Page 213 - She's One Crazy Lady!

so relaxed and pleasant – and complimentary, saying he thought I had just the right disposition to bounce back from the operation and the after effects. He told me that because I lived on my own, the nursing staff would ensure I could do everything for myself before going home and that I wouldn’t be rushed.
Mr Varma was my next visitor, although so many nurses had called in, and he was accompanied by two of his registrars and the Unit’s Sister. I knew he was going to ask me about my weight. He asked. I really had tried... and told him... I hadn’t put any more on – which was true. I was worried he would say I was too big but, bless him, he didn’t say anything and proceeded to draw black felt-tip lines across my chest. When he got to the tummy area and lifted my spare tyre he said he didn’t need to draw a line on that as it had its natural line already!!! Hah – not for much longer, I thought! I saw that twinkle in his eyes again! I also saw my ‘chicken fillet’ on the bedside cabinet and realised, happily, I would never have to wear it again! Mr Varma made sure I was absolutely sure of what it was I was having done, what the risks were etc. and asked if I had any questions. None! Signing on the dotted line and giving my consent he smiled and said he would see me in theatre.
It was an incredibly busy day and I was sent to so many different departments for more tests and to see other medical staff – I wondered just how many people were involved in a procedure such as this. I admit to feeling a little tense when a nurse from the Acute Pain Team came to see me and made me aware of the pain I would be in, the drugs that would be administered; the exercises they would want me to do as soon as I was able and of the catheter I would have.
Catheter? Are you reading this Nurse Weed?!!
Chris came back in and asked if I would agree to having photographs taken in Medical Illustration as these would help Mr Varma during surgery. Oh, how embarrassing! In the photo studio I had to strip to my waist and had photos taken from every angle possible – with close ups of the ‘belly’ area. I have copies of those photos and many of my friends (who never saw them!) asked if I was going to include then in my book. In a word:
‘No!’
Chest x-rays, ECG’s, Consultant Anaesthetist... everything was good to go – i.e. going down to theatre approximately 8.30am the following morning – hopefully back in my room about 5.30ish. I was told to ‘have a rest’. This was proving to be quite an adventure and I marvelled at the ‘behind the scenes’ work and ‘The Team’ who were so thorough and organised. Finally, my bed was changed to a very modern electric bed with an air-filled mattress. A nurse told me that the worst part of the operation would be the heat afterwards, for not only would I be covered in blankets, but there would also be an electric fire in my room – and it was suggested I lay naked. (I did, just covered by a sheet, thankful there wouldn’t be too many visitors!) After phone calls home I slept surprisingly well.
“I knew he was going to ask me about my weight. He asked. I really had tried... and told him... I hadn’t put any more on – which was true. I was worried he would say
I was too big but, bless him, he didn’t say anything. ”
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