Tomorrow I will have a tonsillectomy. This isn't a common procedure in adults but it's been recommended for me. While the idea of being permitted to eat ice cream without the guilt is just as appealing to my 35 year old self as it would have been to my 8 year old self, an 8 year old reportedly would recover more quickly and the procedure would be easier. The as yet unknown level of pain is considerably less appealing than the ice cream.
I'm sharing this information because there is a "teachable moment" from my conversation with the pre-op nurse. She called to get my medical history, find out if I'm on any medications, check on any know allergies, etc. She then asked if I had my advance directives in place. Advance directives are legal documents that allow you to convey your decisions about end-of-life care ahead of time. In case you'd like to read more about this, click here. To be quite honest, it isn't something I had thought about in preparation for this out patient procedure. The reality is, there is a risk - especially under general anesthesia.
Then I considered other reasons to have Advance Directives in place. I love certain outdoor activities, specifically: swim, bike, run. Each event carries its own inherent danger and accidents do happen. Recently, a friend of mine got struck by a car while cycling. She had several broken bones, and is recovering well, but it could have been worse and was certainly a reality check. Every time we take to the roads we take a risk. What if the unimaginable happens? Do I want to be ventilated or resuscitated? Am I to be an organ donor? These are some of the unpleasantries that come with being an adult.
So tonight I have one more addition to my to-do list.
The JFA Worksite Wellness Team shares stories, tips and information about living well, or doing the best they can, while balancing life and working as worksite wellness professionals.
