Pre-surgery screening call today

I got a call from Marie at Ohio Orthopedic Center of Excellence today.  She asked me lots of questions:  Do I smoke?  Drink?  What's my height?  Weight?  Any allergies?  (Yes: silk and codeine.)  What are the symptoms with these allergies?  What drugs am I taking, and when was my last menstrual period?  Do I wear glasses or contact lenses?  Do I have an advance directive? (Yes.)  Any previous surgeries?  Have I been diagnosed with sleep apnea?  Diabetes?  Anyone in my family have problems with anaesthesia?  And on and on.

She also gave some information about what to expect, which was good because apparently my expectations were way off base.  Not entirely surprising, because if you've read from the beginning, I was sort of expecting some magical medical super glue and back to work on Monday.  Here's the rundown from the notes I took while on the phone with Marie:

They're going to call me on Friday afternoon to let me know what time Monday morning my surgery is scheduled for.  It's looking like mid-morning now, but as other people get asked the screening questions they will juggle the schedule accordingly.  Sleep apnea folks have to go first, etc.  I'll be told the surgery time and the time to arrive beforehand.

The surgery center is on the lower level, and there's a separate parking area around the back of the facility.

I need to bring several things with me:  Insurance card, drivers license, a case for my glasses, and I'll probably bring a totebag to put all of my stuff in when I change out of my clothes.

I'm not allowed to take anything by mouth after midnight on Sunday.  No gum, candy, water, anything.  I can brush my teeth and rinse with mouthwash, but can't swallow anything.  And no alcohol on Sunday.  Oh, yeah - and I can't take my calcium supplements between now and surgery.  They don't want people taking any supplements at all pre-surgery.  I guess I can understand that; supplements aren't regulated very well and there's not a lot of telling what's in there.  I'll take my allergy pill Sunday night.  They don't want me congested while I'm under anaesthesia!

I have to wear shorts with an elastic waistband or drawstring, and a big button-up shirt.  I have got that covered!  Jim and Gretchen get to be with me when I hear the post-op instructions.  That's good, because I'm counting on them to remember everything for me!

Here's a link to the surgery center's FAQs.

Four days, and counting!