OH and I returned from the hospital an hour or so ago and it was confirmed that the surgery on my right arm is definitely on. Apparently the Consultant has listed me as an emergency within his field (not because it is life threatening but because if they fail to take action quickly I could lose the use of my arm altogether) which means that I have to be available at any time between now and the next six weeks. Glad to know the OH has his priorities in order when he said "who's going to wrap the christmas presents now?"
Anyhooo, what was apparent right from the start of today's appointment was the obvious need to protect me/everyone else against MRSA. Before I left I had swabs taken from every orafice in my body, and then given a special bathing gel and a laminated card instructing me how I was to clean my hair and body for the five days prior to my surgery. Obviously I had heard of MRSA but didn't know too much about it except that in some situations it can kill - needless to say I shall follow these instructions to the letter!
I have to say that whilst we were waiting in the various receptions the OH and I were the only people (apart from hospital staff) to actually make use of the sterile gel pumps which are specifically there to be used by the public. I remember the OH mentioning that whenever we have gone to our local village surgery, where they have a computerised self-checking in system (you touch the screen and provide certain information) he has only ever seen me use the gel spray alongside the computer. It's odd isn't it, people go to their surgeries full of germs looking to be cured but by simply touching a computer screen can pass them on to the next unsuspecting person.
The only disappointing thing to come out of today's appointment was that the Consultant has said that he didn't want me to have a general anesthetic but a local - apparently he will make the final decision on the day. I'm hoping that local means I won't be aware of what's going on, because I don't know if I can keep my cool if I'm aware of what they are doing!!
Having not had anything to eat or drink at all today I am now going to see what OH has on the menu tonight!

Margaret x
Anyhooo, what was apparent right from the start of today's appointment was the obvious need to protect me/everyone else against MRSA. Before I left I had swabs taken from every orafice in my body, and then given a special bathing gel and a laminated card instructing me how I was to clean my hair and body for the five days prior to my surgery. Obviously I had heard of MRSA but didn't know too much about it except that in some situations it can kill - needless to say I shall follow these instructions to the letter!
I have to say that whilst we were waiting in the various receptions the OH and I were the only people (apart from hospital staff) to actually make use of the sterile gel pumps which are specifically there to be used by the public. I remember the OH mentioning that whenever we have gone to our local village surgery, where they have a computerised self-checking in system (you touch the screen and provide certain information) he has only ever seen me use the gel spray alongside the computer. It's odd isn't it, people go to their surgeries full of germs looking to be cured but by simply touching a computer screen can pass them on to the next unsuspecting person.
The only disappointing thing to come out of today's appointment was that the Consultant has said that he didn't want me to have a general anesthetic but a local - apparently he will make the final decision on the day. I'm hoping that local means I won't be aware of what's going on, because I don't know if I can keep my cool if I'm aware of what they are doing!!
Having not had anything to eat or drink at all today I am now going to see what OH has on the menu tonight!
Margaret x


