[PookPook]

This evening, I got a call from the hospital, confirming my surgery on Monday and reiterating some of my pre-op requirements. I had been expecting this call because it was written in the material I received that they would be calling a few days beforehand to confirm.

So the woman on the phone tells me that my surgery is going to be at 11 a.m. "Yes, that's right," I said. Then she tells me that I have to be at the hospital no later than 8:30. "8:30?" I ask. "I had been told 9:30." "Well, I don't know who told you that, but you need to be there at 8:30." I tell her that the surgeon herself told me to be there at 9:30 and I had written it down when she told me. I had also been told 9:30 this past Monday when I had the obligatory meeting with one of the anesthesiologists and a nurse. I explain to the woman on the phone that my twins' preschool doesn't open until 7, and with rush-hour traffic, I don't think I can get there by 8:30. She says that I have to make every effort to get there by 8:30. I tell her that I certainly will.

She then tells me that I'm to be on a complete fast from 11 p.m. the night before. I tell her that's fine, but that the info sheet I'd been given said to fast from midnight. She said that it's irrelevant what the sheet said; I'm supposed to be on a complete fast from 11 p.m., and then she offered to switch me over to someone else who could answer any questions about this discrepancy. Before I had a chance to tell her that I was really okay with starting the complete fast at 11 p.m. and that I was just pointing out the fact that I'd been told something different, she had already switched me over. The line she switched me to rang about ten times before I just decided to hang up.

Ten minutes later, my phone rings again. It's another woman from the hospital, telling me that I must be at the hospital on Monday at 8 a.m. (now I've lost another half-hour? what happened to 8:30?). I tell her that I will try my absolute best to get there by 8. She says, "No, you will not try your absolute best, you will just do it. It is hospital policy that the patient must arrive three hours before the surgery, and this is non-negotiable. I checked with the surgeon's assistant, and she says that if you aren't there by 8 a.m., the surgeon won't wait for you and your surgery will be cancelled." In shock from her scolding, I just said, "Fine," and the conversation ended.

Yes, of course, I'll make the necessary arrangements to get there by 8. And I have absolutely no problem starting the complete fast at 11 p.m., but I'm a bit shaken up by this on two levels. First, the fact that regarding two different pieces of information I'd previously been given, I'm now being told something else. Second is the attitude of the second woman who called. She was so nasty in her tone. It surprises me because every other interaction I've had with people at the hospital has been so wonderfully positive.


I don't know... I know I should just let this go. Tonight, as I was in the middle of the lullaby I sing to my girls (the Beatles' "I Will"), my mind wandered and I started thinking about the incident and my voice got shaky and I started to cry... I think the girls were asleep by then, thankfully. I don't usually let stuff like this get to me, but you'd think that people dealing with pre-op patients who are just days away from a major surgery would be a little more compassionate.

I've been so excited and optimistic, and have been feeling so good and really looking forward to Monday. I know this is a small blip in the big picture... and I know I'll get over this feeling, but in this moment, I'm feeling like the bubble has kind of burst... and I'm just sad right now.

Thanks for letting me get this out...

[MommyEliz]

I don't think it's just this situation...I think you're incredibly excited/ nervous (just a dash of nervousness). I cried too.....and when I was on the liquid protein diet....I was ready to chew anyone's head off.......day of surgery, is going to begin the process of handing your children over to someone else's care. I hope they prepped you with this info. You could be hospitalized for a full week. My biggest advice is to get someone else to bring the twins to school, so that you can be free to get yourself to the hospital. At whatever the earliest time they tell you. You've worked so hard for this oppurtunity, why let a silly 30min ruin it?! inconsistency is something you'll find in the health field...thus why it's only called a Practice. Do your part, and be honest. You will get positive answers in return. I know when they were scheduling my surgery my husbands military so our health care is "what's your issue? Ok Next!") It sounded as if the nurse had a bunch of clients to get through......and yes she wasn't the most helpful. But no one is pretty everyday. You've got your info, prep yourself & and the fam, and win win win!!! Congrats on your surgery!! Happy Healing!!!!

[MommyEliz]

second note: vent all you want here! It's actually a good place to get great feedback

[merrynail]

Good luck on your surgery. And vent away! This can be such a frustrating process and we've all been through it so we can relate.

[nursesrock]

Geez, you don't know how I hate to hear these kinds of things..from a healthcare provider's standpoint. I'm sorry you went through this today. Next to the stranglehold that insurance companies have on the healthcare system, communication has got to be our biggest issue. Which means I'm not particularly surprised about what's happened to you. My very best advice is that you follow the directions of the last person you spoke with, and try not to let this influence your attitude about the surgery, the surgeon, or the facility. Despite our inability to communicate effectively as a group, your safety, comfort and well-being is what we all strive for. It's almost time to start your new life!!

[Mandy70]

sorry you had such a bad experience. just keep your eye on the prize and and keep your chin up!

[DocSanae]

Aw (((HUGS)))

[MotoCO]

you know that those people mean nothing to you. what is important is your health. what is important is that you get this life changing surgery. i had a similar situation with the "psych" person...she was beyond condescending and acted like she was supreme gate keeper for the surgery because they are the only "company" that the city has to go through for the surgery. still ruffles my feathers when I think about it but who's laughing 75 lbs lighter now? ME that is who!

[PookPook]

Thanks, everyone, for your wonderful moral support. It was really cathartic just to write it all down, and then reading your reponses confirmed that this all really has nothing to do with my surgery outcome or anything else that really matters. I can only think that this woman started her shift with her own issues that day, and I just happened to be on the receiving end.

Well, tomorrow morning starts my 1-day pre-op liquid diet, followed by 12 hours of fasting before the surgery. Everything is all set as far as arrangements to get to the hospital by 8 a.m., thanks to my parents and sister, who are really pulling through for me during my hospitalization and recovery, dropping everything in their own lives to help as only they can.

The day is approaching, and I'm terrified and optimistic at the same time. Okay, deep breath...

Again, everyone, your care and encouragement mean so much... Thank you.

[Suzi-Q]

Good luck on Monday!!