Planning for Surgery

 Yesterday, the scheduler Michelle called from Dr. Culp’s office with a May 1 date for surgery and then a list of other appointments both before and after surgery.  She told me that an email would come with attachments to be printed up and brought to my appointments.  The email did not come for hours and I was concerned about that.  I followed up on the portal and it did arrive eventually.  When I told Michelle it would take me a few minutes to get my calendar, she told me not to hurry.  I appreciated her empathy and patience and responded to tell her that later in the day.

Jim and I watched the required video a few minutes ago.  It is overwhelming to think of all the cautions and procedures one must follow for success.  However, I am trying to remember that it will be one step at a time and there will be people to answer questions along the way.  I am thankful Jim will be here to be my support person and coach.  Plus he will allow me to stay off my feet or do the only 300 steps a day I am suppose to do in the first week.

I already have a walker and a support frame for the toilet.  I ordered a step counter and a “hip kit” from Amazon.  

I was a bit irritated that I received a text from Dr. Culp with a survey about my pain and ability to think and manage my life.  I had already answered all the prompts on the portal earlier.  Maybe they are checking to see if I am consistent.  Maybe no one really looks at these surveys.  I said that I thought my ability to answer medical questions was excellent.  I said my social relationships were very good.  My ability to do everyday chores not so good.  My emotional state was moderate and that may be rating higher than it is some of the time.  My pain levels are nothing when I am sitting—but moderate when I reach for things or get up and down from sitting.  I find dressing and undressing to be some of my harder moments of the day.  I did not anguish over my answers.  I will see if the doctor mentions them at my pre-op meeting on my birthday.  What a way to celebrate! 

————April 7  I told myself I could have a “leave of absence” from my usual life for this time before surgery and probably a few months after surgery.  That made me feel better about decisions for each day and week.  Jim just offered to go to Target alone and I accepted his offer and am pain free sitting on the sofa.  We did livestream church yesterday and enjoyed the livestream of our church’s Blue Grass Mass on Saturday afternoon.  No walking was involved to the municipal parking lot.  We do miss a church parking lot!  

————April 8  Jim just left alone for the Lenten Communion Service that Grace Notes Choir does at Windrows.  I let Noel know that I probably would not be coming.  I feel best just sitting on the sofa.  I feel sorry to not be a part of something that I know I can contribute to but this is easier.

Every day there is some reminder or other from the medical people.  I confirmed my Pre-Admission Testing appointment yesterday online and then they called today also.  Maybe that was the call I missed yesterday.  I am telling myself to be glad they are so organized.  I hope I will feel reassured after the appointment tomorrow with some more questions answered.