Okay, I'm almost ready. Took tomorrow of so I can pack, plane leaves Sat morning since I'm going to spend an extra day in San Diego.

Anyone else going to be at the Marriot on Sunday (the 26th), and having their procedure on Monday (the 27th)? I'll be having Dr Cabrera giving me my new start, (and being assisted by the way to handsome for his own good Dr Altamirano).

I'll be down there with my mother, but it would be cool to meet up with some folks post-op for some broth sipping story telling, haha.

(I know I'll meet some folks on the van ride down from SD, as well as around the hospital, but would love to meet up with some forum dwellers).

Two of us arrive on the 3rd, one on the 4th and you on the 5th. Two of us will be back at hotel on the 6th after surgery when you get in on the 6th. PM me and we'll make a plan to meet.

Looking forward to it!

W

So I was lucky, and was the first surgery of Dr Cabrera's day. Got over to the hospital, and gave my ID and admission form to Tatiana, my coordinator. She took them into the office, then came back and took me to my room. <br><br> Rooms are nothing fancy, and seemed on par with older hospitals in the US. Over the course of the next hour, I changed into my gown, stockings, and scrub cap. (I purchased my own, something to try and stand out a bit. It seemed to work, as I got plenty of comments). Had my lab work, EKG, and IV put in. I then met with the anesthesiologist, followed by Dr Cabrera. Both of them were very polite and allowed me to ask any questions. They confirmed I was the first one scheduled, and would be in the OR shortly. <br><br> True to their word, a wheelchair arrived and wisked me off. It looked like they are set up with two ORs right next to each other. I hopped up on the table, while they strapped my arms in and added thing to my IV. Bam, out for the count. <br><br> Wake up time. Holy hell, it was rough. I've had back surgery before, and this was tougher. However, I didn't have my abdomen pumped full of gas for that either, lol. I know I moaned quite a bit, and plenty of folks were talking to me, but all I really remember about the recovery room is pain. <br><br> I vaguely remember being brought back to my room and hearing my mom's voice, but apparently moaned and slept for the next hour or so. Finally, I was awake. <br><br> Over the last 8 hours, I've walked a total of 5 times, ranging from one lap to five laps. 5 laps was my limit, as I got nauseous. My gas pains come in waves, but are generally minor except for a spike here or there. I'd say 50% of my overall pain is from my drain. I've never had one, and the entry point is tough for me. If I'm lucky, that will come up before I go back to the hotel. (I REALLY hope it does). <br><br> I've chips only so far, though they just brought my some liquid clonazepam as well as some goodies for my IV. That was the first thing I've drank, and it was a surreal experience. It wasn't much, but I still had to sip, then hiccuped and it hurt. :-(. So, hopefully I can get some sleep tonight, we'll see. Till next time.