Well, I made it! Yay team! Finally, 18 months after the beginning of this journey, I have FINALLY taken the exit I was aiming for. And so far (all 3.5 days of it) have been smooth sailing!
On Tuesday, I didn't have to be at the hospital until 10 a.m. So, I got up, took the kids to school, came home and got ready for the day. I didn't feel well, I was dehydrated, and scared to death. We got there, and a sweet friend from church came to pray with us. When we went back, of course they needed a urine sample. (They really need to work on that - when you have been NPO for 10+ hours, following the bowel prep, it is hard to produce.) They had a hard time starting my IV (2 veins blew, 1 in each hand - another response to dehydration!) I was terrified. Dan was with me, of course. My rock. (I don't think I can do much without him!) Mama had a stomach virus, and wasn't able to be with us. But, we made it fine. It was an easy-going time.
Then, they finally took me back - I was terrified. I seriously almost told them to stop several times. I was terrified of the recovery, terrified of what would happen on the table. It was an unbelievable fear. Needless to say, I am so glad the nurse anesthetist worked quickly, or I might have been out having lunch ASAP! But, I drifted off to sleep quickly and painlessly.
I remember waking up (as much as one "wakes up") in the recovery room. All I could think was that I had a headache, and THAT is what I asked for medicine for! A headache! I really just wanted some ibuprofen, and a massage! I then remember them rolling me into the room with Dan, and getting one of the sweetest kisses ever. FYI - I love that man SO MUCH! The nurses on the bariatric hall are great, and I took great care of me - giving me the pain medicine quickly. At this time, Dan and I were still alone, as everyone who loves us had done us the favor of going to Sadie's orchestra concert. I woke up fairly quickly, and walked to the restroom with no problems. Then, remembering the death pain of walking after surgery last time, I steeled myself, and started down the hall. And guess what - It did not hurt! It was a little uncomfortable, but it didn't really hurt. Tuesday night I was up and down several times going to the restroom and walking, and I am proud to say I had completed my 18 laps (1 mile) before Dr. Pinson came to see me the next morning.
Wednesday morning, I had to go down for a swallow study. For those of you who don't know, that means I had to drink some barium, and make sure there were no leaks in my new, pocket-sized stomach. I passed. And almost passed out. That is not a pleasant memory! I felt so much regret for all of the patients I have sent for modified swallow studies over the years...Ick! I was very nauseated, but didn't really have a lot of pain, except a neck/headache. When Dan finally came back after work, we rolled up a towel for me to put under my neck instead of the pillow, and that was great!
Thursday, I woke up and literally just hung out until I was discharged about 3:15. My IV ran out early, so the nurse took it out for me. I wasn't in any pain. So, I just hung out, drank water and juice, and waited to be discharged.
Dan came by and picked me up, and we went to the car rider line to get my babies! I had great friends who had volunteered to bring them home for me, but the look in their eyes when they saw me was worth the wait! We came home, and started setting me up. It was great! A friend dropped by and brought the sweetest get well cards from my little friends at church and to check on me. I did without any pain medication or anti-nausea medicine all day Thursday.
Then, Friday came. I was expecting the worst, because we all know that our grandmothers tell us that "day 3" is the worst day of all. So, I woke up at 5:30, and Dan helped spur the kids to get ready for school. My sweet Moe brought me a massaging neck pillow for my headache/neckache. And I was bored. Bored. Bored. So, I drove over to the Wellness Center and walked half a mile. Then, I drove to school and picked up my kids. It was a great day. I took in about 47 ounces of the 64 ounces I am shooting for. As it is only day 3, though, I really can't hold that much at one time. But I will get there. Friday ended up as another "no pain medication" day, praise the Lord.
Today, I am taking it easy, watching Netflix, and catching up on some crocheting. Nothing major. And, I am praising the Lord. You see, now, I understand His timing. It wasn't about my timing, it was about His. He worked things out, and is providing me with an exceptional healing experience. Now, I am not naive. I know I will have bad days, but I pray that each of those "difficult" days will lead me to remember the blessings He has provided me!
And finally, a huge shout out of thanks to all of you who have posted on my Facebook, texted, called and checked on me, helped me out. The love and support I have received is totally overwhelming...
Thanks, Friends. I love you!
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