T - 2

Yesterday, Monday, Kate and I had our final testing and cross-match at Presbyterian hospital. We still have separate teams, but did meet up a lot in waiting rooms.

First, I gave more vials of blood and urine sample, then we (Barbara and I) met with my social worker, Ilana, and she gave us the 10,000 ft overview of what will happen during my time at the hospital.

Next was a meeting with Marian, my transplant coordinator. She gave us the 100 ft version and a detailed preparation list for the surgery. Only clear liquids starting at noon on Wednesday and nothing after midnight -- not even water. Plus drinking the stuff to clean out your digestive tract. Maybe I will loose those couple of stubborn pounds from the holidays!

I can't lift anything greater than 10 pounds for a month, and no driving for 10 days - I think that has to do with drugs-- don't want to get a DUI.

Then I met with the surgeon, Dr Delpizzo. We really liked him. Now we get down to where the rubber meets the road. He said that my kidneys were both the same size and that he would take out the left one because it is easier to remove and reconnect -- longer plumbing. He uses a procedure where there is one, 2 - 3 vertical incision by your navel. He has done this procedure for his last 80 plus kidney removals. It heals faster and has less scarring -- important for picking up chicks at the beach.

He said to avoid core exercise -- no ball class for a month, but I can bike after two weeks. He also said that I was the first patient on Thursday morning and that the actual surgery is about 1.5 hours, although total time (prep, surgery and recovery room) would be about three hours. We made our follow up appointment for Thursday, 7 April, so that we can drive back to VA with Patricia and Theresa on Friday.

Then I had an EKG and was done for the day.

Throughout the various visits there was a continuing discussion of pain management. They even have a rating system with a scale of one to ten with a chart. A smiley face is one (no pain) and a picture of Dick Cheney is ten.

Another recurring theme was the bloating that you feel due to the injection of carbon dioxide to expand your stomach to make it easier for the surgeon to work. One of the major criteria for being discharged is the ability to pass gas. I found this very encouraging -- I will be out of there in no time.

We said good by to Kate and Fran and headed for a NY Deli for lunch.