Surgery Day, Bangkok Hospital, Chiang Rai, Thailand 

I had a good sleep and spent the day reading and being on my IPad.  They made me have another shower and I had Tom Yum Goong soup for breakfast, but it wasn’t nearly as good as yesterday. Must’ve been a different cook and a lazy one at that because there’s lots of ingredients in a properly made soup and this one was definitely lacking.

I was not allowed to eat or drink after 12 o’clock but they hooked me up to an IV so I didn’t get dehydrated. Watermelon and Wave came for a quick hello on their way home, because Wave has been discharged –

The doctor came in to see if I had any questions.  I asked why my surgery had taken so long and he said that this surgeon is the very best in the country and is busy. He also said they were waiting for the swelling to go down in my arm. He said that after the operation I will have physio to learn some exercises to help build back my strength.

I am looking forward to having this over with.  I remember the last time I had anaesthesia and I was counting down from ten and only got to about eight and the next thing I knew I was waking up so I hope tonight will be the same. The spa days are over and I’m a bit nervous and apprehensive because how this goes will determine my future - trip plans and possible changes to my mobility.  I am very glad that Watermelon will be on the night shift because she is excellent, speaks very good English and has become a friend.