note to not have that correct on surgery day. When in doubt - CALL! :ohmy:
mscarly

mscarly

1
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