Well, here we are, 6 days after surgery.... I've slept in bed the last 2 nights - David has been home to help me with the getting in/out aspect. Not fun. Yesterday, David took me to dinner to get me out of the house. I seriously was going to start throwing things at the tan wall in our living room or the TV (that would be tragic!) if I didn't get out.
Then, I called our vet... Toby and Max are due for shots. Our vet, Dr. Jones has left the practice. OMG, what am I going to do?? Toby SERIOUSLY gets excited when I say "Dr. Jones" - no other prompts, just her name. David is on the fire department with a vet - he's "technically" retired, but he still works about 20 hrs a week and goes on calls for the dept actively. So, we went to meet Dr. Nelson. Toby and Max liked him. He didn't give them treats like they are used to, but he was still excited. I like the office staff, and they have 3 office cats. Toby wanted to climb the counter when he saw one, which everybody laughed about. It's a walk-in, so we don't have to worry about appointments. They send post cards when dogs are due for shots, so I can put it in my calendar, and when we have the extra $15, we can take them. I still miss Dr. Jones, but if she gets a new clinic closer to home, then we may go back to her.
The vet was my daily outing today. We also went to start our taxes, but I got so tired and started hurting so bad that the lady felt bad. She said she'd get all the W2s entered for us today, then David is going to go back tomorrow to finish them. And then, he'll come home to get me and have me sign stuff when they are all done! After that, David took me to lunch, and then I went home to sleep for 3 hours - I'd probably still be asleep, but a friend came to check on me and bring movies!
I go see the surgeon tomorrow. The pain levels are better, but my energy is just so low... And as I get more tired, I start hurting more. I really want to go back to work, I miss my kids. But, I also don't want to go if it's going to hurt me more in the end! My belly button looks gross - I'll spare you from the picture - it's not infected, but nasty looking.
A friend of mine let me borrow the first 3 books of the Twilight series. I've read the first 2 and I'm about a quarter of the way done with the 3rd one. I told David that I need to get the 4th one so I can finish the series! I didn't think that I'd like them - but it was something to read, you know? - and now I'm addicted! Every time David called yesterday, I was reading or sleeping. He told me I'm pathetic. Love you too, honey.
So, that's about it. I'll post after the surgeon appointment. Happy Hump Day!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Valentine's Day Update
Well, I'm sill hurting really bad, but my dad says I'm moving a little faster. I get to take the adhesive "bandage" off of my incisions tomorrow morning! I could take a shower today, but I'm weird about taking showers with my parents here. If something happened, neither of them are strong enough to help. But, I definitely need one tomorrow, even though David won't be home until Monday. A little worried about that, but we'll make due....
The heart burn still comes and goes, pretty much whenever I eat. The dogs love having me home, but Mom's 14 year old, 30 lb Bichon thinks he belongs in my lap. He's such a lump, it just doesn't work. So, he sits and whines at my feet 90% of the time. I still have my ice packs from the hospital - it helps the pain a little, and I make sure to keep up on my pain meds. I slept all night - that was nice! I woke up to mom on the phone, because obviously she needed to do that in the living room instead of her bedroom.
Oh, and I finally got around to uploading the picture dad took of me pre-surgery. The hospital gives you this blanket/gown type thing and plugs it in. It blows up with hot air and you can control the temperature. I wish I could have taken it home!
The only difference between then and now? My insides have been beat up, I'm wearing real clothes, and surrounded by pillows, blankets, and dogs. Oh, and I don't have the good pain meds like I did then!
I'm feeling really guilty about not being at Corum's today. They were alot busier than they thought they were going to be. It was a 3-day stretch instead of 1 or 2 like it usually is. Good for business, but crappy because I'm their main customer service person, and David usually helps drive but couldn't because he's working.
Oh, and he finally talked to his boss... Basically, he didn't get written up - his boss said that it will stay within the department. They are going to have an all-department meeting to deal with the trust issues/rumors/gossip.. all the stuff that is tearing them apart. And the no-socializing with anybody in the hospital? Basically, they can't trust anybody. Chances are, it was one of the nurses that worked that night that told management that I had stayed at the hospital - which I didn't even do! David wants to borrow the van next weekend. He wants to see what rumors come back if my van is there all weekend. I told him he's a dork and we'd see... :-)
So, now I'm heading back to "bed". I'm going to go stir crazy not getting to work, but once David gets home, I'll start trying to sleep in bed again and that will help. I'm living in the recliner for the time being and hold my breath everytime a dog jumps up or down because it sends me rocking...
