Horses to The Gate!

Wednesday morning, day after yesterday! Ugh! I had pre-ops yesterday morning for a few hours and then a three hour educational session with nurse practitioner and nutritionist. There were five of us in the meeting.

When I departed from the Medical Center area, the traffic was jammed, snarled, bumper to bumper and worse. Mentally, I was fried. Physically, tired. Emotionally, just there. As I pulled across the overpass on McGregor and looked both ways at Hwy 288, I panicked. It looked like people fleeing a hurricane...north and south. Nope, I couldn't even put me in that mess. So, I drove on down to intersect Scott St. and finally, take me over to Loop 610.

My thoughts last night as I sat and pondered my arduous day...
"Today was eye opening. The path ahead is highly challenging and completely governed by the medical team. Funny, growing up, I was scared too death of doctors; now, I've had every major test and made all visits alone. Time and life have a way of altering our inner selves. Life lessons reach beyond the surface issues and deal with the complete make-up of the inner mind and body. Old fears grow dim or boring and new courage surfaces to enable us to step into each new chamber of our personal life puzzle. Complex? Yes. Somewhat frightening? Yes. However, the source lies deep within our body to conquer and continue moving forward!"

I was so tired last night I wasn't sure I could wait til 10ish to 'hit the sack'. But, I did. The test I hate the most is the Upper GI. That barrium is so NASTY..REPULSIVE..INHUMANE! Aaaarrrggghhh!!! I stood with both feet firmly planted on the bottom of the table...standing up. Then, after large amounts of 'throw up' potential liquid, here it went...head down, laid out, flat on my back. The first words from the technician, "now, Mrs. Beard, please turn in a complete circle front to back, left to right and end up on your back again!" WAS SHE KIDDING ME??? No, she was not.

That test ran for about 20 minutes..and, that was 20 minutes too long! The abdominal ultra sound ran FOREVER!!! Today, those doctors know every inch of me inside and out, literally!
The last thing she did was to turn the table with my head down, telling me to grip both sides of the slick table to avoid sliding off in the floor. If that wasn't bad enough, she then said, turn your head towards me after you roll semi on your right side. When I say start, drink and keep drinking til I say stop! OMG!!! I did. When she said STOP...I had just taken a mouthful...it all spewed onto the pillow and ran out onto the table!

After all, the entire test had started with a tiny bit of liquid in which, she poured some 'popping' crystals. I had to swallow that immediately and NOT BURP! The purpose of that mess? To create burping gas!! I hate that test!

The title above...?? I'd rather be a jockey on a fine tuned thoroughbred about to launch into the race of the year!! It'd be far easier and more conclusive in one fail swoop than what lies ahead.
After the three hour session, I came home with lots of literature, guidelines, recommended foods, liquids, proteins, fibers, etc. If I thought life was complicated before, it almost threw me for a loop yesterday. Michael said to me last night, "what's in the St. Luke's bag?" I turned and looked at him saying, "stuff, I'll talk about it tomorrow. I can't even touch it tonight." I was one whipped puppy.

I guess the worst news out of the entire day was...and, after your surgery, you will have another upper GI to make sure there are no knicked organs, bleeding, etc., etc., etc. She lost me after the words another GI. OMG!!!

And, so, I am IN THE CHUTE...the dance begins. Is it really the two-step as I began in the very beginning last July...or is it a waltz that will continue in the days ahead? I'm not sure. When I figure it out, I'll let you know.

Throughout this adventure, I still observe teacher interns. I've mentioned before that it's a learning experience for me each time. And, it's interesting that I can almost dictate the important things in many of their lives. Some of the sweetest, most caring folks are strong Christians in their daily walk. They will have reminders in their personal area and, of course, as I sit and listen, I sweep the area with my eyes.
Last week, a very strong verse was there for me...
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding."
Proverbs 3:5

Well, that's what this chic is doing. I am moving one step at a time, one day at a time! Should the Racing Association call in the next few days and offer me a 'mount'...well, look for me on ESPN!!! Gotta luv it!!!