CHECKing In, CHECKing Out - Endoscopy

Set 4 alarms Monday night for 5:00, 5:15, 5:30, & 5:45am = CHECK

Go to bed early = CHECK

Toss and turn until 2:00am = CHECK

Hit shower at 5:50am = CHECK

Call driver, as promised, at 6:00am = CHECK
(she's dressed & ready, up since 5:00am stressed about sleeping in)

Leave for hospital at 6:30am = CHECK

Register and pay deposit for my copay of procedure costs = CHECK

7:10am - go to endoscopy section and check in = CHECK

Wait = CHECK

RN calls us to room, finds jumbo hospital gown for me = CHECK

RN does vitals; verifies paperwork forms; inserts IV = CHECK

Wait = CHECK

Wait some more = CHECK

Get escort about 8:00am to room where Endoscopy is done = CHECK
(looked very similar to this image lifted from internet)

Lay down on uncomfortable bed (above) & see the 'snake' = CHECK

Get hooked up: BP, heart, oxygen monitors...& nasal oxygen = CHECK

Tubes everywhere, try to avoid laying on them = CHECK

Wait = CHECK

Chat with 2 endoscopy nurses = CHECK

Wait = CHECK

Stare at ceiling = CHECK

Wait = CHECK

Look at clock, about 8:30am = CHECK

Dr arrives, Q&A, explains procedure, then leaves = CHECK

Wait = CHECK

Look at clock, about 8:40am = CHECK

Dr returns, lay on my left side, nurses insert mouthguard = CHECK

Watch room go fuzzy = CHECK

?? minutes of ???  =  CHECK

Wake up in recovery, keep eyes closed for a while = CHECK

Look at clock, about 9:25am = CHECK

Probably mumble dumb stuff until fog lifts from brain = CHECK

Nurse raises bed and me to sitting position, watch room spin = CHECK

Others turn to WAIT while I get head back in gear = CHECK

Dr comes in with scope pictures, try to be alert = CHECK

Recovery nurse seems in hurry to get me gone. Plueeez! = CHECK

Change back to street clothes = CHECK

Wheelchair arrives, wobble over and plop into seat = CHECK

Nurse offers a drink, I'll take a Sprite! = CHECK

NASCAR experienced orderly wheels me to pickup point = CHECK

10:00am, chauffeur sister pulls in and we're outta here = CHECK

Stop at gas station, me pay to fill up chauffeur sister's car = CHECK

'Since we're in the vicinity' craft store stop for chauffeur sister = CHECK

A.C. drive-thru:  caramel milkshake for me & lunch for sister = CHECK
(odds of finding picture on internet of our town's A.C.?!)

10:45am - Home!! = CHECK

The Price Is Right, Noon News, Internet surfing = CHECK

Toothpicks to hold eyes open = CHECK

1:30pm, to bed and give in to after-affects of sedation = CHECK
(and/or combination of sleep shorted night before?)

6:30pm, make casserole for dinner = CHECK

Survived another procedure = CHECK

pray for patience until C-Dr appt next Monday = CHECK



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