Feb 17/11

What a stressful morning!  i was so worried about having to leave so early this morning, and even though I talked to the kids about it, made their lunches in advance and set out their clothes for them, my daughter still wouldnt listen to Mike and wouldnt get up on time.  So she ended up being 20 minutes late for school, and missed her class field trip.  And even though I know it wasnt my fault and that I had to be at these tests, it still hut that she was crying and screaming on the phone saying that it was my fault because I wasnt there.  I have to keep reminding myself that I am doing this for them, and that it will all be worth it in the end.

I went to the echo cardiogram first and it was uncomfortable to say the least,  and even though i know he was just doing his job, I did feel a bit violated!  First I had to undress from the waist up and put on a hospital gown (that was too small and open at the front so it was pointless.) I was more than a little embarrassed.  He had me lie down and started to do the ultrasound of my heart. He couldnt get a very good reading so he had me roll onto my side and hot my breast up.  It was almost painful at times.  He had to push pretty hard.  I have to say it was heat to see my heart on the monitor.  It reminded me of when I was pregnant with Porkchop and ChickenWing.  

When I was done there I was sent downstairs to the breathing lab.  I had no idea what to expect(a reoccurring theme) The lady (who didnt speak English very well at all) put me in a VERY small glass box that I could hardly fit in, and mad me plug my nose with these weird plastic tweezers, and made me breath into this tube over and over until I almost passed out!  At one point they would force air into me and then make it so I couldnt breath at all. Lets just say its not the best experience for someone who is claustrophobic!

When I was done they sent me to Dr. Shirkins office so I could get the results from the day and from my sleep study. Dr. Shirkin was not the man I thought he was!  I thought the little Russian man was Dr. Shrikin but I was wrong.  He was so nice and gave me all good news.  he said that my sleep study results were good and that although I do snore, I do not have sleep apnea. he said, "Catherine, I wish I could help you, but you are not sick"  He said I was really healthy, young and will do awesome with this surgery.  He told me that  alot of the people he has seen go though this weigh between 500 and 600 pounds and I was one of the smallest patients he had seen.  I cant get over that... for the first time in almost 30 years.. I was considered the small one.

Dr. Shirkin then went on to praise Dr. Hagen left and right... he said that he assisted him once and that he has magic hands.  I also found out that out of all the surgeons, Dr. Hagen is the head surgeon.. that makes me soo happy.  Right now Im just excited to get my final date!  One more month!!!  March 17th cant come fast enough!!!