Quotes

Practice puts brains in your muscles.
-Sam Snead

fight your battles...

song ~ need you now

Need You Now

by PLUMB

Well, everybody's got a story to tell
And everybody's got a wound to be healed
I want to believe there's beauty here
Cause oh, I get so tired of holding on
I can't let go, I can't move on
I want to believe there's meaning here

Chorus:
How many times have you heard me cry out
"God please take this"?
How many times have you given me strength to
Just keep breathing?
Oh I need you
God, I need you now.


Standing on a road I didn't plan
Wondering how I got to where I am
I'm trying to hear that still small voice
I'm trying to hear above the noise

Chorus:
How many times have you heard me cry out
"God please take this"?
How many times have you given me strength to
Just keep breathing?
Oh I need you
God, I need you now.


Though I walk, though I walk through the shadows
And I, I am so afraid
Please stay, please stay right beside me
With every single step I take
How many times have you heard me cry out?
And how many times have you given me strength?

Chorus:
How many times have you heard me cry out
"God please take this"?
How many times have you given me strength to
Just keep breathing?Oh I need you
God, I need you now.


I need you now
I need you now

Quotes

Though are feelings come and go, God's love for us does not.
-C.S. Lewis

last day of 15 day Medical Leave...

Today marks the end of my 15 day Medical Leave from work to recover from surgery.  I slept in and then was lazy bones in bed and stayed in my pj's until 5pm.  Between knowing it was my last day to do this, along with being utterly worn out from yesterday and trying to manage the constant congestion from my sinus infection and desire for sleep, I made it last.  My day ended with a massage, one of the best things in the world, something I have not had in over a month.  

The break has been good for me and I pray that I am able to pace myself the next 15 days as I launch back into the work zone.  The goal is to work Part Time and to not overdue it. My doctor stressed with me yesterday that complete recovery is 6 weeks and to remember to not do more than I can.  That's a tough pill to swallow when you have lived your life every day being told you can do more, whatever you did was not enough, and if you are tired it doesn't matter you can still do more.  I still have battles yet to win in this...but I am working on them.  I am grateful for the time to recuperate and look forward to getting caught up, one email, phone call, and project at a time.

Cleared Post Operative Appointment

My Post Operative appointment went well. My doctor was very pleased with healing of my incisions and his exam proved all is normal for this two week stage.  I have been released to work Part Time on the 24th.  Doctor asked me to remember that I had major surgery...(think he knows a thing or two about me???)...he said that though I am up and about, doing well at recovery, don't overdue it.  It takes a full 6 weeks to recover.  

Gotcha.  I am trying.  Promise.

I then went and saw my Allergist.  He gave me my flu shot, an antibiotic shot and an oral antibiotic for an ugly sinus infection.  Yup, that's what extreme allergies with no let up do to you, they infect you.  

I then went to the lab to get lab work drawn for a two week check up on hormone levels since surgery.  This will be repeated in four weeks so that we are making sure we are staying on track as my body adjusts to an all new range of hormones.  

For now, extreme night sweats beyond what I thought were bad ones before and cold feet are all part of the adjustments.  Don't you want to be me?  Hey...I can't complain...or should I say, I won't complain.  One of my major symptoms has not been apart of the picture since I had surgery and I didn't touch the corner of His Robe but believe me, it feels like it!!!

Hopefully I won't feel like crud too much longer and I can continue to improve!!!

14 days since surgery!

Today marks 14 days since surgery! 

I get to drive again!!! You might think that crazy, but as one who totally fends for herself, not getting to go anywhere unless a friends cab came and got me...ugh, yah, that was kinda strange.  Sitting in the passenger side of the car, yah, a totally weird feeling, like I was lopsided or something.  Okay, I have been in that position before, but not that frequently and not in many years!

Today I will have my post operative appointment for clearance to return to work on the 24th, if doctor see's fit and agrees with original plan.  I then will be to see my allergist, originally the appointment was to get approval for my next round of new vials for shots and get a flu shot, but it is looking like I am going to need allergy attention in a whole different way today.  The congestion in my head won't let up and its been 6 days as of today.  Enough.

Regardless, I am looking forward to my day!

Quotes

Always make a total effort, even when the odds are against you.
- Arnold Palmer

just enough

Doing just enough is never enough.  Give your all, to Him and to others.
-I Am Second

essentials when you are sick

Michelle brought me breakfast from Cracker Barrel.  I love Breakfast!!! Breakfast can be eaten at any time of the day!

