TOPSurgeryAtLast

The day finally arrived: July 6th, 2018.  The drive from Sacramento to San Francisco takes anywhere from 2-4 hours depending on traffic.  Our friend Annmarie joined us graciously so that we could avail ourselves of the carpool lane (takes 3 in a vehicle in SF) during our trip. One of the most interesting things about the hospital where the surgery would be performed is that it is one of our Sutter Health hospitals, and thus one in the scope of my job role. I was just hoping that because surgery would be performed in "same-day surgery" that I wouldn't encounter anyone that I knew.  I was honestly surprised how nice everyone was. Not that I didn't expect them to be nice, but to such an extent! So calming and reassuring. Also reassuring was that my friend and colleague, a critical care MD and VP of Quality for same hospital, was on call for my wife in the unlikelihood that anything went wrong.  After getting settled in my room the preparations began. The RN blew t...

I received a phone call from the surgeon's office on June 12th. They said that they had an opening for me on July 6th, 2018. I was dumbfounded!  Not February 2019, but right after the 4th of July!  Exactly 2 months and 6 days before I would turn 60 years of age. The catch was that I may not be able to get insurance approval in time; insurance companies usually required 6 weeks, and I had less than 3 till the date. I rushed to get all the paperwork in order, got my pre-op tests, got my disability paper work filed, notified my employer.  It was a whirlwind and I was in motion - thrilled at the possibility that my long held dream would come true. I decided to NOT consider that the approval would not come in time - I held a strong intention for all to work out - it was meant to be. I began to look at myself in the mirror to actually imagine what I would look like. I allowed myself to belief that it would happen, and began to plan for the future. The letter of approval ...