Surgery

I know I have been such a slacker when it comes to updating this blog. I have a lot to catch up on. Like my Grandmother's funeral, Gracie turning 4, Bryant starting a training program to get a special certification that will take 2 1/2 years to complete, Kate turning 2, Halloween, etc etc.

However, right now I am just going to update on everyone about the surgery I just had. I am still unclear on some of the details as I was MAJORLY drugged up when the Dr. came to talk to me and Bryant had already left.

Last year I found a Dr. in Houston that I went to see. I have had a lot of stomach issues in the past. I had surgery 14 years ago, and it was awful. Spending 10 days in the hospital, having a blood transfusion, being unable to keep anything down and consequently getting severely dehydrated, having to have a balloon put down my throat to open a passage for food and water to pass through, etc. It wasn't exactly what I had expected.

I have continued to have issues. I'm very sensitive to certain foods. I have been extremely anemic since that time, at one point a few years ago having to see an Oncologist to get my iron levels to a safe point, not to mention the amount of weight I have gained. I do not eat more than any other person. In fact I eat quite a bit less, so why would I continue to gain weight?

The latest problem has been that out of nowhere I will feel kind of sick to my stomach and then all of the sudden it feels like all of my insides are being squeezed as hard as they can. I can't hardly breath, I can't sit, lay down, walk, I pretty much think I am going to die. It only lasts about 3 minutes or so, but it seems like 3 hours.

Okay, so onto surgery. After seeing this Dr for a year, and having all kinds of tests done and an endoscopy and an upper GI, etc etc, and after satisfying the insurance company with all the information they want (cause obviously, the people who work for insurance companies have all gone to medical school!), Dr. Nowzardan was able to convince them that I really needed surgery to fix some of these problems.

What was suppose to be a laparoscopic procedure however, turned into major surgery. Instead of 3 one inch incisions, I have a HUGE 12 inch vertical incision down my stomach from my sternum to my belly button as well as 2 huge drainage tube wounds.

Now, you have to understand, this Dr/Surgeon, is one of the best in the country. People come from all over to see him. He is very very good at what he does, and I trust him. He felt like there would be no problem doing a laparoscopic procedure on me. However, when he got in there (and this is where I get a little fuzzy on all the details) he said the surgery that had been done 14 years ago was done very badly and that my intestines were a huge tangled mess. He had to open me to fix me.

So, that's where we are at. I have had a really hard time being so laid up. I was planning to be at church today. I figured I would be sore for a few days and I'd have to be careful, but it was so much more invasive than that. I got to come home from the ICU on Thursday but I had to bring a drainage tube with me. SO GROSS. I hate the stupid thing. It is so painful and so disgusting and I cannot wait until Wednesday to get it out!

So, that is the story. Bryant has taken excellent care of me. I can't lift anything. I can't even stand up for long periods of time. I do try to walk and move as often as I can, but I am unable to care for me kids. I can't bend down, I can't lift anything over 5 lbs, I need help with almost everything. Luckily, not only did I marry the most amazing man on the planet, but I have the most amazing friends too. My friend Erin picked me up from the hospital since Bryant had to work. We have had dinner brought in, my friend Shari came and stayed with me all day on Friday to watch my kids and take care of me while Bryant was at work, my friend Jessica is coming tomorrow to do the same. I've had friends take care of my kids while I was in the hospital and my friend Christie is taking Gracie today and letting her spend the night since her daughter and Gracie are such good friends. I've had friends bring me movies and magazines to entertain me. They've even cleaned my house. Plus, my brother and sister (in law) send me flowers. I am overwhelmed with the love I have been shown.

Everyday gets a little better. I'm sore. I'm SO SO SO SORE. But I'm not nearly as sore today as I have been. So if I can just make it until Wednesday I can get the stitches and the drainage tube out and I will feel so much better.

It's Thanksgiving week this week, and it's fitting to say, I have A LOT to be Thankful for this year. A good Dr who knew how to fix me the right way, a wonderful husband who loves me and has taken such good care of me, amazing friends who have gone above and beyond, and of course of Wednesday I will be so thankful to have the drainage tube out:) (Can you tell I HATE THIS THING?!) I'm also very Thankful that as soon as my Mom and Dad found out that what was suppose to be more minor laparoscopic surgery turned into a very big deal, they got on and bought a plane ticket for my Mom to come help me. She'll be here tomorrow. You know, having her come might....maybe....be worth going through all of this! I love my Mom (and my Dad who is coming Dec. 1)! YAY!

That's what I know so far. I'm sure I can get more information when I go back to the Dr. Thank you for all the prayers and the well wishes!

Bisous to all of you!
April