Assuming this whole topic is NSFW.

I’m currently recovering at Gyōtoku General Hospital in Ichikawa, Japan after surgery with Dr Sakurai. Here’s how it went down so far.

Thursday PM: checked in to the hospital, changed into patient clothes. Lots of people came by the room with paperwork, explanations, blood tests etc. They clearly explain everything that’s going to happen. Dinner in room, no food or fluids after midnight.

Friday: up at 6, given some oral rehydration pouches to drink. Get changed into surgery wear. Surgeon, nurses etc visit in case I have any final questions. Walk down to the theater at 9:30, name check, teeth OK, no allergies, right? Then I’m led into the operating room and lie down on the table. That’s probably the scariest part, surrounded by all the strange equipment. I get an oxygen mask. Anesthetist inserts a drip with some painkillers and then the general anaesthetic. Last thing I remember is thinking, hey, this stuff does hurt a bit going in, guess that’s why they gave me painkillers. Then I woke up about five hours later as they’re carting me back to my room. Pretty groggy for a few hours, but I was able to sit up and drink water that evening. They put me in some massage socks which were pretty nice.

Saturday: breakfast. Tried standing up, which made me a bit dizzy. After lunch I could walk around the room. Two drains, a catheter and drips to cart around though. Painkillers are effective.

Sunday: wandered around the hospital floor a bit to find coffee. Healing well, apparently, but I haven’t seen the results for myself yet. I get occasional sensation (other than general pain) that’s hard to interpret. Now bored and posting here. Should get the dressing changed tomorrow, and hopefully the drains taken out as well. Total stay is scheduled to be two weeks.

So, ask me any questions if you have them or share your thoughts. I’ll post updates in the comments as I have them.