Meeting my anaesthetist: Preparing for the big day

Today, I had my meeting with the anaesthetist to discuss my upcoming operation - a conversation that made the reality of this journey sink in even deeper. It was a sobering reminder that surgery is just around the corner, but it also gave me a sense of reassurance. We covered a lot of ground, from what to expect during the surgery to how they’ll be keeping me safe and comfortable throughout the process. But there was one part of our conversation that really stood out and stayed with me.

When I shared what I’ve been doing in terms of exercise to prepare my body, she stressed how important it is to keep that up right until the day of surgery. Staying active can make a real difference in how well my body copes during surgery and how quickly I recover afterward. It was a small but empowering reminder that there are still things I can control in this journey. Each walk, each stretch, each little bit of movement is a step toward a stronger recovery.

These conversations are never easy. Talking about the realities of surgery brings up a mix of emotions - fear, anticipation, and a desire to push through. But I walked away feeling reassured, knowing I have an experienced team guiding me through this.

I’m incredibly grateful for the clarity and support from my medical team, and for all the encouragement I’ve been receiving from friends and family. It’s a tough road ahead, but with their guidance - and each small step I take to stay strong - I feel more ready to face what’s coming.