She also brought me Nyquil...maybe I can get some relief and sleep tonight?!!!

yup, a raging head cold

12 days since surgery and I am now battling sickness.  I am getting little sleep and can't breath.  My head is bursting with congestion.  My ears ringing with stuffiness.  

Allergies have been raging such a war the last few days that I am now sick with a raging head cold.  

Ugh.  I was enjoying the relaxing time at home until the last few days of misery.  It has been so difficult.  My body aches.  I can't breath.  I am exhausted and can't sleep.  Food doesn't taste.  Sleep won't come.  I long to escape this agony from elm and ragweed.

Allergies, I was fine without you.  You can leave now, so I can breath, I can eat and taste my food, I can sleep.  I have had more than plenty of you!

another day at home

I went for a walk around the track again today.  This time with my neighbor who is on medical leave and hanging out at home recuperating from an injury she sustained over Labor Day Weekend.  Though I can't walk at the pace I am used to, the exercise did me good.  I wasn't sure I should being my allergies are suffocating me but at the same time I know that my body needs the strengthening to my core muscles and the blood flow needs to be generated.  However, nothing I am taking is cutting these blooming allergies, no Allegra, no Singular, no Mucinex, nor my inhalers.  Nothing.  I can barely breath and have a sore throat from having to leave my mouth open to be able to get oxygen.  The drainage down the back of my throat is irritating it too.  If this keeps up, I will have a raging head cold in no time.

The redness of my belly button is much better however I did a treatment of antibacterial ointment last night after a 2nd dose of Tea Tree Oil.  I want to keep any looming infection at bay.

I spent two hours this afternoon working on creating the documents to file a complaint with the Texas Department of Insurance regarding my health insurance policy.  This is not going to be a quick process, no doubt it will probably take about 6 months, but I am hoping that by their intervention to get a decision on my policy turned around.  I have had continuous health insurance coverage since 1990/1991 and have each proof of coverage for those policies that show no lapse in coverage, even for a day.  This means that though my insurance company put a pre-existing condition on my policy when it was issued, they have no right to do so since I never lapsed coverage, per HIPAA regulations, it clearly states a lapse of 63 days or more puts you in position for a pre-existing condition.  In doing further investigation in the legalities of the HIPAA laws, the longest term you can have on a pre-existing condition is 12 months.  So either way you look at it, I should not be withheld treatment.  I probably should have fought this back at the time the policy was implemented, however at that time I was holding on for dear life to my COBRA policy and not knowing how long I would have unemployment, life had other more critical decisions I was working on.  My health insurance agent stated that because I was going from a group health insurance policy to an individual health insurance policy, this is what allowed them to make this policy restriction.  However, from all my research on HIPAA, state laws, along with the federal laws, I don't find this is correct.  Therefore I decided to move forward with an advocate to deal with this.  I mailed the documents on my way home from acupuncture.

{favorite things} encourage one another

I would buy this if I knew where I could get it...Luv it!

10 days since surgery!

10 days since surgery!  Overall I am doing very well and yes, without going into details, I am already enjoying the benefits of this procedure.  I am very grateful.  I went for my first walk around the track this morning.  Wow...how invigorating!  I just want to praise God for my blessings.

When I woke up today, my belly button was very red, bright red.  In contemplating what to use, I wanted something that would absorb quickly but not interfere with the instructions to "put nothing on your incisions".  Concerned about potential infection from one of the incisions, I put Tea Tree Oil all down in my belly button and rubbed it around the incision out of it.  I will monitor it and hopefully this will do the trick.

The rest of the day, I did a bunch more of nothing much.  Laid on Gilbert & Connie's couch...knitted some on the baby blanket I am trying to complete...laid there some more.  I am continuing to swim in allergies and if this keeps up, I am going to have a raging head cold.

Came home and went to bed...but slept little because I can't breath!

[reflections] Letters to God

my nuggets from watching Letters to God

• This is the role God has chosen for you.
• It is your job to point people to the truth.  God is truth.
• Shall we accept good and not evil?
• Be God's Warrior.
• Write a letter to God:  "It's my favorite way to talk to God...It's like texting your best friend."
• No one will replace you.

