Surgery Update

It's hard to believe it's been almost 2 weeks since my surgery. Thank you so much for the prayers, texts, emails, calls, cards, food and visits. Overall, I believe I've done quite well. 

Before surgery with my
bair hugger warmer gown.

Two of my sisters, Gayle and Carol, came in on Tuesday, February 18. Carol came to be with Mom and Gayle came to take me to the hospital and stay with me there. Our appointment time was 5:30 a.m. on Wednesday, the 19th, so we left here about 4:15 a.m. and were the first ones in the surgical center waiting room. We had barely sat down when a nurse came to get us. After getting me ready, I was wheeled out for surgery at 7:30. Everyone at Johnston Willis Surgical Center and later at the hospital were really wonderful - from the receptionist to the nurses, CNAs, doctors, food service, housekeeping, financial rep. and med techs. Each one was professional, courteous, kind and caring. 

Surgery went well and I was done by 11:30 a.m. or so. They kept me on oxygen for a while and my mouth was extremely dry, so I kept drinking a lot of water. Gayle was a wonderful caregiver, keeping my water cup full and ordering food. I didn't have much of an appetite, but ate a few bites. Most of Wednesday afternoon and evening are a fog to me. Their main goal for me that day was to rest and control nausea. Other than having my children, I think it's the first time I've stayed overnight as the patient.  It was the quietest wing of a hospital I've ever been on and Gayle and I actually got some sleep. No loud beeping and whirring machines and alarms going off like I was used to with Mike.

The goal the next day was to walk and successfully use the bathroom. Praise God, I did not have to come home with a catheter! I was easily able to walk also. It was the getting in and out of bed that hurt. We were discharged about 11:30 and on our way home. I was sent home on 3 medications, but I am sensitive to medicine and my stomach was not tolerating these very well. I kept weaning out medicine until on Tuesday I was not taking anything and began to feel much better. The pain has never been bad except when I cough or sneeze, the upset stomach from the medicine was the worst of it!

I've been able to walk every day at least a half mile and yesterday walked over a mile. That might have been a little bit too much as I've been more tired today. I am blessed to have 2 friends, Nancy and Bobbi, who often come and walk with me. My back has done fairly well; although, it has hurt more today. It is hard since I can't do my regular stretches and twists and I'm not sure how to keep it from getting stiff. I will go Thursday for my follow-up appointment and should be able to drive after that, but have really enjoyed the rest of not driving.

I am so grateful to Carol and Gayle for taking the time to come and take care of me and Mom. The first few days it was difficult to put on socks and shoes and they pampered me. My sweet Momma so wanted to do something for me and so she massaged between my shoulders. Carol stayed for a week and cooked lots of food which I am still enjoying. My other sister, Vivian, had come the end of January which helped me to catch up on paperwork and Creamery bookkeeping so that I am not so far behind now. I've been working a little here and there and today was my first day to spend several hours back at work. My brother, Hugh, stopped by this evening to check on me and give me a hug. I am so blessed with my Mom and siblings and thank God for giving them to me. 

I am thankful for the skill of the doctor and nurses, but mostly for God who made our bodies in such an amazing way that they can heal so beautifully after being cut open. He is the master physician and holds all of life in His hands. All praise to our creator and sustainer, Almighty God! Jehovah-Rapha, the God who heals.

Deuteronomy 32:39

“See now that I myself am he!

    There is no god besides me.

I put to death and I bring to life,

    I have wounded and I will heal,

    and no one can deliver out of my hand."