Happy Valentine's Day!
The heart burn still comes and goes, pretty much whenever I eat. The dogs love having me home, but Mom's 14 year old, 30 lb Bichon thinks he belongs in my lap. He's such a lump, it just doesn't work. So, he sits and whines at my feet 90% of the time. I still have my ice packs from the hospital - it helps the pain a little, and I make sure to keep up on my pain meds. I slept all night - that was nice! I woke up to mom on the phone, because obviously she needed to do that in the living room instead of her bedroom.
Oh, and I finally got around to uploading the picture dad took of me pre-surgery. The hospital gives you this blanket/gown type thing and plugs it in. It blows up with hot air and you can control the temperature. I wish I could have taken it home!
The only difference between then and now? My insides have been beat up, I'm wearing real clothes, and surrounded by pillows, blankets, and dogs. Oh, and I don't have the good pain meds like I did then!
I'm feeling really guilty about not being at Corum's today. They were alot busier than they thought they were going to be. It was a 3-day stretch instead of 1 or 2 like it usually is. Good for business, but crappy because I'm their main customer service person, and David usually helps drive but couldn't because he's working.
Oh, and he finally talked to his boss... Basically, he didn't get written up - his boss said that it will stay within the department. They are going to have an all-department meeting to deal with the trust issues/rumors/gossip.. all the stuff that is tearing them apart. And the no-socializing with anybody in the hospital? Basically, they can't trust anybody. Chances are, it was one of the nurses that worked that night that told management that I had stayed at the hospital - which I didn't even do! David wants to borrow the van next weekend. He wants to see what rumors come back if my van is there all weekend. I told him he's a dork and we'd see... :-)
So, now I'm heading back to "bed". I'm going to go stir crazy not getting to work, but once David gets home, I'll start trying to sleep in bed again and that will help. I'm living in the recliner for the time being and hold my breath everytime a dog jumps up or down because it sends me rocking...
Happy Valentine's Day!
Friday, February 13, 2009
I'm home!
Dr. K and Dr. I both agreed I was doing well enough to go home. So, I was dismissed around 1:00 today. With the snow, I think we finally got home about 2:15 - but we did have to stop at Walgreens for Tums and Cox for a remote since David took the broken one with him by accident!
I'm hurting pretty bad, but it feels so good to be home. I missed my puppies and I have lots of shows to catch up on with the DVR! Plus, now I can eat whenever I want and can sleep without hearing the damn baby song, other room doors being opened/shut, and newborns crying in the middle of the night.
So, have to go see Dr. I (the surgeon) on Thursday, and then Dr. K the week after. We will definitely be talking about the endometriosis - even though it was really mild and is all gone now, it still worries me. I want to know how to keep it gone! I'm definitely off work this week, a short week due to President's Day, and possibly the next week - depending on how I'm feeling! I do alot of stooping and bending, and the kids won't necessarily understand that they can't hug me right now - so we'll see how I'm feeling throughout the next few weeks.
Just thought I'd give an update, and now I'm going to try to take a short nap. Hopefully the puppies will cooperate! :-)
I'm hurting pretty bad, but it feels so good to be home. I missed my puppies and I have lots of shows to catch up on with the DVR! Plus, now I can eat whenever I want and can sleep without hearing the damn baby song, other room doors being opened/shut, and newborns crying in the middle of the night.
So, have to go see Dr. I (the surgeon) on Thursday, and then Dr. K the week after. We will definitely be talking about the endometriosis - even though it was really mild and is all gone now, it still worries me. I want to know how to keep it gone! I'm definitely off work this week, a short week due to President's Day, and possibly the next week - depending on how I'm feeling! I do alot of stooping and bending, and the kids won't necessarily understand that they can't hug me right now - so we'll see how I'm feeling throughout the next few weeks.
Just thought I'd give an update, and now I'm going to try to take a short nap. Hopefully the puppies will cooperate! :-)
Pet Care
My sister sent this to me, and I laughed (carefully of course). Thought I'd share with you!
******************************
To be posted VERY LOW on the refrigerator door - nose height.
Dear Dogs and Cats,
The dishes with the paw print are yours and contain your food. The other
dishes are mine and contain my food. Please note, placing a paw print in the
middle of my plate and food does not stake a claim for it becoming your food
and dish, nor do I find that aesthetically pleasing in the slightest.
