November 9, 2005 - Pre-Op Tests
The last month before surgery has not been overly eventful. I have taken the time to organize, prepare, and anticipate everything I will need during the post-op phase. I'm exactly one week away from surgery.
On October 21, I was able to donate the second unit of blood for my revision hip replacement surgery. At times, for prior surgeries, I was unable to donate the second unit because my hematocrit dropped just below the level required for autologous blood donation. This time, I am happy that I will have two units of my own blood on the shelf in the blood bank.
PreOp testing had to be done within 30 days of the date of surgery. I have completed the PreOp evaluation which consisted of:
PreOp tests determine if the liver, lungs, heart, and kidneys will be functioning properly at the time the body undergoes the stress of surgery. I was surprised to get a call from my primary physician informing me they discovered that I have a bladder infection. I had no clue, no symptoms. I'm glad it was caught early so I can take a course of strong antibiotics to rid the infection. I'm hoping this doesn't delay being "cleared" for surgery by my primary doctor. I believe we caught it in time.
I also have had a PreOp interview with the scheduler in my surgeon's office. She gave me papers to take to the admission interview and to the hospital on the day of surgery. She also gave me a medical history questionnaire which is for the anesthesiologists so they can get to know you quickly.
I also stopped taking Mobic 10 days prior to surgery, per instructions from my surgeon. I'm not in horrible pain, besides the hip which needs surgery. But I can tell Mobic is missing. I take enough other medications though which are keeping me relatively comfortable.
It's crunch time, as they say. With just a few days left I can honestly say I am calm and peaceful, and looking forward to being well again. It's time for the hip pain to go! Keep me in your thoughts and I will be back writing in this diary after surgery, and sharing more of my story.
Carol's Hip Replacement Diary:
