The radio alarm went off 10 minutes ago. I hit the snooze as I always do, perhaps if I hit it enough times I'll miss my surgery time. I keep thinking something will happen, rather I hope something will happen that would mean this surgery wasn't necessary.

 At my doctor's office yesterday, even he was surprised that I hadn't experienced any pain with this injury. Of course no pain posed other problems. When I left his office, I remember trying to board the shuttle bus. What an adventure! I placed my left foot down on the first step, and took a tumble. My injury was my patellar tendon had popped off and I now had no control or any sensation. I started to laugh as I had fallen quite a few times because of this. Never did I hurt myself, nor re-injure myself. The shuttle bus driver immediately rushed up from his seat to assist me. He seemed a little perplexed at this man who with crutches had just fallen on the steps of his bus, laughing wholeheartedly out loud. I tried briefly to explain the nature of my injury and why I was laughing. He nervously allowed me to right myself, and managed a slight smile to complement mine.

But that was yesterday, today is another story.

I manage to catch the bus, it dropped me off at 90th and Carnegie. I didn't bring any unnecessary items as I had to manipulate my crutches. Taking my time, so as not to fall today, I manage to arrive at the P20 check-in desk. I was warmly greeted and there was the normal concern about my ability to find a sear and wait for my name to be called. I remember sitting there and hoping they never called my name. Truth of the matter, I wished it to be the day after my surgery and all this would be behind me.

My name is finally called, probably only 15 minutes, but it felt like 15 hours. They ask me if I need any help, to which I reply "no, thank you!" I then placed my chart in one hand and begin to move to M20-A. I was glad they didn't force any assistance upon me. I needed to feel control at least for now. I was greeted at the M20-A desk by a lady with a perpetual smile. Of course I knew her, Myrtle, she also inquired if I needed any help. My reply was "no thank you!"

I found my room and wanted to get lost in there, but decided to get undresses and into the patient gown before the nurse arrived. My nurse asked if I needed something to calm me and I chickened out, and said yes. I fely by asking for something to calm me was losing control. I was thankful when the IV was placed, now I could have something if my Anesthesiologist thought it was safe. She came and informed me that my anesthesiologist had approved and wrote for two follow-up doses if needed. Why waste perfectly food relaxation drugs, there were two follow-up requests. (smile) After the third dose, I don't remember much, til I woke up in the recovery room.

I do have a vision of my eyes peering over my blanket as people rushed to an fro. My nurse was very attentive. She anticipated my every need, and I don't remember making any requests, I didn't have to.

My story is a lot about me, and I get that when patients come to Cleveland Clinic, filled with their worries and insecurities, it is all about them. I also get that Cleveland Clinic will always put "Patients First", as they did me!