Yesterday, I got a call from my surgeon to be ready for surgery today. Here we go. The plan is to do day surgery. The orthopedic surgeon is going to attempt to piece everything back together using some bone anchors and sutures, and then we’ll see how things progress. Based on what was explained to me on the phone, this is what I’m in for.

The last anesthesia I had was when I was a kid in East Germany (which does not exist anymore). I have been very wary of general anesthesia since then. I even forced my oral surgeon to remove my wisdom teeth under local anesthesia only. I would rather take the pain than be put under. This time, I cannot chicken out; being nervous is an understatement.

On a positive note, I have heard much worse things about the Canadian medical system. So far, the system seems to work. Everyone at Grand River Hospital is friendly and professional. The staffing is adequate. You are not pampered like in other places, but you are not neglected either. The surgeon seems very competent. He is on staff for various sports teams.

In We Go

The anticipation is killing me. Finally, I am called in. The nurse is very capable. I have one appointment with the anesthesiologist and one with the surgeon in front of the OR. The anesthesiologist comes first. This was the most unusual encounter. I was expecting a set protocol; instead, I am offered a suite of options. It feels a little bit like the Pusher is upon you, but in a good way. Compared to my last encounter, where an old guy rammed a (sharpened, reusable) needle in my bum 40 years ago behind the Berlin Wall to put me under for my last surgery, this is very different. Nobody knew about AIDS back then, and the options under communism were limited. This is different now. I pick general anesthesia with a nerve block.

Next, the surgeon comes in. This encounter is brief:

• Surgeon: “So you want to walk again?”
• Me: “Yes, I do.”
• Surgeon: “Then let’s do the surgery.”

In we go; everyone is friendly. They are having a hard time keeping my heart rate down. My personal information is confirmed one last time. Then comes the anesthesiologist: “You will be out in a minute” (he was lying, it was like 10 seconds)…

Published: 2025-04-15
Updated  : 2025-10-04
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