Wow, over one year already since the epiphany.

[Deja Q]

I had surgery to remove a disc that had lodged directly in my spinal cord.

The good news is, potential side-effects from the removal surgery were few. Particularly ones regarding bladder and related control functions, my plumbing works just fine...

The bad news is, many of the problems it caused remain.

Still, it was after waking the surgery (just over 4.5 hours after they put me under) when I realized three things:

1. When the recovery attendent notices you stirring and asks how you're doing, don't respond with "Forgive me if I don't stand up." That's not the time for levity. :D

2. Unconsciousness is like death, only for a rather shorter period of time.

3. I realized how I wasted much of my life; though I didn't realize that Asperger's Syndrome of my eccentricities and awkwardness was the root cause at that point.

4. Dealing with pain is such a pain...

[In_The_Wind]

1. I'm glad you made it.

I'd like to meet you someday.

BTW ~ I've loved the Aspies I've known.

[Deja Q]

2. Thanks!

Likewise!

[Sugar Smack]

3. When I had my appendix taken out,

They gave me enough drugs beforehand that I was able to mutter, "I love you all," before conking out.

They'd originally said that, yes, I had appendicitis, but that I wasn't "acting as though I was in excriciating pain". So they'd wait. I asked them to please take it out anyway. When I started coming to, the head surgeon told me, "Wow. That was CLOSE." First words I heard. I just rolled my eyes and conked back out.

I didn't have any epiphanies, except to trust my gut instincts, no pun intended. I'm so glad you're ok.

Another DUer actually saved my life; gave me a very accurate description of the pain and then I switched my computer off, got some things and drove myself to the hospital.