Page 234 - She's One Crazy Lady!

Weeks later and consent fully agreed a new date was arranged but I had to pull out this time as Mum was quite poorly, having had another stroke.
Would it be third time lucky? It nearly was.
We were all set to go when the hospital realised they had not approached the patient. Claire took charge and dutifully spoke with ‘Jennifer’ (later ‘Jen’) who, as surprised as she was, readily agreed saying if the experience would help others and the medics, this was a good initiative and was quite willing for me to go in with her.
Claire: “We’ve picked you a good one Glennis! You can even see her the night before her op.”
I wondered how Jen was feeling.
Claire came with me to make the introductions. Within seconds of meeting we were happily engrossed in conversation and all my concerns about her feeling ‘uncomfortable’ about having me with her in theatre soon vanished – it was as if we had known each other for a long time. She appeared to be quite relaxed and very calm. I felt for her, knowing how I felt the evening before and was so glad we had had the chance to meet up.
“Don’t worry about me Glennis. I won’t know you’re there anyway. I’ll be asleep!”
I had booked into a hotel knowing it would be an early start. My emotions were mixed as I had no idea what really would happen and was worried that I might actually pass out and make a fool of myself so getting to sleep was difficult.
Next morning. Oh, dear! As I drew back the curtains it was snowing and had been for some time. My room looked over the car park of Leicester station and although it all looked very picturesque and peaceful I could see how motorists were having problems, for the snow was quite deep. In the station I virtually had to hijack a taxi and a
reluctant driver to take me the short distance to the hospital – the City streets almost gridlocked and the roads lethal.
I made my way to see Jen and I think we both knew what was going to happen – no operation. The snow was still falling and stories were filtering through about Staff not being able to get through. Mr Varma’s Senior Registrar – Chris (remember Chris – he was a Senior House Officer when he looked after me) broke the news to Jen and Mr Varma came in too. As disappointed as they were for her they said they could not go ahead without a full
“Don’t worry about me Glennis. I won’t know you’re there anyway. I’ll be asleep!”
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