Hospital Diary 3 – The Day of Surgery Has Finally Arrived ー　June 25, 2026 (Thu) Reiwa8

As I sit in the hospital lounge this morning, I am finally beginning to realize that the day of my surgery has arrived.

Until yesterday, it still felt somewhat unreal. But after hearing the nurse explain what will happen after the operation, everything suddenly became much more real.

Since my left shoulder will be operated on, the IV will be placed in my right hand. I will also have a urinary catheter, and for a while after surgery I will need help from the nurses with changing clothes and taking care of daily tasks.

To be honest, that was more of a shock than the food restrictions. The thought of not being able to do things for myself is difficult to accept.

Because of the surgery, I am fasting today. After 11 a.m., even my drinks will be restricted. As someone who enjoys coffee and tea, that is a little disappointing, but I understand that it is necessary.

For the past several days, my arm has been supported by a sling and chest band. When everything stays in the proper position, the pain is about a 4 or 5 out of 10.

However, if my arm hangs down or moves into a certain angle, the pain becomes so intense that I would rate it above 10.

Each time a nurse adjusts and rewraps the support, I feel some relief. At the same time, it reminds me just how painful a fractured bone can be.

That is why my hope for this surgery is not that the pain will completely disappear.

There will certainly be surgical pain afterward. There will be discomfort from the incision, and I will have plates and screws inside my shoulder. I will also continue wearing a sling for some time.

Even so, I hope to be freed from the sharp, deep pain that comes when the fractured bone shifts and moves.

That is my greatest wish right now.

My doctor has explained that some people experience a slight loss of shoulder mobility and that much depends on rehabilitation.

I am prepared for that possibility.

Even if my left and right shoulders never move exactly the same way again, I want to do my rehabilitation exercises faithfully and give it my best effort.

And three months from now, I hope to return to the swimming pool.

I want to swim freestyle, backstroke, and breaststroke again.

Butterfly may have to wait until much later.

It does not have to be exactly the same as before.

If I can once again enjoy moving comfortably through the water, that will be enough for me.

It is still early in the morning.

Soon I will head back to my hospital room.

Today may not be a day for me to work hard. Instead, it may be a day to place my trust in the doctors and let them take care of my shoulder.

For now, I simply hope that the surgery goes smoothly and safely.

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