Christmas Blues

Hello everyone! Sorry for the long lapse since my last post. I have been spending some much needed quality time with my husband and family over the last 2 weeks.

After my last appointment, the doctor released me to return to work with  a lifting restriction of 10 lbs til 4 weeks post-op. Unfortunately, my work would not allow me to return with those limitations. So...I was depressed and worried about our finances, and about my position at work.  Thankfully, I was able to work out a plan to see us through til I am back to work again. Hopefully, I will still have a job to go back to!

I have had my ups and downs lately. Being on a pureed diet offered me a few more options, but was still very difficult with my cravings for real food. John has been a huge support to me through this. I am very thankful for his thoughtfulness and willing to sacrifice some of his favorite foods to help me!  He has been trying to diet alongside me, eating alot of soup and slimfast shakes, and sugar free pudding and popsicles. We had no bad snacks in the house until Christmas day, when Meagan and Maddy came to stay three days with us.

Speaking of Christmas, I was really down on Christmas Eve. It was the first year I did not have any of my kids with me, and we had no Christmas decorations up...not even a tree! I had several crying spells that day. Once again, John was here beside me and tried his best to cheer me up. It wasn't until little Miss Maddy came to visit on Christmas day to draw me out of my miserable state. She was such a joy to have here with us! We all ended up having a very nice Christmas:-) .

At 3 weeks post-op, I have lost 20 pounds! I am now on a soft diet, and tolerating it pretty well. Have had no soda, and no sweets whatsoever. All my incisions except two are completely healed. My pain level is much better, although I still feel pretty weak. It was probably for the best I had two more weeks off work to recover. I am approaching the end of the year with a hopefulness for good things to come and a much healthier and happier year in 2013!

Feeling stronger every day!!

December 15, 2012

Hello family and friends! Yesterday, my daughter Jessie and her boyfriend Dustin drove me Barnes for my follow-up appointment. I had to be npo after midnight, so my mouth was super parched! I had my leak test first which involved swallowing two types of very nasty contrast...and did I mention NASTY??  It was worth it though to receive the good news that everything looks just fine! I get to upgrade my diet to pureed! Yippee! Then we went  to Dr. Eagon's office to wait.

It was then were first heard the news of the senseless killings at the grade school in Connecticut. Horrific!! How can anyone be so evil...so disturbed?? It is unfathomable!! My heart goes out to the survivors and families of the victims. I know the children and adults that were slain are in God's hands now. Everyone in the waiting room was glued to the TV...watching in disbelief. May God be with all those affected by this tragedy.

It wasn't long before I was called back to have my drain removed, and man did that hurt! I was so thankful that Jessie was back there with me to hold my hand. After that, I didn't think I could walk all the back to our vehicle, so Dustin found a wheelchair for me and pushed me all the way back. I am so grateful for all their help today. I love you both!!

And to end on a good note...happy birthday to my baby Jessie Sue who turned 19 today! Will be glad to see her after her work this evening. Love you always baby girl!

IT'S MY PARTY...I'LL CRY IF I WANT TO :'(

I did not end up posting yesterday, because I was having a pity party most of the day. Ashamed to admit it, but I might as well be honest folks! John had to work, so it was my first day home alone. I got plenty of rest, but started feeling very stir crazy. TV and facebook can only entertain so long, plus there's those damn food commercials! I actually felt hungry today (thank you very much WENDYS and your mozza lalala chicken sandwich)! This liquid diet leaves alot to be desired! Cream of wheat, protein shakes, yogurt,  sugar-free pudding and jello, and "chicken juice" aka broth are my mainstays. I don't think these liquids allow my new stomach pouch to remain full very long, so no wonderful benefits of not feeling hungry now :(. I need fresh air, sunlight,  and some exercise. It has been so cold and nasty out, that I have not attempted to go for a walk. The kids are all busy working. I can't drive. Hmmm...I need some ideas to get my mind off feeling sorry for myself!

Also, it was Colton's 22nd birthday yesterday, and I did not see or hear from him.  I am feeling very isolated right now. I miss my kids, my Mom, my good friends at work, and even my stressful job! But I must remember...this too shall pass, and before I know it, my nose will be back to the grindstone. Hopefully Friday will bring good news with my test, the doctor will remove my drain, and my pain will be better by then. Well...signing off for now. Going to take the advice of Stuart Smalley and do some positive affirmations to get out of this funk!

PAIN, PAIN, GO AWAY!!

December 9, 2012

Lord HELP!! My abdominal and back pain is not getting better, but worse! I feel so full of gas and still no BM. Before bed I took two percocets, which allowed me 6 hours of sleep, but I awoke at 5:15am with horrible pain again. I am still saturating my drain dressing several times a day and having a moderate output from the JP.  I think I need to be up and moving more today. Maybe this bedrest is making the pain worse. I am thinking about calling the on call doc, but I figure they will say all of this is to be expected. Let me know if anyone has any ideas or suggestions.

