April 22

Upon arriving at hospital, I went to see Dr Shimizu. I was the first person there, but they told me that I had to discuss the medications that I am taking and will take while in the hospital. I only take low dosage aspirin (to help blood flow), calcium (for cholesterol) and vitamin D. It took about 30 minutes to do the paperwork. When I got back to see my doctor, there was a long line. I had to wait about an hour to see him. He said that the tests I had last week looked good but the I had “deep vein thrombosis” which is basically a blood clot in my lower leg. He said that it is very minor, and that the surgery will go on as scheduled, but he prescribed medicine to get rid of it. I will take the meds for several weeks and see him again on May 20.  (Note: if you sit all day, you should stand up and walk around the room every hour or so. This will help prevent getting blood clots. This is the same as “economy class syndrome” when flying long distances.)

After talking with the doctor, I had to wait an hour to see a nurse to explain the procedures while staying in the hospital. I was given a list of things that I must bring with me. I was told that I would be staying in a private room, but the nurse said that sometimes the private rooms are full, and I may have to stay in a communal room for a day or two. I couldn’t visit the private room, but I was shown o photo of the room. It looks very modern and nice. It doesn’t have a restroom, but it does have a sink, which is nice.

Also, I was told that I have to completely shave off my beard and mustache. ☹ Oh well, “hair today and gone tomorrow.” I started growing my beard during the New Year holiday in 1990. Most of my students have never seen me clean-shaven. I probably shave it until two or three days before the surgery.

Well, that’s about it until May 20.