Today was my pre-surgical testing. I scheduled today off from work a while ago and when I scheduled the surgery last week, this appointment fit into my schedule. And in comparison to everything else, this one’s going to be a breeze. So, it’s the day after a holiday and I can’t imagine why I decided an 8 o’clock appointment was a good idea. Mars is working today and once I’m done with the appointment, the day is all mine.

The office is in a former hospital in a not-so-nice part of town. I’m hyper-aware of my surroundings and totally convinced I’m going to get car jacked. Thankfully, I don’t. I’m the first patient of the day and I have an anesthesia consult, an EKG, a chest x-ray and blood work scheduled. The consult amounted to answering a list of questions. No, I don’t take medications, I don’t have a diagnosed heart condition, and yes I can walk up a flight of stairs without getting winded. Then, I change into my gown for the attachments of the EKG and it takes no time at all. The nurse walks me down the hall to have my blood taken and wishes me the best with my surgery. Thanks. The phlebotomist was amazing and I hardly felt the needle in my arm and it’s over before I know it. Lastly, I down the hall a little further for my chest x-ray. I change into another gown. Click, click, click and I’m done.

To be truthful, I’m feeling fine. I know what I’m up against. I have done research. I don’t even think about the possible complications. Sure, sometimes you wake up after anesthesia, sometimes you don’t. But, I think I know what to expect and I think I’m at peace with the journey I’m on. At times, it’s seemed overwhelming but the real journey has yet to begin.