Twelve hours ago WAS supposed to be the big day.

Feb 23, 2011

As luck would have it, 24 hours ago I recieved the anesthesiologists phone call.  Once again, someone was asking me to go through that extensive list of medications I take every day.  However this time, when I mentioned the Phentermine, he very quickly asked "Are you STILL taking that??"  My response was "Yes, and I don't like the sound of that question!".  LOL

Somehow along the way, no one else seemed to notice the fact I was still taking the meds.  I'm not sure how the mistake happened, but I guess I'm thankful it was found before something drastic such as my heart stopping on the table happened.  The doctor was very sympathetic and polite.  And I realize that it is a possibility that I may have mumbled through my list too quickly, or even forgot to mention it, altho I do know I mentioned it at my pre-op and history & physical appts within the last 2 weeks.

So...for those of you who are taking Phentermine as a part of your pre-op weight loss program, please be informed that you MUST refrain from taking it for at least 7 days prior to general anesthesia.  The risks are just too great to even try to get around it.  Even for myself, a risktaker, the possibility of ending up in a coma/stroke/dead situation just isn't worth it. 

So....oh DARN, I guess I'll have to enjoy an extra week or two off from work, and get the things I should have finished up last week done.  All things work for the good.  WIth this delay I will be able to completely pack up the last of my closed coffee shop. (Anyone want to buy a stove/deli case??)  I will be able to help with the lifting which I wouldn't have been able to after surgery.  I will be able to put a bit more emphasis on getting some good cardio exercise in to make sure my lungs are the healthiest they can be for the surgery.  I have a tendency to get pneumonia so exercise is a good thing!  And since last week was an over abundance of overtime, I really didn't get the rest I should have prior to having surgery.  So not that I've pouted and taken my revenge out on a bunch of poor innocent marshmallow peeps (Hey!  They are FAT FREE....give me a break!), I am ready to think about this in a positive way.

Twelve hours ago WAS supposed to be the big day, but it could have also been my LAST day on earth had no one caught this medication error.  So, now I shall wait on pins and needles, hoping they can reschedule me for next week.

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