Surgery Day

20th October 2011 my husband and I drove the 35 miles to Edinburgh. I had to be there for 7.30am so it was cold and surprisingly busy on the roads. We made it with minutes to spare.

I waited only a few minutes when the anethesist called my name to discuss the epidural, he mentioned at this stage that I may not be taken as a transplant may be taking place that same morning. This then cast a doubt in me that my operation may not get done. I then spoke to my consultant he said all was well for the day ahead and asked if I had any questions, my mind of course went blank so that was that.
I then had to give blood and urine samples and was sent back to wait with my husband. Five minutes later I was asked to go and see another female anesthesist she had taken over the 'list' from the previous one and my surgery was not only going ahead today but in about 2 hours!! EEP! There was a potential issue with my blood as it seemed to have a mild clotting problem but this would only affect the epidural, as it turned out the second test was fine.

I had to say goodbye to my husband in the corridor, which was a bit hard as I'd hardly had the chance to update him on the tests etc. Even though I had been expecting this operation for 6 weeks I still felt rushed!

I was taken into a room with 2 chairs and some changing cubicles, I got changed into the theatre gown and the lovely pressure stockings they kindly provide. After waiting with a surgical nurse to get my notes and bloods back we headed to theatre.

I was led into a small square room which had 3 busy people in it as I sat up on the bed they immediately started attaching sticky pads and wires to me. I also had a cannula into my hand and then the needle for the epidural - I had this done when I had both my daughters but I had been in the throes of contractions and did not feel it, this time I was more aware of the pressure on my spine although I hasten to add it didn't really hurt. I was however starting to feel panic rise in my throat and I started bubbling my daughters names and saying how great they were.

I think the anethesist could sense my anxiousness as she then asked me to lie down and take deep breaths, she said she would give me something to relax me - it worked because the next thing I knew I was awake and my operation was complete....