As mentioned a while back, I have been suffering from an excruciating pain in my gut since the earlier part of the month of May. The pain has been radiating throughout my entire body leaving me feeling mainly exhausted. I have thought that perhaps I was suffering from a stomach ulcer, acid reflux, etc. However, this past week after undergoing a HIDA scan procedure, I have come to learn that my gallbladder is not working and will need to come out. Receiving such news has actually brought me much happiness, for hopefully the source of my pain has at long last been found.
I spoke with the surgeon today and I have a surgical appointment set up for tomorrow morning at 9:00a.m. eastern time to have my gallbladder removed. I am having mixed feelings over the procedure. On the one hand, I am very much looking forward to seeing whether the removal of my gallbladder will rid me of my pain. However, on the other hand, this will be my first surgical procedure since I was in third grade, and my second overall.
I still remember my first surgical procedure fairly well. When the doctor informed me that I would be having surgery, I recall looking out the window (we must have been two or three stories up), and feeling a sense of dread. I cried as I left the doctor's office--most certainly. However, my mom attempted to take my mind off of the surgery that would be held the next day. Following my visit with the doctor, I had some blood drawn. My mom convinced me that THAT was all I had to go through, and that there would be no operation (though I remember having to drink that awful tasting liquid throughout the day). My mom read me a story that night, and I recall falling to sleep without a care in the world. Of course, the next day my parents drove me to the hospital for surgery. I cannot say if I sad or even terrified. I was probably feeling a tad bit exhausted, and perhaps I simply surrendered to my fate. The last thing I remember prior to falling asleep was the nurses questioning where the doctor was and that the doctor was running late. When I awoke from surgery I recall someone placing a pitcher in my hand. I also recall tossing that pitcher over my head clear across the room. What I had went through was surgery on my bladder. I believe my parents were informed that I had a flat bladder (probably from years of holding it in).
As I approach my gallbladder procedure, I would be crazy to say that I am not a bit nervous. However, I am also aware that if I close my eyes in the operation room, and the next thing I find myself is in heaven, then that wouldn't be such a bad thing. Though I remind myself that it is just a routine, outpatient procedure done quite simply within a half an hour. I expect to do fine. Christ will abide with me. Not to mention, I'll have a loving wife waiting for me within the waiting room. And my surgeon (who reminds me a little bit of Philip Seymour Hoffman) seems to be very professional. I just wish that he had a few gray hairs on him.:)
I recall speaking with and praying over many individuals in pre-op as a hospital chaplain. I knew how meaningful it was for them to have a caring face and a word of comfort. I entrust myself to the Lord and to the care of the surgical staff.