Quotes

If you believe in a God who controls the big things, you have to believe in a God who controls the little things. It is we, of course, to whom things look "little" or "big".
-Elisabeth Elliot

another relaxing day

Today, I spent the day at Jennifer's.  We had talked about walking the track, but the wind was so fierce and my allergies so intense, it just didn't seem to be the thing to do.  She picked me up and we headed to her place.  We watched the first lesson to a bible study Breaking Free by Beth Moore that I am doing and then enjoyed lunch.  She fixed me some steamed Green Beans with Almonds along with Chicken with a layer of Pesto Sauce topped with Canadian Bacon and Cheese, and a side of Cabbage.  It was a yummy healthy warm meal.  I then laid in the sun for a bit in the pool lounge chairs.  The warmth felt wonderful.  We then watched Letters to God.  A movie that made me cry, but was very good.  As she was bringing me home, we made an impromptu decision to go eat at J&J Oyster Bar.  We have talked about eating there for at least 2 years if not longer...she has eaten there and loved it and I have never tried Oysters.  I ate one, raw, and could not eat more.  I didn't care for them.  I will try them cooked at some point and maybe will enjoy them that way.  I then came home and crashed in bed.  The sneezing and nose blowing had me utterly worn out.

ready to dress up

Those of you that know me, know I love to dress up!  Sitting around the house in lounge wear has been relaxing, but not "me"...if you know what I mean.  

I introduced Jennifer to Ceviche at Antonio's yesterday and she texted me stating she was so hungry for it again.  I suggested we go eat sushi since her husband is out of town and her girls are too!  She said done deal, so we made plans to go out for dinner at 6pm.  I had an excuse to get dressed up and go out for a girls night out.  Boy was it fun to wear my heels again!!!  No, I couldn't walk fast in them, but dressing up sure felt good.  

We went to Sushi Axiom and enjoyed a yummy dinner.  We chatted for about 2 hours and then she brought me home...and we chatted nearly another two hours in the driveway!  I told her that I could have offered for her to come in, yet here we sat in the car with it running having one of those memorable chats you have with girlfriends.  I finally said I needed to go to bed and we called it a night.  

It was a fun girls night!

no work??? I am trying!

I am not supposed to be working.  For two full weeks.  

I knew it would be hard.  Yet, I promised my doctor I wouldn't.  

Late yesterday afternoon and early this morning has been hard. Issues have come up with my favorite client, no they are more than my favorite, they are my #1 Client!!!  

• An employee quit [did not return to work after a week out being sick and has now made it clear they have no intentions of returning].  Options needed to be discussed.  Input was needed.  An emergency plan had to be reviewed.
• The IRS sent documents that have to be signed and returned before I return to work. Input, advice and what to do was needed.
• Texas Workforce Commission sent paperwork on an employee that Quit but now wants Unemployment that must be completed before I return to work or the case is closed and not in our favor.  An online report had to be filed.  

What did I do?  I worked for an hour yesterday.  I worked for 90 minutes today.  

I had to.  

But now trying to get these thoughts out of my brain and return to the no work zone is hard.  Yup, it is hard.  You don't think so?  You try it!

...but with the encouragement of my friends, unless something critical comes up, I am headed back to my work free rest zone.  I went a week without working or responding to stuff.  I know I can do one more week!

collection calls...already! [ugh]

It has only been a week since surgery...and I am already getting collection calls. 

Oh sweet pea, you are messing with the wrong chic. I work in the industry and you don't have a determination yet from my insurance company, and though I don't expect it to be favorable, you are pushing my button way too soon! The payment plan agreement was for when/if the insurance truly does not cover this as expected. 

Go file the claim and wait a few weeks and then I will work at paying my monthly payments for the rest of my life!

relieved, though no relief from leg pain

I called my doctor this morning to let them know that I was concerned with the leg pain I have experienced since Friday, though no ongoing swelling or reoccurring pink flush tones to the knee, the pain is still intense.  It is not normal. I don't have this kind of leg pain.  It feels like a head ache in the back of my upper calf and then a portion on my lower thigh feels like its pinched and if I could just grab it and squeeze it, it would feel better.  That's it.  I can walk.  I can move.  But certain times it kills.

I left a message.  It is Monday.  They are busy.  Probably have a million messages to return.

11am they called to get the details of my voicemail and said they would call me back later.  I figured after lunch I would get a call.

Jennifer came over and took me out to enjoy some sunshine.  We went and ate Ceviche at a local mom n pop mexican place, Antonio's.  We visited and chatted and talked some more.  She wanted some Passion Fruit Tea and so we did a Drive Thru Starbucks run.  No caffeine for me.  She needed to meet up to get something from a friend.  We did that and by this time, I was getting tired and ready to head back home.  

Still no calls.

When I returned, I had these gorgeous flowers waiting for me on my doorstep from a client!

flowers from Marcia & the team at Naturally Slim, Inc

I laid down, in the dark, quiet room, flat on my bed.  Awwwwhhhhhh...felt so good!  No sleep came, but I rested.  Then I decided to check my email.  Needed to respond to an email from a client asking for input on a plan of action as a staff member gave no notice and quit putting a strain on other team members to pull the 14 hour daily shift, so I got back up.  [Yes, I am taking two weeks off with no work and plan to keep that promise to my doctor, but I will be periodically checking email and tending to URGENT matters...especially for the clients that rate #1 and I don't have too many of those!]

About this time I got a call from the Imaging Center stating they hadn't heard from me and wanted to set me up an appointment...huh???  Imaging for, oh, my leg?  Yah, doctor sent an order earlier this afternoon and we needed to see when we could get you in, we can still get you in today if you want.  Yah, book it.  While we were still working out the details, my doctor's office was ringing me.  The nurse apologized for just getting back to me.  I knew Aunt Connie wasn't back from taking someone to the doctor so I called Jennifer and asked her if she was sick of me yet today and she came and we hurried off to the Imaging Center, Gateway, in Fort Worth off Rosedale.  

This is my second time to be to this center.  They have some really kind people.  The tech got me in quickly and asked me what I was feeling and when I had surgery.  She confirmed that you can not be too cautious, a blood clot is not something to mess with and you know your own body.  If you don't have this kind of pain, you don't.  She said not to be concerned about being a picky patient, you have reason to be.  This was comforting to me because I hate medical drama.  Of course she told me I was too young to be having a complete hysterectomy...what can I say, I know, some things in life you don't get choices about and believe me, it's a done deal sweet pea, let's move on!  ;)  50 minutes later, the tech informed me that she did not see any blood clots or water vessels, however she was not the one who would write the report, the doctor on staff would.  She stated a verbal would be given to my doctor and a report would follow in a few days.  If there were further issues I would either hear from them or my doctor.  This seemed like normal waiting protocols to me, that truly, sometimes just get old.  All this hurry and wait business.  Then she told me that if she had seen something or had the slightest concern of an issue, she would not be releasing me, I would have to hang there until diagnosis was made or be admitted straight to the hospital from there in an ambulance.  Ugh, now that was a good sign.

So I am relieved to have no blood clot or water vessel issue and am left to believe the leg pain is from the inflatable boots they put on your legs to supposedly keep circulation in motion during my 32 hour hospital stay.  

I plan to continue to prop my knee/leg up on my euro pillow at night to help ease the tension and keep my knee more "straight" as I like to curl my legs when I sleep.  I am going to continue to walk and massage the leg and hopefully with time this will ease up.

[before you...]

Before you talk... listen, 
before you react... think, 
before you criticize... wait, 
before you pray... forgive, 
and before you quit... try.
-Ernest Hemingway

[reflections] on Seven Days in Utopia

I was recommended by a friend to watch the movie, Seven Days in Utopia, and did so during my recovery after surgery...here are my reflections on this movie:

Why do you do the things you do?  The first step is to find conviction.  Every champion has convictions.  But perennial champions have convictions based on foundations.  The foundations become his first line of defense when facing adversity.

Rhythm.  Balance.  Patience.  That is what you need to stay in your game.  Focus on the feel, rather than the outcome.  It takes emotional control.  Keep your emotions in check.

If you are going to play like a professional, you have to act like one.

I have respect for tradition, but a passion for the truth.

You have to be ready for the unexpected.

SFT = See it Feel it Trust it.

What do you want people to say about you when you're gone?  It will say something. 

You're coming here wasn't an accident.  Only you can decide what to do from here on out.

Don't Thank Me...Thank Him.  There is a still small voice in each of us, if you listen.  God is leading us, talking to us.  You can see God's face, feel His presence, trust His love.

Life is Life is about Faith.  Relationships.  Character.  Integrity.  God has a purpose and calling for you.  These truths are your heartbeat...foundation of life.  Take the truths with you.  Bury the lies.  Lies of your true identity, your self worth, and failures.  In our culture, a high premium is placed on success, achievement and performance.  What controls your life?

Gifts are meant to be passed along.

Utopia a place of mythical perfection.  Utopia is indeed real. It is a place where the voice of truth resides.  

Does it really matter?  How can a game have such an effect on a mans soul?


Additional thoughts from www.didhemaketheputt.com:

Are you looking for more in your life?

A world obsessed from putting people on a pedestal.  No one was made for a pedestal, the weight of glory was reserved for One.  I am a child of the one who is the greatest Champion.  Be a revolutionary.

