April 18

My second visit to the Murayama Iryo Center was a very good experience.

My first stop was for blood tests. They open at 8:30 and my appointment was for 9 a.m. I got there at 8:30 and there was nobody waiting so I was first.

When I have blood tests on Yokota Base, it usually takes two technicians several tries to find the blood vessel to take the blood. The technician at Iryo Center took a few minutes but got it on the first try. She took six vials of blood.

Next, I went to the x-ray and CT scan section. Again, there was nobody waiting, and I soon got the CT scan and many x-rays.

After that, I went upstairs to get an EKG (electrocardiogram) and an echo test of my arteries.

Finally, I had an echo of my heart taken. The doctor said that my heart was ok for surgery.

My appointment schedule was from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Take a lunch break until 1:30 p.m. and finish the last check. But everything went so quickly in the morning with no waiting that I finished everything at 11 a.m. and was home by 11:30.

The heart doctor was the only one who spoke English well, but the nurses, technicians and doctor were all so kind. They all asked if I could speak Japanese, and of course I truthfully told them that I could very little. Between broken English/Japanese and gestures, we got everything done smoothly. I was worried about communicating with the nurses and technicians while I will be staying in the hospital after surgery, but now I feel that we will be able to communicate with few problems.

My next appointment will be on Monday April 22. I will visit Dr. Shimizu, my surgeon, and with the anesthesiologist. Dr. Shimizu speaks English well, but I may need help communication with the anesthesiologist. I recently had a colonoscopy on base so I pretty much understand what the anesthesiologist will explain to me. Also, Nick will be there to help translate if needed.

A hospital staff member will explain the procedures for my stay in the hospital. Hopefully I will be able to see the room where I will be staying for two or three weeks.