Medical Update

Well, nearly two weeks have passed by since my surgery, and I must say that I am feeling quite well considering what my body went through!

Because of this experience, and in an effort to help anyone else out there who may be going through a similar experience, I have decided to share a link that has been a life saver to me. It is http://hystersisters.com/. This also will reveal the type of surgery I went through, which I previously felt I should keep confidential, however, after reading the invaluable information on this website, I think it's worth the risk of sharing.

My path labs came back positive for endometriosis. No wonder I was always in so much pain! I have many, many, many internal stitches, and although I'm feeling pretty good on the outside, I am still very fragile on the inside! It makes it very difficult for me to behave and take it easy.

I read something on that website that recommends that you remain in pjs with no make up for the entire six weeks so that everyone else will remember that you are still recovering. I think it is a good idea!--although I'm the one that really needs the reminder.

After one week post-op, I was already feeling so good that I decided that I could start doing some light picking up. Then I was reading about what I was and was not able to do during recovery, and found out that, among the obvious things like no driving, heavy lifting, stairs, etc., there is absolutely no bending or twisting allowed. Wow! I continued reading to discover that if I do, it could cause internal bleeding, which leads to adhesions, which could lead to a life of pain. Here is the quote:

"Some of the damage you can do in the longer term is harder to detect when you are doing it. When your tissues are healing they are very sensitive to being pulled and squeezed. Scar tissue wants to form wherever there are internal incisions, and if there is even a tiny amount of bleeding inside it can 'stick' areas together that shouldn't be stuck together, with the result that bridges of scar tissue can form between organs or tissues that should not normally be connected. These areas of scar tissue are called adhesions. In some cases, they can grow over time until they occupy large areas of the pelvis and connect some or all of the organs there, and occasionally they can even grow nerves and their own blood supply. The result can be that every movement pulls on something it shouldn't and causes intense pain."


Since reading this information, I have been a very good little girl. In fact, each time I move I imagine my insides ripping apart. I'm sure these images are still due to the dramatic effects of the anesthesia. The anesthesia has also contributed to some vivid dreams and night mares. In fact, one morning I woke up and asked James if my brother, Josh, had come by in the night to pick up his dog. I was convinced that he was there! I also dreamed that Emily was sick in the night. Another night mare!

I have received so much help during the past two weeks. I have to attribute a lot of my quick healing to James and my kids who have taken up my slack, my mom, who came and took the kids so I could recuperate in total peace, and many friends and ward members, who brought delicious, nutritious meals for our family. The key to recovery, is taking it easy, and these people have been instrumental in helping me follow Dr.'s orders! Thank you everyone!

I'm Home

I'm home from the hospital after a short 3-day 2-night stay. Thinking back, it is mostly a blur. Even still almost 4 days later, I'm still very groggy.

I had some complications, and had to be cut open. Other than that, I think it was standard. Healing will take a little longer than anticipated, but I'm already feeling better than anticipated.

My youngest three kids went home with Grandma, and for that, I am grateful. Although, walking past my little boys' rooms, I feel sad and lonely. They are happily getting spoiled at Grandma's house, and I'm sure they don't even miss me yet. They'll be home Tue night. It will give me a couple more days to recover.

I'll be signing off for now since I can barely keep my eyes open! I haven't been able to read more than two pages in a book before falling asleep. AHHH drugs! They are wonderful!

Thank you all for your prayers and phone calls. I'll be back to my old self soon.

The clock is ticking . . .

Only 3 more days until I am no longer the person I am today --Well, I'll still be mostly the same person I am today, just with a few slight changes. How do I feel about having these changes made to me? Scared, relieved, grateful, apprehensive, nervous, free. . . and a little excited to spend the next six weeks taking it easy and being pampered by all of my loved ones.

Preparing for surgery is much like preparing to have a baby. I feel that I am "nesting." I have been cleaning, baking, and organizing like crazy for the past two weeks. There is no way that I will ever be able to completely finish the tasks on my list before Thursday. The major difference between surgery and giving birth, is that I won't have a cute little cuddly baby to bring home with me to distract me from the pain. But on the other hand, I won't be getting up at all hours of the night for feedings either!

