Operation Pre-Op

I have to have an operation in a week. I had a medical procedure, and something was found that has to be removed. I've been telling people I was having a third of my brain removed, but it is really closer to the other end. I have a flat polyp, which couldn't all be removed when it was found, and flat polyps have an annoying habit of turning into cancer.

I haven't had surgery since I was, like, 4. I got appendicitis. I don't remember much about it, just vague images of barfing on my brother, and eating from a tray in the hospital. This time, because I'm older and more worn by time and mileage, I have to go for pre-op testing. I'm wondering what that will be like.

I guess I may have an EKG (or ECG for you purists), because I'm old enough to have heart issues, and there is a family history. Dad had a heart attack on his 60th birthday, and a stoke a couple of years later, though he lived for over 15 years after that. I'm younger than Dad was with those events, but I take a pill each morning to keep my blood pressure down. And another pill at night to keep my cholesterol down. So, yeah, I have risk factors.

Will the doctor or nurse let me read the EKG? Can I still do that? I haven't seen one in a long time.

What else will they do to me? A general physical, I'm sure. Digital exam? Yes, I'm leaving out the gross parts, in case any of my readers, should they exist, are squeamish. But I know where the digit goes.

I have no fears about the physical, but I could worry about the operation if I didn't keep myself in check. I've heard stories. Even if everything goes well, I could be in pain for weeks. What's going to happen at work, without me there? And how long will Liz be willing to wait on me, and bring me books? Will I be able to eat a normal diet again after? And will the doctor let me drink all that home brew in my basement? Ever? And how long will it take us to pay off our share of the cost? Especially since I'll be on short term disability, which pays a lot less than my normal salary, until I can get back to work. Will worrying over that slow my recovery, and cost me even more?

It might be easier if they did take a third of my brain. Then I wouldn't worry about any of this s***.