The warming blanket was useless in fighting against the chill of the white pre-op hospital room and the steady dripping of the second bag of IV fluids seeping into my arm.
Both had me shivering as the doctor came in the little room to check on me and answer any last questions. He said the hour and a half operation would change things.
What he failed to tell me was that my life, as I’ve known it for the last 61 years, was about to come to an end. Don’t worry, I’m not gonna leave this earth any time soon – or at least I don’t think so. Should still be around writing this column for many years to come.
The Wife says I’m being a little overdramatic about the whole thing, but you be the judge. If you ask me, after the news the doctor gave me … well … just stick a fork in this Georgia boy ‘cause I’m done.
Raised up eating the best fried chicken, buttermilk biscuits, bacon, and sweet tea on this planet, who knew that stuff really wasn’t healthy for ya?
Kidney stones and gallstones by themselves can cause health issues, but when you have problems with both at the same time? Well, let’s just say they have a way of getting your full attention. And that’s how Yours Truly ended up wearing a silly silver cap and lying on a small bed in the hospital waiting to be wheeled off to the operating room.
The Wife held my hand as we both nervously awaited the folks in blue scrubs to arrive. Finally, the door opened as The Wife leaned over, gave me a kiss and I handed my wedding ring to her for safekeeping. The anesthesiologist injected something into the IV bag, and as the medicine quickly reached the vein in my arm, the room slowly warmed and started to spin and blur.
When they wheeled me out into the hallway I asked if the doctor had his coffee, stretched, and was ready to go? Also, was it too late to get some fried chicken and sweet tea? The doctor was ready, but I passed out before getting an answer on the fried chicken and tea.
In recovery, The Wife slipped my wedding ring back on my finger and went over what the doctor had just told her.
The operation went great, and I should be fine if I only eat foods from the list she was given. After a quick look, it was worse than I expected.
If it’s fried and tastes really good, I can’t eat it. The list was long, and the list of what I can eat not so long. Basically, I can have all the white toast and grapefruit that I want.
There was also an approved list for liquids. Soft drinks and sweet tea weren’t on it, but good news, I can enjoy all the water I want … with or without bubbles.
Okay, perhaps I’ve embellished a little bit with this story, but having your gallbladder removed isn’t a laughing matter. I know. I tried laughing, and it really hurts. And making sure kidney stones don’t form again will radically change the way I eat. But that’s a good thing. A healthier lifestyle means I should be around for years to come.
And even though the doctor suggested that I also dramatically cut back on my sugar intake (no more sweet tea), there is one exception — or I should say two?
I can have as many hugs and kisses from Little One and sweet Caroline, our two granddaughters, that I want.
[Rick Ryckeley has been writing stories since 2001. To read more of Rick’s stories, visit his blog: storiesbyrick.wordpress.com.]
