Well, things are going well for me! It looks like I'm getting a good Christmas "present" this year. I met with the Dean at my law school who approved any exam rescheduling as long as the professor agreed. It took a little over a week to get my approvals, but everything is now a-go! I am taking both of my exams on the first two exam days (luckily, I only had two exams during finals week). This allows me to have the surgery on December 7th which gives me a full month before I need to return for spring semester on January 9th. I am a little worried about returning to school. Of course, I can't predict what my recovery will be like... But I keep reading that normally people should expect 6 weeks to 3 months off of work... and I'm looking at 4-5 weeks off of school! Ahhh! Well, another blessing: I only need 12 credits to graduate so I only need to take 4 classes as long as they are all 3 credits each. I even found a graduate level class that will count toward my degree that is online-only, so it looks like I'll only have to be on campus for just over six hours a day. Still stressful and, I have to say, I'm not looking forward to navigating the school after the surgery as it's not very handicap-accessible.
Anyway, back to the surgery, I also had to schedule an appointment with anesthesia and a "pre-op" class. I have read a lot about anesthesia options (general anesthesia, spinal, epidural, combinations, etc.). I'm not sure what will be recommended, but I've had an epidural in the past and suffered some complications, so I doubt that I will consider that as an option. We shall see what is suggested and I'll go from there! As for the "pre-op" class, I am a little leery that it will be focused on (sorry to be blunt) old people. I feel like my situation is so unique and unrelatable that a standard class won't be so useful to me... However, I did ask Dr. M about autologous blood donation (donating my own blood in case I need a transfusion during surgery) in an e-mail, but he said he doesn't recommend autologous transfusions but we'd discuss it in class. So at least I know a few things will be relevant!
So, things are set... I'm not really nervous yet - mainly I'm just excited! I'm a little worried as to how things will work regarding getting back to school and just getting along at home. My husband is great, but sometimes I think my limitations frustrate him. I'm a bit concerned my post-surgical limitations will be even worse. I'm planning to live with my parents for a period of time just after the surgery since my husband can't get any days off work and my mom doesn't work, so she'll be available to help. It will be interesting to see what my two dogs think - their "mommy" will be missing for a few days and then she will be stuck on the couch and they won't be allowed to jump on her!! This will be quite an experience... I'll try to keep this page updated as things move along!
No comments:
Post a Comment