My trip to Sinai

Riding in the cab this morning to the hospital I found the irony in the name of the hospital I chose...Mt. Sinai. I was just at Mt. Sinai in Egypt in July...and inshallah I will be there again in May. I realized that my plans to climb Mt. Sinai in May depend entirely on the success of my little trip to Mt. Sinai today.

Walking into the room was scarey...all these strange machines, strange lights glaring on me, 8 people wearing masks (2 anesthesioligists, 2 surgeons, and 4 nurses). It was like something out of a bad sci-fi movie.

I had to crack a joke about how sneaky my veins are when they avoided the IV 4 times. I also had to crack a joke in the last seconds before the sedation knocked me out about how I was going to take a little nap now but how I would appreciate it if everyone else would remain awake for the procedure.

The last words I remember the Doctor saying to me before I went under... "You seem WAY too happy for someone about to have surgery."

So, I present to you proof of positive thinking. I am 8 hours post-surgery now...I have not yet touched my vicadin, I have felt fine all afternoon, I am getting used to the strange cold-therapy machine which will be permanently attached to me for the next 3 days, and I am learning just how much fun it can be to hop around on one foot. Thanks to Jen and Anu's wonderful support I am very comfortable and have everything I need.

Tomorrow, once the local anesthetic wears off it may be a another story...the reality of having 4 bones cut in half in one day might hit me hard, but my theory is that as long as I keep up my optimism it can't be THAT bad.

I can't tell you how much all of your positive energy has helped me so far and will contitnue to help me in the next week. Every single one of you who put a posting here, who called me, who emailed me and sent me your positive energy...I truly believe that it is that positive energy that is making me feel as good as I do right now. This experience has shown me how lucky I am to be surrounded by so many amazing people....for all of you who have sent me your positive energy..I send you back a big thanks in your language......

Shukran, Merci, Makisih, Gracias, Obrigado, Shukriya, Grazzi, Sayol, Danke Schon, Teshekkurler, Hvala, Dankie, Gum Xia!!!!!!!!!!!!