Not sure what I'm asking for here but...

[santahog]

I'm headed into surgery on my back on Valentines Day down at the VA. The help there isn't very comforting, I have to admit.. The lady doing my interview for this one was writing my info in a file belonging to a 150 lb lady sitting across the room. She realized it and rolled across to swap them, and came back with the same one.. Anytime I tried to point something out to her, she looked at me like I was being rude..
I guess if I come out better looking, there was a mix up somewhere along the line..
Being honest about it, I'm not healthy enough for the procedure. I'm about out of dodges on this one though. I can't move..
I'm not sure I even see the point in it as the procedure isn't even intended to help my back, but just make a little more room in my spine for the nerves headed southward..
This will be the first time in 25 years that I'm headed into the OR with nobody there waiting for me.. I think that one weighs more on me than anything else.. At least the last time I was in a bay full of soldiers with interesting stories, and a young, inexperienced nurse to tease..
"Grunt".. Not much else to say about it, I guess..
Pray for whatever, I guess.. I dont' even know what I'm supposed to be asking for, other than His will be done, and (very) adequate pain meds to last as long as I need them to, and being able to reach my butt, if I wake up and the pneumonia doesn't get me..

Anyway.. That's it..
Thank you.. I do appreciate it alot.
A friend nearby is better than a brother far away.. Some of you are closer friends than you know..
Thank you..

[cookie62]

Prayers going your way.

[ellis4538]

Added!!!!!

God Bless,

Richard

[Pathfinder]

SH -

Prayers for you and will continue. Ask someone to go with you, drinking buddy, someone from church, ask for their help. It's hard for guys to do that, but it will help. And if you ain't a church-goer, find out which one someone you respect goes to, and go talk with their pastor.

In the meantime, keep your prayers going too, and know that your brothers here are helping out best we can as well. You have the right idea, God's will be done.

[alfsauve]

Added also.

Sent you a PM!

[Sponsor]

[crusader rabbit]

It's going to work out, my friend.  I don't know how, but I know it is going to work out. 

A lot of people complain about the VA, but when it comes to surgeries, I am convinced that the docs who get the most practice are probably the best surgeons.  And those docs at the VA get an awful lot of practice.

VA docs cut on me a couple of times to install some after-market hips, and I have no complaints about the skill levels demonstrated.  Of course, I will never be a butt model, but that career choice wasn't too high on the "likelihood scale" anyway.

Just know your buddies here have your back and that you are firmly ensconced in God's comforting hands.  And remember that sometimes God's miracles come at the hands of a skilled surgeon.

Be at peace, my friend.  God remains in total control.

Crusader

[JLawson]

You're in our thoughts and prayers for sure.  Just hand it over to God... He's going to take care of you just like He has always done before.  Everything unfolds according to His plan and take comfort in knowing that His love for you is greater than we can comprehend.  And you are not alone, my friend, for He is with you every step of the way.

John

[santahog]

Thanks guys. I appreciate it alot..
Maybe being by myself will allow me to get mad enough to push myself out of the bed without the well-meaning but unhelpful folks who are only trying to help.. I don't really like an audience when I'm dealing with this kind of stuff anyway..
A new hip!! That's one of my requests I'm going to lobby for (again) to have done "while I'm out anyway". I already asked for the hemorrhoid thing as was flatly refused.. I get it, but I had to ask.. Maybe I can get the guy to at least put a shot of cortisone in one (or both!!) at least.. Those things hurt like hell!! I'd rather be asleep for that if it's all the same..
Worst he can say is "no"..
The VA "surgeons" are fine. This one is at UAB and takes patients from VA. He's got a record that's better than 95% of the rest of the country for this procedure. It's "the help", and the Drs at the CBOCs that give me the headaches..
Down here, and I know this sounds like somebody I'm not, but the Affirmative Action hires are the concern. I came into the VA system via New England, where for better or worse, folks can at least read and understand normal conversation and instructions without defensive pride and insecurity..
My "assigned" GP informed me right up front that what I'm taking now for pain, she "doesn't give", nor does anybody else here. Well, that's a comfort.. She continued what I already had, just because a more qualified Dr had already signed off on it, "and I persisted"..
This GP doesn't do anything for herself. Anything I bring up, she automatically refers me to Birmingham. It's STREP!! It's a SINUS INFECTION!! It doesn't require me to spend a bunch of gas money to deal with this! Shes useless..
On top o that, if you voice an objection too strongly down here, they tell you they call the Cops, and if you press it, they do..
One more tool to permanently queer a NICS check for somebody..

I've ranted too much here..
Thank you.. Sorry.. I appreciate the prayers and thoughts.
The only one offering to hang out with me is a sister who makes a clumsy art of stealing pain pills from family members at every opportunity.. Pass..
Thanks guys.. I'll let you know how it came out.. Thank you..

[PegLeg45]

I saw what you described through dealing with the VA hospital with my f-i-l. He had some good docs, but was surrounded by what may be described as the "lowest common denominator" for caretakers. My wife and I usually did more for him when he was there several times a year than the staff (and actually aided several other patients in the same room also).

Prayers and best wishes for you, SH.

[twyacht]

santahog,

My prayers for a smooth and swift recovery are with you.

God Bless.

tw