Well I think I am finally fully recovered from my "procedure". I went into the local hospital first thing in the morning on 22 November and did all that I needed to do to register, and then the waiting began. Lots of time to think about what was actually going to happen-not a good thing. I'm usually not a squemish sort and operations have never really bothered me. Many years ago I was fortunate enough to be able to watch the doctor remove a cist from my leg and found the whole thing quite interesting. Anyway, back to my vasectomy.
After waiting for about an hour I was brought a gown and told to get ready as I would be the first patient going under the knife. Someone came and took the bed that I was sitting beside, and about 15 minutes later the same person came back and walked me into the operating theatre. I think they call it a theatre because there are lots of people watching. They had me get up onto the bed and get comfortable, and as soon as I was situated they lifted the gown and exposed me from the chest down--so much for being comfortable.
As I was being "prepped" I was looking around the room. To my left was the Surgeon and I was watching him get ready. I don't know why I looked down, but I did and he was wearing wellies and I think they had flowers on them. I was beginning to wonder what they were expecting might happen. At this point you might be thinking that maybe they had slipped me some meds but I can assure you that I was absolutely straight.
They finally got the show on the road and proceeded to inject the local anestetic into places where no needle has gone before. It hurt like a bugger, but I'll tell you it didn't hurt any where near as much as when the butcher made the incision. I think the NHS is trying to save a few bob by diluting their local freezing stuff with water because I can tell you that I wasn't numb. "Oh, did that hurt" the surgeon asked as my whole body went stiff as a board. I was surprised that I didn't scream or shout. I just answered "Yup" and he said that they would wait a couple more minutes before continuing to give the freezing more of a chance to "take hold".
I'll skip the details of the internal workings of the operation and get to the stitches. I guess the freezing still hadn't "taken hold" because I felt the prick (the needle, not the doctor) of each stitch and I could feel the thread being pulled snug. After it was all over they had me stand up and get my gown and dressing gown on and I had to walk back to the waiting area--no wheel chair or nothing. I think the freezing had finally "taken hold" because I didn't feel any more pain. Maybe it was the natural endorphins or maybe it was just the relief that it was finally over. They brought me a nice strong cuppa and buttered toast while I waited for Zulobia to come and pick me up. Anyway, it's done now. But if the vasectomy isn't successful, I'll be getting a general next time.
