A Very Quick, Efficient Surgical Procedure – I Lived!!

Driving down to the hospital at 7:30 yesterday morning reminded me of the many, many years I commuted to Victoria when I was working. It was busy, busy, busy and my usual 30 minute drive took about 45 minutes. I’m sure glad I’m retired now and don’t have to make that drive every day. My appointment at Victoria General Hospital was for 8:30 and I made it with 15 minutes to spare. A few minutes later I was at the Admittance desk checking in and getting a plastic wrist bracelet.

Hey, what’s with the ‘Prayer Room’ and ‘Chaplain’s Office’?

The Admittance clerk asked me a few questions, punched some info into her computer and then directed me to take the yellow elevator to the 3rd floor and report to the Adult Surgical Treatment ward. As I got off the elevator and looked to get my bearings the first signs I saw were ‘Prayer Room’ and ‘Chaplain’.  That just about made me hightail it down the stairs and out to my truck!

I thought about ducking into this room and hiding out!

Next, I saw a door with a sign saying “Computer Closet” and thought for a second about hiding in there. But, I didn’t, I bravely walked on to the surgical ward and after waiting for just a few minutes at the nurse’s station, I was ushered into a small surgical room. The specialist who was going to perform this procedure was waiting and ready to go. She asked me a few pro forma questions then directed me to lie down on one of the beds under a pretty bright light.

7 micro face-lift sutures are covered by a transparent dressing

The doctor said the only part of this surgery that might sting a bit were the needles to freeze the area. She was right – they did sting a bit. After that I never felt a thing as she cut the basal cell out. Next, she closed up the area using what she called seven “tiny face-lift sutures”. After applying a small transparent dressing I was on my home after only 30 minutes. So, from the time I first called my doctor 2 weeks ago, I’ve had a next day visit with him, a specialist visit/exam and have had the surgery. How’s that for our Canadian Universal Healthcare System?

Rylie and this cow were having a bit of a stare-down on our walk

Before I left the doctor said I should refrain from any vigorous activity for 2 or 3 days. I asked if that included long walks she replied “yes” as it might cause bleeding as a result of increased blood flow. I meant to follow her directions but by 2pm the sun was shining, Paulette was out, and I felt like taking Rylie for a walk. Just to be careful I kept to a pace that was half of what I usually walk at so I figured that wouldn’t count as vigorous. I managed to get my 5 miles in easily.

Can’t miss Poker night for any reason!

It’s 6pm as I’m writing this and my long day isn’t over yet as I’m leaving in just a few minutes to drive back down to Victoria for Poker Night with four friends. I’m not feeling any discomfort at all from the surgery this morning but I’ll still be glad to get home to bed sometime after midnight.

Thanks for visiting!