Yesterday was a long tiring day. I went to Nottingham for my MRI scan. It reminded me a little of the sort of hectic working days I had when I was many years younger and a lot fitter. It was exhausting then, goodness knows how I ever used to cope.
The hospital transport drivers are in charge of what time they pick you up. I always like to be somewhere in plenty of time, unfortunately today I had a driver who collected me much later than I would have liked if I'd had a choice. He said we'd get there in time and we did, but with two minutes to spare. So I didn't find the journey too relaxing. I had a quick trip to the ladies, filled out my questionnaire, and I was then sent straight to the changing room.
I'd previously had scans done at our new local diagnostic centre, where they do a mix of private and NHS work. A complete contrast to the hospital scanning department. I'd become used to being the only patient in the suite. With things being done in a relaxed manner, with a bit of luxury and comfort. The local changing room has an armchair, a spacious curtained cubicle, full length mirror, artwork on wall, floral arrangements, and a locker the size of a small wardrobe with a coat hanger. At the hospital I was left trying to remove my bra in a room little bigger than a broom cupboard, and then stuff all my belongings into a tiny battered locker.
It soon became obvious why I was here though. Locally there are only 2 radiographers and a nurse onsite, and I think scans are just done for diagnostic purposes. Today they were scanning for my forthcoming surgery preparation. There were several people in the control room and one of the radiographers said she'd been present at an MDT meeting where my operation had been discussed. So she knew exactly what scans where required.
No sit down in a comfy armchair in the cannula room with a cup of tea afterwards. The hospital didn't even have a cannula room, it was done in the scanner. I texted the driver as soon as I got into the changing room so he could bring the car round. We got away as quickly as we could, but we still hit rush hour traffic on the way back.
So just over 5 hours total travelling time. I usually have 6 small meals a day but I missed 3 yesterday. Managed to eat a bit of fruit and some jelly pots in the car, but I'm very restricted with what I can eat on the go. At home I would have had porridge mid morning. Lunch would have been scrambled egg, mashed potato and grated cheese, with trifle for dessert. Then ice cream for the afternoon snack.
H had my dinner ready for when I arrived home. I then had a bath, my evening snack, and I was ready for bed. I also had to drink lots of fluid when I got home to flush the contrast dye out. Plus I'd not drunk much all day as journey comfort stops are only available in an emergency. I managed two cups of tea, two glasses of water and two glasses of squash. Unfortunately this then meant I had to get up for the bathroom several times in the night as the fluid worked it's way through.
This morning I'm tired from a bad night's sleep, and my body is stiff and aching from all that sitting in the car. I also missed my exercise class yesterday. So today and tomorrow is going to be plenty of relaxing, some yoga and pilates, and as much food as I can manage to eat. On Friday I have to do the journey to the hospital all over again for a much longer appointment, and I have to be there at 8.30am which is probably going to mean getting up in the middle of the night. I'm not doing so well with my efforts to get myself in the best possible physical and mental state before my surgery!