I am also somewhat pensive. Well, as pensive as I can be, anyway. I'm so thankful for the beautiful family that I have been blessed with. I'm so happy with the children that I have been given. They are truly gifts and I cherish them immensely. I don't regret that stage of my life (childbirth) coming to a close. I feel very fulfilled as a mother, and I am ready to move on. I am ready to make myself as healthy as possible to withstand the next chapter of my life--whatever is given to me (teenagers).

Strangely, as James and I were driving home from our anniversary date, we discussed the matter of complications. Actually we skipped the whole part about complications and talked about his moving on if I died. I know, morbid, but, I think, a little necessary. I told him to go ahead and get remarried right away. Then I listed off some names of prospective wives for him. He wasn't too keen on my list. But, hey, I was just thinking of my kids! I am not worried at all about "moving on" eternally. Sure you all would miss me and everything. But I'd see you soon. And oh, how wonderful to have fulfilled my calling here on earth. But, I know that my number's not up quite yet. Gratefully, I shall live to see another day. It is an interesting thing to ponder, however.

FYI Surgery date Thursday, November 13 Th 8 AM. Thanks in advance for all of your prayers and of course, phone calls! :)

Finally . . .

I'm finally working on a blog specifically dedicated to my cards! Wish me luck!

Happy 17th Anniversary, Darling (Nov 8)

Yesterday, James and I celebrated our 17th anniversary! As you can see from this photo, a lot has changed since then, but some things still remain the same.

Changes:

1. James got Lasik, and now I wear the glasses.

2. My hair is much shorter.

3. My waist line isn't quite so slim!

4. We were so blissfully naive then. Now we know all about the hard knocks of life!

5. Our lives have been enhanced by 5 little angels.

Similarities:

1. James' hair still looks great (like he's still 22)!

2. We are still madly in love--in fact, even more so!

3. He still brings me flowers.

4. We still like to have a lot of fun!

Being married is the BEST thing in the world! I'm so happy to have James in my life.

Yes, James, you truly are the very best thing that ever happened to me! I'm so glad you kept calling (stalking) me until I said yes! My heart is yours forever!

Election Drama

I'm not a very politically minded person. And I'm not very opinionated--until you come to issues of abortion and immorality and then I am adamant. Generally, I would like to just shut out the world and live in my little Idahoan bubble. Yet I know how irresponsible that is. So what is a person like me to do during a major election? I had pretty much given up on the election this year. I thought the race would be pretty close (unlike how it really was), and I felt a little guilt about my one tiny vote, but I hadn't taken the time to acquire an Idaho driver's license not to mention filling out a voter registration card (both the driver's ed manual and the registration card were tucked nicely in the bottom of the junk drawer). About two weeks ago, I heard that the time to register was quickly slipping by. When I realized it, the time was gone, and I thought I would have to kiss my God given right to vote goodbye. Sadly, I was somewhat okay with that. James also thought he was too late. On a whim he headed to the local voting office on voting day, and found out that in Idaho (at least in our county) you don't have to have a valid Idaho driver's license, you can register with any old photo ID on the day of the election!!! He voted and immediately called me and informed me that I could too!!!

Now, I'm not one who likes to have my schedule changed. I had planned to stay in and avoid TV and radio and make Christmas cards for The New West store. I had blocked out 2 and 1/2 precious hours just for that reason. But now I had to go and change my plans and vote! I also decided that I might as well take the opportunity to get my driver's license. Amazingly, timing was perfect and I was able to get it all done! I voted. And did my little vote count? Hummm. . . Was it worth all of the effort? . . . . All I can say is that I stayed up way too late last night getting more and more depressed watching the news. What is going to happen to our country now? My Idaho bubble is looking more and more comfortable each moment. At times like this, I have to turn to my faith in God. After all, He is in control, not men.

Book of Mormon
Ether 12:4 Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith . . .