Birbie, thank you for the good wishes! I've had quite a unique experience with refusing blood transfusions that make me sure I will get one if I need one. My parents nearly died in a serious car accident. My father's entire pelvis was shattered and he needed to hang around the hospital for 5 days in pain before they could arrange a bloodless surgery instead of getting the emergency surgery he needed. Needless suffering and poorer result. My mother had a head injury with a terrible concussion and much blood loss. She had a terrible time healing because she didn't have enough blood cells to heal her body. It stretched her recovery out several months and she could have been well in a few weeks. Needless suffering and still has concussion symptoms today. Also they were both recovering and couldn't take care of each other. Needless burden on their kids for months. And the Hospital Liason Committee swarmed like vultures at the hospital, having them sign paperwork. They were there not as support, but as enforcers. I've washed my hands of it. They have the right to make their own medical decisions, even if they're terrible, but they should consider the terrible witness they were giving to everyone in the medical community. I thanked the doctors and nurses for saving their lives despite themselves.
But, beyond that, thank you sincerely for your good wishes and I hope to check in within a few days with very good news!
SeaBreeze, you're a dear. Thank you!
Listener, good advice. I am doing everything they are asking including going off ibuprofen a week in advance, using an antibiotic ointment in my nostrils 5 days in advance and showering with Hibiclens antibacterial soap (and staying soaped up for 10 minutes!) the morning before, the evening before and the morning of my surgery. I also have to drink 10 ounces of Gatorade 4 hours before my surgery and I just found out my arrival time is 6:30 am to a hospital 30 minutes away! I guess I'll be getting up at 2:30 am to drink it and won't be getting a good night's sleep. But, I am following ALL the directions! I'm listening, Listener!