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Surgery Chronicles: The Night Before

In the past week, I ran my last run, I swam my last swim, and I rode my last ride—at least for a while. I did four distinct loads of laundry (which I did not know was possible for me); I stocked up on necessities—toilet paper, hygiene things, dry goods, some frozen foods, medications/supplements; I pre-made a couple of foods I knew I'd want afterward; I typed up all the necessary (and some unnecessary) details of my surgery to send in emails to my family and my employer; I drank a large glass of water mixed with a disgusting packet of detoxing/alkalizing powder the past three nights, because the guy at Whole Foods told me I should and I was too afraid of what might haven if I didn't; I made readily available my yoga mat, ab roller, and dumbellls and pulled out my book of yoga anatomy that shows seated and supine poses—for when the motivation stikes me to exercise; I made sure everything I'd want was accessible—not too high or too low, as I won't be able to lift heavy things or stand on my toes to reach them; and I even got a wheely thing that will allow me to transport laundry bags and trash bags without having to carry them. I bought these two recipe books and marked all the good things I'd want someone to make for me (😉 😉):

Anti-Inflammatory Diet in 21, Thug Kitchen

I read and re-read my pre-surgical instructions, which included preparing my surgical site (i.e., foot) by removing any hair (I admit, there were a couple) and cleansing with antibacterial soap.

I ate dinner at the same restaurant I dined at prior to my tonsillectomy, from which I recovered well, and with the same company (mom) plus an extra loved one for good measure (sis).

I've done everything I can think to do in preparation, and now I just have to believe the outcome will be great and that I'll have plenty of support in the coming weeks. That part I know. I'm genuinely touched by the friends and family who've reached out with their well wishes. And in addition to having my mom with me, I learned today that my dad is also driving over an hour to the surgical center, early in the morning, just to see me. I'm feeling pretty grateful and just ... ready. It's time to get my new foot. Once I've got it, I'll make sure to write all about it.

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