An operative experience

I went for my operation on Wednesday and survived to tell it.

Was told by more than one person that I would be feeling nervous and scared one night before and on the day of the operation. So I decided to tire myself out the night before as well as stuff my face silly with food (I had to starve from 12 midnight til the next day). I went to sleep after 12.

Overslept the next morning. My dad called my handphone at 6.05 am. He was already at the carpark waiting for me. Hurriedly I got ready. I had to be admitted by 7 am. The operation was at 8.30 am.

I asked for A1+ ward - why not? since my medical benefits entitled me to A1 class and my insurance and medisave would cover everything... it would also be far away from prying eyes of my colleagues ...

well done ... forgot to bring my wallet. No medical benefits card. No IC. "FAINT"
"we will have to trust you then..." said the nice clerk.

at day surgery, they were nice enough to give me my own room to rest before the op. great... i had to wear the operating gown, with nothing underneath ... so cold ... so naked ...

i had to climb onto the operating table myself - and that was holding on to my gown at the same time, trying to prevent my naked butt from showing... so embarassing. Great ... got medical student there too - FEMALE ... sigh ... I'm sure she will prod me when I am under GA. oh well ... ignorance is bliss ...

I think the anesthestist missed my vein as I was breathing in the nitrous oxide. I could hear her sigh and say "How could I miss a doctor's vein?" I remember saying "It's ok" through the mask as I drifted to sleep ...

The next thing I know - "Dr Tan - wake up !" as the tube was pulled out of my throat ... hey ! wasn't I supposed NOT to feel that ? anyway, before long I was wheeled into my room.

Awww ... such love and concern I felt when my cell group came to visit. In line with our communistic ethos, my bird's nest (donated by my colleague)was kidnapped by pastor irene - to be given away to her friend; the bunch of real flowers was taken by joanna - to make her friend happy; and one stalk of cartoon flowers accompanied tabby home to make her students happy... It felt great to contribute to the general happiness of people I didn't know... :) I went home with 2 stalks of cartoon flowers.

Of course, as usual, the cell started discussing where to eat as I was devouring my tasteless fish and brocolli. Melvin was kind enough to take a picture of the char kway tiao etc to show me later in the evening... Before the gang left, pastor and the cell wsa kind enough to pray for a speedy recovery and to ask our Lord for forgiveness for making me laugh more than once during their visit - yes, it hurt everytime I laughed...

Then the nurse refused to give me ponstan for my pain. (the panadol where got enough ?!?!) Her reason "Oh, but you are allergic to NSAIDS" My reply "But I have taken ponstan before" My mind "You silly nurse - I AM A DOCTOR !"
Ok. I finally got my ponstan. Managed to sleep through the night.

Ok ... so I have been home the last two days. Never slept so much in my life. Must be the temgesic (read painkiller - morphine derivative which made me drowsy and nauseous).

On MC the next 2 weeks. So many things to do on my list...