At some point about 2 hours before the surgery time, I sort of "accepted" that it was really going to happen.

Of course I've been planning this for 6 months, but the entire process had gone so smoothly, that when the

time came, I couldnt really believe it. And with my last minute nerves, I had visions the day before of

backing out (see previous blog entry).

When I arrived at the hospital 2 hours before surgery time, they got me back to the pre-op room right away.

The nurse went through a checlist to make sure all paper-work was done and signed off by me and Dr. Pirrello.

and checked my vitals. then another checklist to confirm which medications I was taking. Finally, another

checklist to make sure I didnt have a pacemaker, hidden jewelry in weird (non-visible) places, metal hip,

etc. After a few minutes, she gave me instructions to use the bathroom if I needed, strip all the way down,

and put on these loooong white hose/nylons which are used to help prevent blood clots. So after I had put

the very tight hose on (they are thigh - highs so being a guy I felt a weird and getting the standard

hospital gown on, the nurse came back in and had me lay flat on the exam table while she put leg-length

foam-straps covering the hose. I later learned that these foamy staps had little inserts in them that

variably espanded and contracted to help control blood flow and prevent clots durning and after the surgery.

The best way to decribe the action of these things is that they're like a combination of a message recliner

chair like you see in Brookstone stores and a blood pressure cuff for the way it expands. Then she shaved

my entire stomach which tickled like hell. I laughed uncontrollably and so did she.

I soon had a fast visit from the anesthesiologist, my surgeon's assistant, and finally my surgeon. Each

helped to relax me, but didn't really give me any new information. They're a very good team and I had always

been impressed and appreciative of the time my surgeon spent explaining things to me. My pre-op office visit

with my surgeon, Dr. Pirrello, the week before surgery was 2 hours long! He's great.

Verrrry slowy I began to feel relaxed. Although no one had said so, I was sure they had started me on type

of relaxation medication. Felt like a Valium or drinking 2 beers. I'm glad they did. Then they allowed my

wife to come back to the pre-op room for a few minutes. By that time I was even more relaxed. But we spent a

few minutes together talking, laughing and praying. Someone peeked their head in the door indicating that

the time had arrived. It was time to head to the big show.

At this point, my memory starts to go in and out a little. I remember (mostly) being wheeled into the

operating room on the gerny then being laid onto another table with bright lights above. But again, it

seemed like I was going in and out of consciousness. it was dream-like. I could hear several people around

me, and also remember the anesthesiologist whispering to me from behind. I think she might have said "you're

going to sleep now.", and I was out. Then they gave me the sleeve I presume

I came out back into consciousness slowly, much as i had gone out. So I remember talking with my wife

breifly, then I was in my hospital room in a bed. After that, I became fully conscious, but didnt feel any

pain. More soon...