Surgeries Rescheduled Boil Water Advisory

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Post on Jan 22, 2025

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Surgeries Rescheduled: A Boil Water Advisory Nightmare

Okay, so, picture this: you're already stressed about upcoming surgery. You've got pre-op jitters, you're trying to arrange childcare, and you're generally feeling like a nervous wreck. Then BAM! A boil water advisory hits your town. Seriously? This actually happened to me, and let me tell you, it was a total rollercoaster.

The Initial Panic: More Than Just a Minor Inconvenience

I mean, a boil water advisory isn't just, "Oh, let's not drink the tap water." It's a major disruption, especially when you're facing surgery. My surgery was scheduled for early morning, and the advisory came down late the previous day. Initially, I was just annoyed. Annoyed that my pre-op instructions included strict guidelines about hydration. Annoyed that I needed to find bottled water for myself, my family and my pets, in a panic. Annoyed that I might have to reschedule.

My first thought was, "How will I stay hydrated? I need to be prepped properly before my procedure." Then, the bigger picture hit: the hospital. Would they have enough potable water? Would the surgery even go ahead? Panic really started to set in. I called the hospital immediately, my hands shaking. I was literally freaking out.

The Phone Calls and the Rescheduling: A Cascade of Uncertainty

The hospital staff, bless their hearts, were amazing. They reassured me they had backup water supplies, and that they were monitoring the situation closely. But they couldn't give me a 100% guarantee that my surgery wouldn't be postponed.

I started making more calls—to my surgeon's office, to my family, everyone. It felt like a complete domino effect. The uncertainty was brutal. I had to rearrange my work schedule, notify my kids' school, and the whole nine yards. It was exhausting.

The Aftermath: Lessons Learned, Bottled Water Stockpiled

Thankfully, my surgery wasn't rescheduled. But boy, did that near-miss teach me some valuable lessons. First, always have an emergency water supply on hand. I'm talking enough to cover several days, at minimum. Secondly, make sure you have a plan in place for dealing with unexpected disruptions. Trust me, having a contingency plan makes all the difference when a boil water advisory strikes. We learned about proper hydration techniques during the process of worrying about this advisory.

Here are some practical steps to take if you find yourself in a similar situation:

• Check your local news: Stay informed about boil water advisories in your area. News websites, local news channels, and even social media can provide updates.
• Contact your healthcare provider: If you have a scheduled surgery or medical procedure, contact your doctor or the hospital immediately to discuss your concerns.
• Prepare a water stockpile: Keep bottled water on hand for emergencies. The amount you need will depend on how many people you have to provide water for, but keep several gallons for every person.
• Plan for alternative arrangements: If your surgery is rescheduled, be prepared to adjust your work schedule, childcare, and other plans.

Beyond the Boil: Prepare for the Unexpected

Looking back, the whole boil water advisory fiasco was a ridiculous amount of stress. It was a simple situation, but the inconvenience it caused was far beyond what I ever would have expected.

But hey, at least I learned my lesson—always be prepared. You never know what kind of wrench life might throw into your plans. Now, I always have plenty of bottled water. Plus, I even have an extra kit with essential supplies for emergencies. Just in case something else crazy happens!