Never follow tradition for tradition's sake.  Follow the One Voice of Truth.

I don't play for acceptance.  Excellence is my coach.

When you walk in your purpose, a trophy pales in comparison to the fruit of your wake.

first walk after surgery!

I have been itching to go for a walk...my normal routine is 1.5 miles to 3 miles each morning.  Not having done this in over a week, I was anxious to go for a stroll.  Yes, a stroll because I know I do not have the stamina for my normal fast pace near jog.  

Walking puts a strain on your stomach.  Each step makes you feel the movement in your belly.  Normally, this would be nothing, but after abdominal surgery, it is huge!  I decided to go for it.  I walked 5 houses down, then 6.  I decided to do all 10 to the end of the block and return.  Several were concerned this would be too much for me, but I wanted to do it.  I wanted to try.  The sky was bright blue with sun and crisp green from the horrific rain we had last night.  As I neared the house upon my return, I knew that this took a lot of energy, but the accomplishment was worth the effort!  I look forward to building my strength to the normal daily walk routine, but know it will take time.  Today was one step towards that goal.

When I arrived back home, I went and sprawled out on the patio furniture in the backyard by the pool...exposing my incisions to the intense sun for some Vitamin D treatment.  After a spell, I just let the heat penetrate through my black clothes, the warmth on my belly and legs felt wonderful!  I so want to take care of myself to heal completely and I truly hope things continue to show signs of little bits of improvements daily as I believe I have seen the last few days.  The pain in my right leg did not lessen after this and I plan on contacting the doctor tomorrow.  It has been 3 days, something is not right, but I don't want to be alarmed, just observant, watchful and take precautions.

change of pace

This change of pace has actually been good for me!  I am actually enjoying doing a bunch of nothing and resting, with some good sleep!

[God is]

continued improvement since Surgery

I have had continued improvement since Surgery.

I ate a thick slice of Banana Bread toasted with Cream Cheese for breakfast and had the last bit of Vegetable Beef Stew for lunch.  Shandy is bringing me sushi for dinner and I have spent the day knitting on a baby blanket.

My incisions are itching...that usually is a good sign of healing.  My knee and underside of my knee still hurts, however there is no pink tones today along with no swelling.  I think sleeping with it propped up on a Euro Pillow last night was a good thing.  My bruising is continuing to be colorful.  My arm increasingly sore as the veins get used to normal.  I am treating my rashes with cream and trying not to itch them.  I laid awake for 5 hours last night, but am still getting good restful sleep when I am sleeping and for that, I am tremendously grateful!!!  You don't know how long restful sleep has not been apart of my life and to have it, is a HUGE blessing.  There has been nearly no bleeding since surgery...and you have no idea how much of a relief this is to me!!!  The pain I am now experiencing is pain I am used to living with...I have no complaints.

I actually am enjoying this change of pace and allowing my body to rest and heal!

TWO FULL NIGHTS of sleep

I am getting great rest since I have been home!!!  In fact, the first two nights, I slept all the way through other than waking up to use the bathroom a few times.  I can't tell you how grateful I am for this rest!!!

My right knee is a little swollen today, with a bit of a pinkish tint to the skin...it really hurts, deep like a headach or muscle ach.  I am concerned that I am getting a blood clot so I have walked around the house each day a few times as the doctor has ordered, however I am going to walk around on it more and try to massage it to improve it.  I don't know what else it could be other than muscle tension during surgery.  I have broken out with a rash on my chest from the EKG Monitor stickers...and on my abdomen.  Surprise!!!  I am highly allergic to adhesives no matter what I tell people, they can't get how allergic I am.  

My appetite is decent, enough but not like normal however I am not going and doing like my body is used to...and just eating liquids is not something I do regularly.  I have had some great fresh made juicies from Aunt Connie, one with beet, carrot, apple, and kale and another with carrot and orange.  Both were delicious!!!  I had pureed vegetable beef soup that Sherry made in a jar just enough for one person.  She also made me Banana Bread and though this is not on my diet [due to wheat and sugar that I have been avoiding for several years now], I am going to eat a piece...maybe a thick slice each day!  She also left me a pretty pot of Pink Kolancho flowers.  I got yellow Carnations and Lilly's from Judy that we put in a vase on the piano.  Jennifer brought a cute little vase of white Alstremeria and left it on the front porch for me.  

flowers from Jennifer

One of my strategic business partners, Anil, sent me a bouquet of cookies with a message:  Pace yourself...get well soon and a snail to remind me to go go slow!  