There's no place like home!!

December 8, 2012

Hello family and friends! Today is my fourth day, and I am so glad to be home! I didn't feel up to posting yesterday...it was my most difficult day yet.  I was soooo groggy as they switched me from IV to oral pain meds. I think two percocet was too much, although with cutting back to one does not last me four hours. I had a horrible headache all day yesterday. I also found out my oxygen sats drop in the 80's when I sleep. Hopefully that is only because of the narcotic meds. John and I left the hospital around two. The ride home was very painful! I felt every bump between here and St. Louis!! I finally got settled in my own bed and rested well during the night.

This morning I woke up and started taking my medecine and my Pure Genesis Complete Shake. It has taken me 3 hours to finish it. Also took my Daily Build and Coral Calcium. A big thanks to Marilyn Rippy for introducing me to these nutritionally superior products! I believe supplementing with Genesis Pure will help to speed my recovery.

I have noticed an increase in the drainage from my JP drain, with 45 mls overnoc. It is also leaking from the drain site. I am documenting the amounts each time. My poor abdomen is sooo swollen and tender! I have had to keep the dogs out of my bedroom for the most part, since they don't understand why they can't use my tummy as a springboard! I am attaching  pic to document the appearance...gross I know!!

Well thanks so much to everyone for your prayers, concern, and support! I am going to continue to need it along this recovery path! Anyone who would like to comment on my blog...I guess you have to have a google account to post here. Otherwise feel free to message me on facebook.

DAY TWO!!

December 7, 2012

Today started out a little rough. Pain was worse, but I had not been using the pca pump enough. Only 8 times during the night, so I decided to step it up a bit. I was extremely tired all day!! Did wake for PT and OT and a sink bath. My diet today consisted of clear liquids, 60 cc's every hour. Boy did that first sip of ice water taste good!! I have had absolutely no nausea or vomiting, just very groggy with cotton mouth.

The therapists have been wonderful. I have been up walking in the halls a total of five times today. Something funny that I had never seen or heard of before was a small toilet assistant. It was kinda difficult to bend to reach my business, so the OT gave me this tool that supposed to help me reach to wipe. It looks like curved kitchen tongs!! Lol. John was teasing he could use it on the grill when I am finished with it!!

John left today around noon. He got some bad news about his Mom. She has pneumonia and is worsening. She is being transferred to Springfield. I was missing him before he even left, but I know he is so exhausted and worried for his mother. I was glad to get the call when he arrived home safe and sound! I will be praying for Granny!! She may be tiny and frail, but she is strong-willed!

This evening Shelly came to visit me! It was so nice to see her and get to catch up on things!! I am hoping to get to visit with her, Ron, and little Lucas just before Christmas this year.

Well I am getting very sleepy again. Signing off for now!!

Surgery Day 1!

December 5, 2012

John and I were running a little late...imagine that...but we managed to make it to the surgery center by 6:40am. My blood was drawn for type and cross-match, then it was to my little cubicle to get gowned up. I immediately liked my nurse! Her name is Linda ZILCH lol! I took it as a wonderful sign when she told me we share the same birthday 9/17/70, and when I told her John did too, we were all amazed!  All of the nurses and docs were very friendly, professional, and informative. I had a troupe of about eight of them stop by including my surgeon Dr. Eagon! He had the most calming presence, which helped to settle my nerves. The nurse anesthetist started my IV and administered a sedative. Soon after John gave me a kiss bye, and it was off to the surgery room!

When I woke up in recovery, it was much later than I expected. The surgery had taken five hours instead of 2-3. This was because of all the adhesions they had to get through. They also had to repair two hernias as well. I awoke in excellent spirits,  anxious to see my Hubby. My pain was well controlled as I had received morphine during the surgery. I was also equipped with a pca pump with Dilaudid (a great pain med btw). My throat was extemely dry, and I was dismayed to learn the doctor had ordered me npo til the next
day. Could not even have ice chips!! I have 5 incisions including the one in my belly button, a jp drain, oxygen on, IV infusing, and a foley catheter draining my bladder. Before long, I was being wheeled to my room.

Before I entered ny room, I instantly recognized my sister Susan's voice! Susan and my brother-in-law John were on their way back from Branson. It was so nice to see them along with my Johhny E! Immediately I began asking my grandbaby...and was given the joyful news that Jessie Sue is having a little girl!!! I am absolutely thrilled!! Everyone is surprised to see I am doing great at this point. I think all the prayers and positive thinking has really paid off!! 

Most of the rest of the day involved napping, talking with my girls on the phone, and trying to keep myself comtortable. Right now the worst part is my extremely dry and sore throat. Anxious for ice chips tomorrow.

Signing off for now!!