Pre-Op

My appointment is at 8 a.m. in Orange County. I figure it is going to take me two hours to get there, in traffic. Especially the freeways I have to drive. NOPE! I left at 5:50 a.m. and got there around 6:30. Better to be early than 10 minutes late (as usual).

So, I sit in my bubble and chat and talk to friends on my cell. Oddly, there are people awake at that hour. Well, one of them I accidentally woke up. Sorry, "D!"

Finally, I go in and get it over with. The registrar got me into the system and sent me on my merry way. After an elevator ride, I had to go pee in a cup. While the urine was tested for pregnancy (which I am NOT! "A" said I would be texting suicide notes instead of victories!) I went back downstairs for the .....DA DA DUM..... Upper GI. The folks X-rayed my chest. Then they did bad things to me. They made me....uh, they made....um, *sniff*..... sorry....They made me drink BARIUM. It was a milk-like chalky, hint of citrus, coating liquid. Made my gag reflex work overtime. I asked the radiologist if anyone has puked it up. She averted her eyes and replied, "yes." I told her not to worry, I don't like it anymore than she does. Then I asked if it could be Chocolate flavored! She remarked the lady that was just there before me asked the same thing.

Okay, after the fluoroscopic imaging and x-rays, I go back to the pee pee room and have my blood drawn. Seven vials of blood. Typing, HIV, clotting, etc is allllll being tested. Feeling dizzy (just kidding!), I head over to the Obesity Center and make the final surgery arraignments.

I then go to lunch con mi madre and then get my last test done....the EKG. The doctor was concerned about the reading, but not in a cardio or heart sense. She said I was either calcium or electrolyte deficient and those could be remedied with supplements. Other than that, I have the clearance to get my surgery as scheduled.

Everybody, mark your calendars for my new birthday.....July 23, 2007 at 11 a.m.

Again, thanks to Lisa for all of her help and support. It is great to have a surgery survivor to hold my hand along the way.
________________________________________________

Editor's note: I just wanted to let people know, for the record, that I do not plan on ending my life, purposely, any time soon. I was having a real low moment. I do not know if it was atributed to being off The Pill, but I do NOT regularly think about suicide. The last "real" suicidal thought I had was back in 1992, when I was fired (the first time, haha) from the sheriff's department. I pulled myself back from the brink then, and now.

What is the point of journaling or blogging if I am not going to be totally honest?

Thank you all for your support and prayers in this difficult time.... I LOVE YOU ALL! xoxox