Well, I'm almost en route to House

[davecz]

It's been quite some time since I've visited the ANA. I decided to take a break from The ANA in general since it was causing a bit of anxiety. I've been keeping busy traveling and visiting friends around the country. I just got back from a wonderful vacation in Florida with my daughter. Since I got my final surgery date, a few months ago, I've been working out every day at the gym. That has certainly made a big difference in my health. I was more into body building in the past, but have been concentrating more on cardio. I decided to treat my surgery as a marathon race. So for the past few months, I've been training for my marathon. Changed my eating habits too. Cut out sugar, fatty foods and a lot of processed foods. All of this has made a huge difference in the way I feel both mentally and physically. 

When I first started back at the gym, I would get tired 20 mins into my workout. After a few weeks of pushing myself, my stamina and strength improved dramatically. A lot of what I believed were AN symptoms started to diminish. And after a few months of just sweating it out, I'm ready physically for my surgery. Spiritually, I'm ready for my surgery too. Mentally, I'm ready, but I expect that to change the day of surgery. I suspect I'll become quite nervous when I check in at 0600 hrs on April 27. However, I'm taking the positive approach and I'm ready for my marathon. 

I've decided to have a pre-op party this sat and have invited a lot of friends and family. I thought it would be a good idea to do something positive prior to my surgery. It is also keeping me busy (preoccupied), which is diverting my attention from the surgery. And I have to clean my house for the party, which is something I've put off these past few months. 

I'll be heading to LA this Wed.  Stopping in Fresno to pickup a very close friend who will be with me for five days. Thur is my pre-op appointment at House and Kaiser where I'll be having the surgery. I have Dr. Friedman and Dr. Swartz as my surgeons. I'm very happy with my decision to have the best of the best doing my surgery. I have the magic scarf and will be taking it along with me. Thank you Clarice and Mindy for making that happen. 

Just wanted to share my way of dealing with this AN that I refuse to let bring me down. Thanks to all who have taken the time to write me and share your experience, knowledge and wisdom. I will be back to share my experience once I'm on my way to recovery. 

Sincerely

Dave  

[Archer]

Good luck Dave.  I sure the work you have done getting ready will pay off.  Just think, in two weeks you'll be on the mend and done with your marathon.

Enjoy your party!!

[CHD63]

Woo Hoo, Dave .....

A pre-op party sounds like a marvelous diversion!  Have fun!

Clarice

[lrobie]

Good luck Dave.  The pre-op party sounds like a great idea!!  I might have to do the same.     We'll be waiting to here from you.

Lisa

[cindyj]

Sounds like you've done all the right things to be in the best possible state prior to your surgery, Dave! You're right that having something to take your mind off all the AN stuff is so helpful.  Glad to hear you have the Magic Scarf!  Been a LONG time since we've seen any pics here of someone with it (hint, hint ).

Best to you in LA - you will be in good hands,

cindy

[jaylogs]

As both a House alumn and magic scarf recipient, I wish you good luck! It's amazing how something so little (for most of us anyways) can have such a huge impact in our lives!  Will be looking for you once you hit postie land! Take care and have fun with your party!
Jay

[mindyandy]

Hey Dave. Your in the best hands. I told Dr. Schwartz to take good care of you. Archer you too. You both may bump into each other at Seton if that's where your staying. There is another on this board named Eric who is having surgery on the 26th at St Vincent. *Here comes the sun* do do do