Great to see you again. Sorry for the wait. The last procedure went a little long. How are you feeling? Nervous? Ready to get this over with? Wondering about this hat?
We should be ready to go soon; they’re just turning over the OR. I wanted to come out and say a quick hello before the procedure. Answer any last questions if you have them. And for you to see this hat.
The surgery itself should be quick, maybe forty-five minutes. You will be asleep the whole time. This hat will be on my head. When we’re finished, they’ll wheel you to our post-anesthesia care unit while I continue to wear this hat. I’ll come by and check on you again once you’re awake. I will still be wearing this hat.
Some people want to know what the recovery looks like—what kind of pain to expect and when they can return to work. Others want to know more about this hat—why I’m wearing it and if I can take it off. Most patients are back on their feet in a week. The pain should be minimal, but I’ll order you some meds, just in case. The hat is a longer story, I can get into it if you really want, but know that it will not be coming off.