Stuff That Matters In Life

I posted about my surgery experience on my parenting site, if you care to read that.

Here are some additional thoughts:

* When my surgeon and anesthesiologist came to see me just prior to the surgery, they asked, “Do you have any questions for us?” I said, “No question. I just want you to know my life is in your hands. I hope you are well-rested, alert, and in a good mood!” The surgeon replied, “Well, I am a little tired – just kidding!”

I wanted to ask the anesthesiologist, “How many months have you been out of med school?” He looked awfully young. But I didn’t dare ask lest his answer makes me more nervous. I am at the age now where everyone looks young.

My surgeon looks very young too, but he’s Chinese, so I know he’s probably 20 years older than he looks. He went to Yale, so I didn’t have any questions for him.

* At 4:30am, when I am in the hospital recovery, the lab tech calls into my room, “Good Morning!” 4:30AM!!  I don’t remember asking for wake up service at the front desk. All she did was take my blood pressure. Then at 6:30AM, another person came in to draw blood. Reality kicks in, I’m not on vacation at a resort, no matter how nice the room is.

* I have to say, the nursing staff was very nice and attentive. I always ask the nurse if it’s a busy day. That will gauge how loud I have to scream if I needed anything. The night nurse told me she had 4 patients. I didn’t have to scream at all. In fact, my room was right in front of the nursing station. It was close enough that their chatter kept me awake, but not close enough to hear the gossip. Too bad.

* The steel operating table has a warm pad on it. How considerate. That was the last thing I remembered before I was put under. It’s funny what you observe and what you don’t.

* I have a lot more empathy for people with chronic illnesses. It’s pretty horrible to have needles poking your arms several times a day. You don’t get used to it.

* I was expecting to have lots of opportunity for quiet prayer and have a sort of personal retreat with God when I am resting. But I was unable to concentrate to pray, nor to think of Scriptures. So now I know how important it is to pray for others in need, because it’s hard to pray for yourself.

Thank you to everyone who prayed for me. The prayers counts in the Kingdom of God and to me.