Hospital Diary 4 What I Learned While Studying Before Surgery - June 25, 2026 (Thu) Reiwa8

Today was the day of my surgery.

Since I was required to stop eating and drinking after 11:00 a.m., I spent the morning studying for the Registered Sales Clerk examination.

The topic was the functions of the liver and the metabolism of nutrients. As I worked through the questions, I realized that I had memorized many of the terms without truly understanding what they meant.

First, I learned about ammonia.

Ammonia is a waste product that is produced when the body uses protein. The liver processes it and changes it into a harmless form.

Bilirubin, on the other hand, is a yellow substance produced when old red blood cells are broken down. When bilirubin builds up in the body, it can cause jaundice.

Until today, I did not clearly understand the difference between ammonia and bilirubin.

Through studying, I learned that ammonia can affect the brain, while bilirubin is related to jaundice.

My father passed away from liver cancer.

Because of that, I had often heard terms such as hepatitis and liver cirrhosis. Today, I gained a better understanding that when liver function declines, it becomes difficult for the body to process substances like ammonia and bilirubin properly.

I also learned that the liver is not only responsible for detoxification. It is also a large storage facility and a factory inside the body.

The liver stores vitamins A and D, as well as vitamins B6 and B12.

This reminded me that I used to take vitamin supplements such as Ebios and Chocola BB.

I learned that vitamin B6, one of the vitamins contained in those products, can also be stored in the liver.

I also thought again about cholesterol.

It is often spoken of as something harmful during health checkups, but in reality, it is an important material used to make bile acids and hormones.

The liver is the factory that produces many of these substances.

In the next question, I studied glucose and glycogen.

Glucose obtained from food is carried to the liver and stored as glycogen.

When blood sugar levels fall, glycogen is broken down into glucose and released for use.

It reminded me of money deposited in a bank and withdrawn when needed.

I also learned that excess energy that cannot be stored as glycogen is eventually converted into fat.

That explains why eating too much can lead to weight gain.

The most memorable lesson for me today was this:

“The liver is both a great factory and a great warehouse inside the body.”

It detoxifies harmful substances, processes nutrients, stores vitamins, and produces many essential materials needed for life.

Although we rarely think about it, the liver is an incredibly hardworking organ.

While thinking about all of this, I enjoyed my favorite MATCH sparkling jelly drink before 11:00 a.m.

It was a small reward before surgery.

Soon, I will be heading to the operating room.

I hope that what I learned today will remain in my memory together with the memories of this day.

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