Checking into hospital

I can say without any hint of sarcasm that the surgery is a piece of cake. I went in to hospital at around 8AM having been asked to stay ‘nil by mouth’ (no eating or drinking) since Midnight; this is to ensure that you don’t vomit when you are under anaesthetic, so don’t break the rules! This really isn’t a problem at all. I probably go longer periods than this a few times a week. In hospital, I was visited by my nurse who went through a pre-op questionnaire. This mainly just asks about allergies etc. The nurse gave me a rather embarrassing hospital gown and paper underwear to change into. This is arguably the worst part of the whole experience, but it is necessary that you are dressed in ‘easy access’ clothing for when they take you down to theatre. At this point, I was also given a wristband with my name and date-of-birth on. I think it is at this point that some people start to feel most nerves, when they are in ‘patient-mode’. But don’t let it bother you. There is nothing to worry about, and it is over in no time.

The consultant visited next, and had a final consultation where I was given the opportunity to ask any last minute questions as he ran over how the procedure works. After this, it was a question of ‘sit tight’ and wait to be called.