I've made it through the waiting, all pre-op requirements and now the dreaded bowel prep. I read posts by some smart members on OH that mixing it with Diet 7up and drinking through a straw placed far back into your mouth, makes it go right down. It worked like a charm. So now, 5 hours later it's like waiting for a nuclear explosion that you know is coming you just aren't sure of the arrival time.

I am on the second day of a required clear liquid diet. My surgeon doesn't allow anything red or purple which of course include my favorite flavors of popcicles and Jello. I tried some Herb Ox chicken broth. It comes in a green box with packets you mix with water. I took a little sip and whoopsie, did that accidentally get spilled in the sink? Oh my. How did that happen? Next, on to Campbell's chicken broth recommended by my good friend Barb. I made the mistake of taking a whif  and just about gagged. But you are supposed to dilute with a can of water. I did, and it smelled just fine. I heated in the microwave and hey, not so bad at all! I drank about a cup. That will be my broth of choice post-op. 

I am battling a sore scratchy throat and dry cough. It is actually worse since Friday night. I picked this up during the Christmas holidays and it comes and goes. I have been to the Dr over it to be sure I was doing what I could to get well quickly and not interfere with my surgery. At that time they felt it was a viral thing that is going around. I haven't had fever or anything showing signs of infection. My surgeons nurse said I would still be good to go unless a productive cough that showed signs of infection (i.e. green stuff). So, I should be ok. I'm miserable and I'm worried about coughing and my dry scratchy throat after surgery. I know the coughing is gonna hurt. I will survive!

I have nested and feathered the nest and made the hubby nest along with me. lol I am happy the house is in order and also that it has taken up time organizing and getting things just so, to take my mind off of the surgery.

So far, I don't have the jitters or nerves. I feel slightly on edge. I don't know if it's from not eating or what. That is what it feels like to me. I'm honestly not hungry though, or not much. I know I will be very nervous tomorrow morning. I have faith it will all be ok. I have a good surgeon, Dr Bertucci. He is a Navy Dr here in San Diego at Balboa-Navy Medical Center San Diego. He did a fellowship on laprascopic surgery at UCLA and I believe he is very well qualified. He has operated on others I know including my good friend Barb in Nov. 2006. He is affectionately referred to as Dr McDreamy and yes, there is a McSteamy too. lol

I have my priorities straight heading into this surgery, that is the most important thing. I have freshly painted toenails. I know, I know, you're not supposed to wear nail polish. Well, a lady has to have her standards and I won't budge on this. It's already bad enough that I'm expected to go without makeup or jewelry. I have had 2 children and a hysterectomy in full makeup. But this hospital seems very insistent about this. I have a feeling they would march me right into the restroom to remove it, so I won't push my luck with them on this point. So the score? 1-1 They said no jewelry even wedding rings...They are really starting to bug me. A lady has certain rights, makeup and jewelry are some of those! So I'll probably try to slide through will my jewelry on. New score 2-1 Well, now that I think of it, light makeup can't really hurt right? I mean I wasn't planning to go in with bright blue eyeshadow and red lipstick in a 70's flashback or anything! So, update the score 3-0 Next, they'll tell me I can't wear my straw hat with the lovely plastic flowers all over it either. hmmmpfff! 

Awwww these last few hours. What to do? What to do? I've kept busy no time to sit and worry about food, or what if, or I wonder.... Boredom and I don't get along very well. So, I'll wax my brows and if I run out of something to do I'll hold hubby down and wax the center of his uni-brow too. He hates that! lol 

I am so priviledged that Haven offered to by my "angel". She has been so much fun and extremely helpful since I began talking to her just a short time ago. She has a huge heart and wonderful talents. She underestimates herself sometimes I think. She created this profile and I am so proud of it! She understands my sense of humor and puts up with me anyway. I am so blessed to know her and I look forward to getting to know her better. She is an angel!

Another special person I am getting to know is Becky, anewbecboo. I actually got to meet her and we had lunch recently. She is such a loving person, with a big heart and always there to give someone a boost. She is a true blessing too. Becky deserves so much from life. I'm hoping that soon things will turn around and the future will be bright for her and her family! 

There are many kind and caring people here at OH and I'm so glad to have found this site. It is the best site I have found.I have learned more from this site that I ever thought possible. I will be asking alot of questions and as always, I'll look to those that have gone down this road before to guide my way.

OK losers, keep the bench warm. I'll be joining you soon!
I have about 14 hours until I'll leave for the hospital. I plan to keep these hands and/or feet moving until bedtime so the time will go by with as little stress as possible.