Pace Yourself...cookies from Anil {and Pat & Beth] w/EMR Remedies

Aunt Connie went home last night.  I am doing remarkably well I think for what I could be experiencing.  I believe there are several contributing factors in this:

• I had a good surgeon
• I was on a liquid diet before and after my surgery that can only help the digestive system heal and not contribute to swelling
• I have been taking lots of Arnica along with a dietary supplement for healing and an Homeopathic combination for healing
• I have gotten some good rest and sleep at home

I fixed myself scrambled eggs for breakfast and had a good cup of Mint Green Tea with honey and cream.  I will have Tomato Soup for lunch with Kettle Corn Popcorn.  Jennifer is coming later to visit and bring me some Arnica Gel that I want to apply to my belly and lower back, along with a prescription.  Jackie is going to bring me dinner, BBQ Chicken with mashed potatoes...which sounds yummy!  I am going to try to sit up in the chair today, maybe even knit some and not just lounge on the sofa.

Day after Surgery

I didn't sleep much that night...about 2.5 hours.  The Nursing Team came in every hour to check my vitals.  When she told me they were going to do this, I couldn't help but ask her, "Seriously?  You have left me alone the bulk of the day but now you are going to come in every hour of the night?"  What common sense is there in that?  

Everything I asked for to eat to try to settle my stomach, they didn't have.  Applesauce?  No.  Yogurt?  Nope.  They had pudding though.  Or Jello.  Or Oreo's.  Really?  None of that sounded remotely good!  I don't eat that kind of food full of sugar.  I opted for Cranberry Juice, Saltine Crackers, Apple Juice and Graham Crackers.  

Periodically, the nurses would have to come in as my IV would go off beeping for no reason, at least I thought no reason.  Evidently when it wasn't flowing, it would alert them of this, and they assumed it was kinked somewhere and would come and stretch it all out.

I had the funkiest bed...it truly had a mind of its own!  I used the buttons to maneuver it up and down to assist me with getting up and out easier, to put less of an impact on my belly, but once I had it set, it would pause and then move some more, here and there.  It was forever altering the lower end of the bed from my knees to my feet and it was like it tried to contour to my upper body.  My Nurse Tammy, said it has to do with your weight and position on the bed, it will adjust itself to you.  Believe me, it was strange!  It would even do this when I would get up from the bed or when I crawled back in.  It is hard to describe, but it was strange.

It seemed like every hour I had to go to the bathroom.  It was hard to tell if the pressure I was feeling was from my bladder or just from my swollen belly.  As one who drinks a lot of water and is used to no complications in going the bathroom in a steady stream, this was a pain to have to be patient with dribbles!  I always had to buzz a nurse to come assist me as I was hooked up to the IV and Pain Medicine line along with an O2 Stat Meter and the inflatable boots on my legs.  What they were were these plastic boots that were Velcroed around each leg from the ankle to above the knee with tubes connected to them to inflate them to the point my legs got squeezed very tight and then deflate them every 30 seconds or so.  Just as soon as it was done with one leg, it did the other and then back again.  I realize this is to assist with blood flow and prevent blood clots, but it was so not something I am used to and was very disturbing to try to rest.  So as you can see, there was no option for me to go to the bathroom on my own.  At 5am, the nurses came and took my pain medicine unit away as it kept beeping that it was empty.  Between all this commotion all night, you can see that getting any sleep wasn't happening!

Robb came in a little after 7am to see how I was.  I don't remember being checked on by my anesthesiologist before following surgery, but maybe I have.  I let him know that I had a hard time with nausea until about 2am and was disappointed they didn't put a patch behind my ear as they had said they would as this was something you wear for 72 hours and helps with the nausea even after you go home.  I think that me letting him know that took him by surprise because his face reflected that they obviously forgot that.  I tried to warn them what I am like and though I didn't throw up this time, it would have been nice to not have to have dealt with that all day!

Dr. McWherter came in to see me about 08:15am.  He said that contrary to how I was feeling, he felt that things couldn't have gone better. He removed everything successfully and said he wasn't going to say the word [endometriosis] but he got rid of all the brown powder lesions and fresh looking lesions to oblivion.  He told me that I had it everywhere!    All over the remaining organs in my body.  [He had told Aunt Connie the day before that I had more mess inside then he has seen for someone my age.]  You might not understand this, but I am anxious to see pictures. I have had pictures of each surgery and seeing the results of what you have been dealing with is a relief.  He has tweaked a few things regarding my postoperative alternative medication treatment plan that we were going to discontinue because of his findings.  He looked at my 4 incisions and gave me some postoperative instructions.  He then asked if I wanted to go home, and I said yes, if he felt I could.  I told him that I know wanting to go home yesterday was a bit ambitious, but that I was ready to go today!  I have spent 32 hours in this place and I want rest and quiet!!!  

