You would think so...

I'm on the 4th too.

Our stories are similar! I'm also in school - getting a Master's. This semester is my last semester of internship and then I will be done. No more working for free for me - lol! I was thinking of putting off surgery until after internship was done, but decided to bite the bullet and just take a couple weeks off. I'm hoping I'll get a job offer from the company I'm working for, and I don't want to take the time off then.

Maybe we should start a group or a topic for those of us having surgery on 9/4. We should have a fun name! Star Wars comes to mind...

I've seen some other on the forums suggest drinking things out of a cup with a lid, so that you don't get as much smell. That seems to work for me.

Testing for a leak sounds like a great idea if they haven't already. My surgeon described the symptoms of a leak just as you are. It would be worth getting checked out.

I'm still pre-op so I don't have much advice to offer. I wanted to offer you some (((((Melissa))))) and let you know I'll be thinking of and praying for you. Keep us updated!