Genetics

This past week I’ve been thinking a lot about genetics.  Some months ago I developed a hernia in my groin, a pesky walnut sized lump that never caused me any pain.  Last Tuesday I had it surgically repaired.  My sister reminded me that both mom and dad had hernias. Genetics.   She remembered and I’d forgotten.  In fact it is because of a hernia that my mom and dad met.  His mother and her mother were friends and when dad needed a place to recover from hernia surgery in his early 20’s, he ended up at my mother’s house.  I guess the beautiful girl tended the handsome sailor and they fell in love.  I wish I knew the timing, but all I know is the story.  They eloped to the Mission Inn in Riverside where they got married for the first time.  I guess I can thank dad’s hernia for my very existence.

I was dreading the surgery and surprisingly nervous about it.  When the day came, Bob took me into Kaiser Richmond hospital for the surgery.   It was scheduled at 10 AM.  I was taken right in as the surgery before mine was cancelled and  they were eager to get going.  When I was admitted, tI was directed to an oversized comfy heated chair, not a gurney, in curtained space that was my nook. I changed into the drafty hospital gown. Then began a parade of people coming in.  Nurses, with questions, a nurseto put in an IV, a technician to put on an EKG,  a resident, the anesthesiologist, the doctor and more nurses.  Everyone had a task and it was all completed efficiently.  The doctor was nice, very chatty.  He surprised me by asking what music I wanted in the Operating Room.  Very quickly, I thought of my favorite piece of classical music and out popped Schubert’s Third Impromptu.  He was taken aback, but said, he’d do what he could.  Before I knew it, I was marching down the corridor dressed just in my hospital gown, with a blanket over my shoulders covering my backside and my very large hair net over my hair.  I had my IV in my right hand.  I felt like I was in a Halloween parade.  When I arrived to the OR, I heard beautiful piano music and recognized the Schubert.  I felt very empowered, not only walking not only walking to the OR, but having the music I wanted played.   My last memory is lying on the gurney looking up and seeing a group of at least 6 doctors and nurses all dressed in blue gathered around me as the doctor began instructing them.  The last thing I heard was the anesthesiologist saying she liked my music choice and I drifted off to sleep listening to my favorite music.  When I awoke, I was back in the comfy chair and a nurse was talking to me.  He wanted me to get up and walk.  I wasn’t sure.  But he insisted and I walked to the bathroom.  He pounded my back with fast chopping hits trying to get me to burp..  Soon, I was alert and before I knew it out of there.  

Arriving at home, Bob brought me a dozen red roses when I hit the sofa and soon fell asleep.  I never did have much pain.  For two days, I medicated myself with Advil and Tylenol and it was enough and by the third day I was off meds entirely.  I’ve felt really good for the past days.  The only side effect is that I tire easily and quickly.  I guess it will take a while to regain my strength.  Mostly though I am very grateful for such an easy recovery.  I feel all the work I do to keep in shape has paid off.  I am very grateful.