Getting Closer

Just today my anxiety level has risen a tad. It's odd to think about being this close to the procedure. So of course, being the weirdo I am, I decided to freak myself out a little by looking up pictures online. Don't get me wrong, I'm not squeamish, however, once you start imagining this stuff done to you, it gets a little more squeamy. Just to help you out, here are some cool diagrams I found to describe what's going to happen. Don't worry no real pictures although those are out there. I almost thought it looked weirder seeing all the instruments in little tiny holes than the older pictures where they cut the whole side open. I'll explain as we go.

Ok so this is the closest thing to what I'm going to look like that I could find. Although I will be minus the killer muscular physique. Basically you have the little bitty slits on the left where they put in all the laproscopic doodads like the camera, the scalpel, etc. Then there's this incision a few inches long right around the belly button. The good part about this is that a lot of it will get sewn back into the belly button and I'll have minimal scarring there. Anyway, it's called a hand assisted laproscopic nephrectomy which means the doodads do their job to get everything disconnected inside me and the surgeon puts a hand in the longer incision to help the kidney out.

In the olden days, (a whole like 10 years ago) they would make a huge incision in the donor's side from the stomach around to the back. This helped them get to the kidney and pull it out without damaging the organ. Seeing as how it needs to be in pretty good shape leaving the body, it makes sense. But that was longer recovery time, more risk of infection, and more PAIN! All I can say is thank heavens for technology. Laproscopy is about the best invention I can think of as of late.

Now these are diagrams of what's going to happen on my dad's end. He gets a half moon shaped incision on his side and then in goes the kidney. The other two stick around and continue not working. The new guy hangs out on his own closer to the front of the body and starts kicking butt and taking names. Oooo! He can make his own show "Sister Kidneys"! I think I'm on to something there....

Have I mentioned lately how much this stuff blows my mind? I mean seriously! And I was reading articles that there is a way of doing the entire thing through one hole in the belly button. Craaaazy!!

I'm kind of glad I looked at pictures so I have an idea of what's going to happen. I was actually surprised because it seems like there are several variations. In many cases, the longer incision was below the bikini line and they pulled the kidney all the way down there. Some people have 2, 3, 4, 5 or even 6 tiny slits for doodads. (I should have 2-3 according to my doc) Just goes to show there's more than one way to -ectomy a neph. A little medical terminology humor there for ya. ;)

It still does not give me the greatest idea of what to expect with the surgery aspect of things. So at night my brain takes over and starts imagining all kinds of weirdness. I guess it's a good thing we're so close to the big day. Before long there will be no imagination needed!

My technologically advanced way of communicating with the surgeons while I'm knocked out.
"This side please"