Pre-op (T-minus 3 weeks)

It has been an interesting week.  It is really starting to hit me that this is happening. 


On Monday, I had my endoscopy.  It was nothing like I imagined.  I thought it would be like a dentist visit, but it was more like a surgical procedure.  Had I know this, I would have shaved my legs.  I arrived and was given a gown, cap and booties.  They sprayed some TERRIBLE liquid down my throat - which bubbled like pop rocks and tasted like Chloraseptic x 17.  Awful.  But before long I couldn't taste it and when I spoke, I sounded a little like Demi Moore. 
They wheeled me into the operating room and had me lay on my left side - which is normally how I sleep so I was all for this.  Then they put the oxygen in my nose and shoved this thing in my mouth that honestly made me feel like a fish.  Apparently, it was to help keep my mouth open while I was out - which is probably good because I am a teeth-clencher and that surgeon's finger would have been a goner in no time flat.  The last thing I remember is being told they would take good care of me. 
The next thing I remember is waking up in a different room with a nurse walking in right as my eyes opened.  The oxygen was out of my nose and I was no longer a fish.  I asked if I spoke of anything embarrassing or funny - she giggled a little.  "You just told me a few times that I MUST watch The Real Housewives."  ha ha.  That sounds about right.  Good ole' anesthesia.

Today, I had my consent appointment.   I met with my dietitian who helped me pick out my 3 weeks worth of pre-op "food" and went over how I should be eating/drinking pre and post operation.  I didn't think I liked her at first but she has grown on me and I think she will be a good partner in this journey.  She also got her hair cut which...she needed.  Then the PA came in and went over what to expect during the surgery (um...nothing, right?  I should be out cold, I hope) and after.  She covered the risks and also some of the possible unpleasant side effects - and also wrote out some prescriptions for pain, heart burn and some weird thing that she said could feel like cramping under my breast bone.  Fun times.
I thought I was done, but no.  They sent me down the hall for an EKG.  Again, how about a heads up people?  I had to take my shirt and shoes (?) off and have my beautiful heart monitored.  Probably would have picked a fancier bra had I known that area would be on display.  From there, they sent me across the hall where I had my blood work done. 
It was a long appointment but I came home with a ton of information, my questions answered and $300 worth of astronaut food.

Tomorrow, I will start eating these and only these items.  There are protein bars, soups, pasta, shakes, pancakes, egg enhancements and hot drinks.  I can mix and match but must eat a certain amount of each thing per day.  Not really looking forward to it, but I will grin and bear it - food is just fuel after all.  One day at a time. 
Tonight was my last good meal for a while, so I hooked it up with a family favorite.   My grandmother's American Chop Suey.  It was probably the best batch I have made in a while so it was meant to be. 

Surgery is officially T-minus 3 weeks!