Surgery

Dad got up twice to pee. We had to keep him from sneak eating or drinking, so none of us got any sleep. Mom started packing lunch before 4 AM. The cap showed up slightly early and we left at 4:58 AM. Anticipating bad driving condition because of the snow last night, we gave it 45 minutes. It takes me about half an hour normally. That's during work hour, though. In fact, There's hardly any cars around, and the snow turn into rain and washed away almost everything. It only took less than 15 minutes to get to the hospital. It was about 5:10 AM when we arrived. The pre-admission office opens at 5:45 AM. We were the fist in line. Other people eventually showed up.

We were then instructed to go to the perioperative care unit, where dad got hooked up to IV and prep for the surgery. (When I help him undress, I noticed he's got crap on his underwear. Yuck!!!) Nurses, anesthetists, doctors all stopped by to have a chat. Things were on schedule. 7:15 to 11:15 surgery (but we were also told that the actually surgery only takes 2 hours). Mom and I went to (try to) rest in the less busy area outside nuclear medicine. Sill, enough traffic and noise to keep me from sleeping. 10:30 we had to stand by in the designated waiting room to wait for the doctor. 11:30 doctor came and gave us a report. The surgery went well. Dad's got incisions on both left and right groins. Then we ate the food we brought right in the waiting room because their chairs are nicer. (Yup, tired.)

Technically speaking, we could sneak in and see dad in the recovery room. Although we were told that we can't, but the doctor said, aneurysm patients go to the more intensive care area, which allows visitors. However, one at a time, and we have to buzz. So, mom and I went there to take a look. It wasn't user friendly looking at all, so we decided to wait for dad at the ward on the 8th floor. He should be transferred there around 1:30, but he didn't show up until 3:30. Luckily there was a couch for lying down in that waiting room, so I took advantage of it, although still couldn't sleep.

Dad's doing fine, but still not allowed to eat for the rest of the day. And he's confused. At first he was in sleeping mode, but later he woke up, removed the oxygen sensor and try to unplug stuff, wanting to take home the cables. (Sigh... ) Then he thought he was going home with us, and became argumentative. (Sigh...) He didn't even remember he just had surgery. (Sigh...) He shouldn't feel the need to go pee because he's got a catheter, yet he said he'd better go pee. (Sigh...)

If he gets too confused for too long, a psychiatrist may be sent and put him on psychiatric drugs. In that case, his release may be postponed. I don't mind letting him stay for long, since the hospital can give him better care than we can, but I have to go for my grossly overdue haircut on Friday. Definitely don't want to miss that one. Well... we'll see...

Brother came pick us up and we did the usual Tuesday eat-out near his place. He went cross-border shopping yesterday! Yike! Right into the snow when he came back.

Came home, sat down in front of the computer... didn't take long for me to dose off. That's why I'm writing this now. Tomorrow, let's see what time I can get up. Then it will be to the hospital again. (Sigh...) This is when I wish I had a netbook or laptop.