I can’t say Zero, I can’t say Zen, because I’m still waiting. I’ve been chasing the haematologist all over town, leaving messages at his hospital rooms, his private practice and the haematology department at the hospital. Some people I spoke to on the phone said if the result is negative they often don’t contact the patient. I’ve waited until 5 o’clock Australian Eastern Standard Time so it’s time to put up the final post.

It has been a busy month with medical appointments sandwiched in between delightful trips to the country and city.

Let’s go back the day of the Laparoscopic Biopsy. I had been told to be at the hospital at 6.30am. I thought that was good news as the procedure would occur early and I might even be allowed to go home the same day.

I was awake when the alarm went off at 5.30 am.  By 6.30 I was sitting in the waiting room outside Day Surgery after John dropped me off.  A nurse came out calling my name so I went inside, stripped off, put on the split-back gown and an orange hat and lay and waited.

About eight o’clock I was wheeled in my bed to the room outside the operating theatre where I met the two anaesthetists.  The assistant anaesthetist was very funny, cracking jokes and taking my mind off what was ahead.  He said “I’m putting the funny stuff in you now”, as I was wheeled into the operating theatre.  As I looked around I began experiencing double vision and next thing I knew I was waking up in the recovery room. I think having an anaesthetic has improved a lot since my last one in 1993 when I had my wisdom teeth out. Then I had a mask on my face and had to count backwards from 10. 

Lunch arrived and I ate some of it with a cup of tea and a bit of carrot cake. I was soon up and walking and the nurse was able to tick key milestones off her list.

Then the good news arrived that I could go home.  I had ordered dinner and breakfast so I hoped someone got to eat it and it didn’t go to waste.

John had a lot of trouble finding me in Level 2, Block B West, but he got there in the end after a number of misdirections.  I had to call for the nurse when getting dressed as I didn’t realise it would hurt so much.  Also, I was still attached to leggings that pumped my legs, a very pleasant feeling, but not helpful when getting dressed.  I couldn’t even pick up my bag off the floor while in bed.  My jeans wouldn’t do up even though they were loose when I came in. I have just been pumped up with gas and obviously they didn’t pump it all out again!

After all the paper work to be discharged had been issued I threw up in the sink.  Didn’t tell anyone because they might have kept me in!

John suggested a wheelchair so while he went to get the car I was wheeled along many long corridors and into the lift. No wonder John got lost! He pulled up at the front door of the hospital and I was out of there.

I wondered when I would get the results. Would the doctor ring me or just make an appointment? I tried not to think about it too much.

A few days later:

I have now completed my NSW Fitness to Drive Medical Assessment which involved my GP checking my health record, discussing my current treatment and checking on my recent eye test. Easy peasy.

I also had my Health Assessment Check with the practice nurse. It covers medical history, blood pressure, continence, immunization, physical function (falls risk), cognitive function (memory/mood), and social support.

I knew I would have to memorise three objects so made sure I concentrated. Counting backwards by a large odd number was unexpected but I survived. I had to draw some geometric shapes and answer some pretty basic questions so I assume I passed with flying colours. The nurse gave me a brochure on assessment for Home Care. Apparently I should do this in case I need it sometime in the future or to be aware of what might be available to me now. .

The first few days after the laparoscopy were bearable in that each day saw an improvement in the ability to bend and twist without pain. The four small wounds were covered with waterproof steri strips so I could shower without worrying about infection.

It was the ANZAC long weekend. The weather was calm and glorious. The only blight on the horizon was waiting for those biopsy results. Each day seemed to drag as I wondered when I should call the haemotologist for results. I couldn’t do anything until Tuesday as Monday was a Public Holiday. I kept myself busy gardening, which consists of chopping back ivy and other assorted creeping plants which cover our high rock wall. We even hacked out two sandpaper figs which were establishing themselves in the rocks.

Part of the rock wall. Still a lot of work to do.

At 11 o’clock on Tuesday I rang the doctor’s office. Yes, the results had arrived. Yes they had been forwarded to the doctor. He was seeing patients today and would contact me today or tomorrow. At 10 o’clock on Wednesday I rang again. The doctor would contact me if there was a problem or he needed to schedule a new appointment. What did that mean?

And now it is Thursday and I have heard nothing. I’m starting to think that might be good news but my faith in the Public Health System is shaken as until now communication and treatment has been prompt and efficient.

Hopefully in Reflections I will be able to tell you of further developments.