He ordered me a Bland Breakfast:

• Chicken Broth
• Coffee, no sugar or cream
• Apple Juice
• Grape Popsicle
• Lemon Jello

I have never had Chicken Broth for breakfast...and yes, I ate it all.  I couldn't do the coffee.  I drank my apple juice and ate my Popsicle.  I ate one cube of lemon jello, but just couldn't do it.  

I am grateful for his skill and work he did on my behalf...I am truly hoping I will feel like an all NEW Woman!

I was discharged and left the hospital about 01:15pm and instructed to have a liquid diet for the next two days.  The drive home exhausted me...I felt like things were either flying by me or going by really slow.  I was very nauseous.  I came home and crawled straight in bed.  No place like your own bed!!!

Aunt Connie is going to spend the first 24 hours with me at home.  Here is hoping that my recovery goes well and that I don't have any complications.

flowers to wish me off well!

Sylvia & Sandra gave me these flowers the night before my surgery.  I put them in my bedroom so that when I got home from the hospital, I would have something pretty to smell and wake up to!

Flowers from Sylvia & Sandra

The photo was take a week after surgery, so the Lilly's have bloomed out so much more than they were originally.  The picture doesn't do a good job on the coloring, but I tried it in several lighting's and this was the best!  

Flowers always remind me of life, one that can be fragrant, vivid, bright, refreshing, transforming, and encouraging!

Surgery

Today was my surgery for a complete hysterectomy along with treatment of my endometriosis.  

We arrived at 5am, were the second in line, to a busy Patient Checkin Center.  We waited in the waiting room until 5.45am when we were called back to go to the 2nd floor and I was stuck in my room.

Wait some more.

My Nurse on the Prep floor was Hope.  They made me use an antiseptic prep on my skin, which had me very nervous to use and I wondered if I would itch as the prewash you have to do the night before surgery and morning surgery of made me itch all night!!!  I tell people how allergic I am and its like they don't believe me.  I actually skipped the application on the morning of and just rinsed with water.  It wasn't too bad but even though the package was heated up, it made me cold!  Now to the fun part of getting down to your birthday suit and into a flimsy gown with funky socks!  Nothing like making you feel like a nobody.  She attempted to put an IV in my left arm, midway up between the wrist and elbow and reached a valve.  I have never had an IV inserted so far up on my arm, usually they are done in my upper palm or inside of the wrist.  The pain from this was excruciating.  Of course Hope told me it shouldn't hurt but she clearly had reached a brick wall!  Ugh, sweet pea, it killed!  It truly makes me laugh how they don't let you eat or drink after midnight but want your veins to suddenly pop out and be working like magic when they apply an IV...totally laughable.  After a few more attempts and some work to make it flow, she got the IV working in the upper palm of my right hand.

More questions.  Take a pill with an ounce of water.  What a teaser!  I am used to drinking a full glass of water each morning after waking up, so I was feeling quite parched by this point.  Hope said, "But it was a full glass of water!"  LOL!!!

My anesthesiologist was Robb, an intern working with Dr. Gelbard.  He was nice and listened to my concerns, but I swear he talked way faster than me and you all think I talk fast!!!  No, I had not had any medicines yet and was thinking very clearly...even Aunt Connie thought so.

Then it was time to put my hair up in the cap.  Hope, my Nurse made a comment:  I bet you are one of those people who wish you had straight hair.  I said, Actually no, I love my hair!  But you are right, it seems if people have curly, they want it straight and if they have straight they want it curly.

Then Dr. McWherter came in.  He was so funny...said he brought the cookies I had sent with him to have a snack after surgery.  We had to wait for the lab to complete my pregnancy test.  This was a joke...Dr. McWherter told the Nurse that the only way that would be positive is if there were lights in the Eastern Sky.  It was funny.  Once those negative results came in, they wheeled me off down the hallway to the surgical room.

Boy was the room cold!  Move me from one bed to another and put an oxygen mask on...not too much later, I don't remember anything.  Another first!  I am used to them watching me and waiting for me, it always seems like they are impatient when they are looking down at me, for me to go out.

The next time I woke up, I was in recovery.  I asked the Nurse what time it was and she said 10.30am.  The pain was horrific.  The nausea like waves trying to sink me.  Oh, no matter how much you try to prepare for this, it is overwhelming and miserable!  

The next time after that that I was conscious, I was in my room.  My Nurse on this floor was Tammy during the day and Charlotte at night.  They left me alone pretty much the rest of the day.  Aunt Connie tried to help me by pressing the button for more pain medication to be released as it was a self administered unit that you could press approximately every 7-10minutes...I sensed the nurse clearly did not like this.  Aunt Connie was simply trying to help as if I dosed off, I would wake up in extreme pain and it was so much harder to get under control.  I am not sure why they don't just do a drip and regulated dosage for awhile while you try to adjust to the procedure and pain you are experiencing.  Starting me off at managing my own dosage didn't seem to make much sense to me.  The rest of the day I fought with extreme pain and nausea and they decided I could not go home.  About 6pmCST, they finally gave me some Toradol along with the Morphine to cut the pain and brought me my Bland Dinner about 7pm:

• Chicken Broth
• Iced Tea
• Cranberry Juice
• Grape Popsicle
• Orange Jello

I could only attempt half of the Chicken Broth, drank the Cranberry Juice and ate the Grape Popsicle.  The Chicken Broth was not very flavorful and didn't help me with my nausea.  I did finally get relief from the nausea until about 2am when they gave me a 2nd dose of Phenergan as Zofran wasn't cutting it.  I am grateful that I never threw up, but the gagging like I was going to was just as bad as I remembered!!!

Thank You for being Prayer Warriors

Thank You for being Prayer Warriors on my behalf!  It is greatly appreciated!!!

The Big Day is here!

Today is The Big Day.  Today, my life will change.  I am having a complete hysterectomy to put an end to this endometriosis and mess I have dealt with since I was 10 years old!

Aunt Connie is taking me into the hospital, Texas Health Resources / Harris Downtown.  I must arrive at 5am.  I am the first surgery of the day and surgery is scheduled for 07:15am.  I am most definitely ready for this, though I am a little bit anxious, I feel calm about what is to happen and hopeful that I don't have a rough experience like I have before with surgeries, but honestly am not expecting it to be a piece of cake.

I am hopeful that this is going to be the beginning of feeling LOTS better!!!

the storm is worse before the calm...

The storm always gets worse before the calm, right? 

Today is my 3rd day no medication. No sustaining food...liquid diet all day.  Nothing like making me wish for The Big Day to get here more than I already am!

I am drained...both emotionally and physically.  I have been working feverishly for my big day tomorrow.  I am exhausted.  Lack of sleep and lack of food to give me energy is all taking its toll on me.  I might be stressed and feel horrible, but I might as well look at it like I am gonna jump start the weight loss! :)  

I have done well at my todolist.  Though I don't think it will be 100% completed, all the important things have been accomplished.  I am grateful for this, this will help me to rest and take two weeks off as I have promised my doctor.

preparing for The Big Day

Today was my post operative appointment in preparation for surgery next week.  

When my doctor came in the room, he said, Misty, I am very grateful to see this day approaching.  I shouted to him, you and me both!  I told him how I was very much looking forward to surgery.  He laughed and told me to calm down and not be so loud.  I must admit I was pretty excited.  In all seriousness, he said he wasn't sure he has had a patient as excited as I am about getting this done.  He knows I have been in a lot of pain and dealt with these issues for a very long time and I have not had the best success with treatments.  He believes whole heartily that I will feel like an all new woman very soon! And I am anxious to feel that way too!!!

We discussed the necessary items to prepare for surgery and what to do.  I asked him what he was going to do if he finds endometriosis inside.  Endometriosis is not covered by my insurance and therefore there is a high chance that this surgery will not be covered.  I asked him to release me as soon as he can, even if I am not where AMA guidelines want me to be.  He clearly understood my request, but made it clear that if I vomit (as I typically do following surgery) he will have to admit me to stay over night.  I stressed the fact that I am looking at purchasing a car or another house and this the sooner I can go home, the better I am going to be!  He laughed and said, "Now don't give me angina Misty. I am liable to need some Valium before this is all done."  He got the message.  ;)

I am working feverishly, every day from when I get up to when I go to bed, to complete all tasks before surgery.  September would have been a challenging month with just a normal work flow let alone all the critical time sensitive projects we have had to complete!  Preparing to disengage for two weeks is harder than I thought it would be...