The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack. Beating me
to the bottom is not the object. Tripping me doesn't help because I fall
faster than you can run.
I cannot buy anything bigger than a king sized bed. I am very sorry about
this. Do not think I will continue sleeping on the couch to ensure your
comfort. Dogs and cats can actually curl up in a ball when they sleep. It is
not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other stretched out to the
fullest extent possible. I also know that sticking tails straight out and
having tongues hanging out the other end to maximize space is nothing but
sarcasm.
For the last time, there is not a secret exit from the bathroom. If by some
miracle I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not
necessary to claw, whine, meow, try to turn the knob or get your paw under
the edge and try to pull the door open. I must exit through the same door I
entered. Also, I have been using the bathroom for years -- canine or feline
attendance is not required.
The proper order is kiss me, then go smell the other dog or cat's butt. I
cannot stress this enough!
To pacify you, my dear pets, I have posted the following message on our
front door:
To All Non-Pet Owners Who Visit & Like to Complain About Our Pets:
1. They live here. You don't.
2. If you don't want their hair on your clothes, stay off the furniture.
(That's why they call it "fur"niture.)
3. I like my pets a lot better than I like most people.
4. To you, it's an animal. To me, he/she is an adopted son/daughter who is
short, hairy, walks on all fours and doesn't speak clearly.
Remember: In many ways, dogs and cats are better than kids because they:
1. Eat less
2. Don't ask for money all the time
3 Are easier to train
4. Normally come when called
5. Never ask to drive the car
6. Don't hang out with drug-using friends
7. Don't smoke or drink
8. Don't have to buy the latest fashions
9. Don't want to wear your clothes
10. Don't need a "gazillion" dollars for college.
And finally,
11. If they get pregnant, you can sell their children.
******************************
To be posted VERY LOW on the refrigerator door - nose height.
Dear Dogs and Cats,
The dishes with the paw print are yours and contain your food. The other
dishes are mine and contain my food. Please note, placing a paw print in the
middle of my plate and food does not stake a claim for it becoming your food
and dish, nor do I find that aesthetically pleasing in the slightest.
The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack. Beating me
to the bottom is not the object. Tripping me doesn't help because I fall
faster than you can run.
I cannot buy anything bigger than a king sized bed. I am very sorry about
this. Do not think I will continue sleeping on the couch to ensure your
comfort. Dogs and cats can actually curl up in a ball when they sleep. It is
not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other stretched out to the
fullest extent possible. I also know that sticking tails straight out and
having tongues hanging out the other end to maximize space is nothing but
sarcasm.
For the last time, there is not a secret exit from the bathroom. If by some
miracle I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not
necessary to claw, whine, meow, try to turn the knob or get your paw under
the edge and try to pull the door open. I must exit through the same door I
entered. Also, I have been using the bathroom for years -- canine or feline
attendance is not required.
The proper order is kiss me, then go smell the other dog or cat's butt. I
cannot stress this enough!
To pacify you, my dear pets, I have posted the following message on our
front door:
To All Non-Pet Owners Who Visit & Like to Complain About Our Pets:
1. They live here. You don't.
2. If you don't want their hair on your clothes, stay off the furniture.
(That's why they call it "fur"niture.)
3. I like my pets a lot better than I like most people.
4. To you, it's an animal. To me, he/she is an adopted son/daughter who is
short, hairy, walks on all fours and doesn't speak clearly.
Remember: In many ways, dogs and cats are better than kids because they:
1. Eat less
2. Don't ask for money all the time
3 Are easier to train
4. Normally come when called
5. Never ask to drive the car
6. Don't hang out with drug-using friends
7. Don't smoke or drink
8. Don't have to buy the latest fashions
9. Don't want to wear your clothes
10. Don't need a "gazillion" dollars for college.
And finally,
11. If they get pregnant, you can sell their children.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Surgery is complete!
So, Dr. K got a surgical consult with Dr. I yesterday morning. He said he didn't see anything in my CT either, so he said if I wasn't feeling better this morning, they would do an "exploratory" laproscopy. When I came to, they had found 4 fairly minor things:
1. My intestines were "stuck" to my abdominal wall. So, they unstuck them.
2. I had a little blood left in my ab from AF, so they got rid of that.
3. There were a few inflamed fibroids (similar to the stuff in July, I think), so those were removed.
4. I had slight endometriosis. They took it out and sent it for biopsy. Dr. K said it should not impact us getting pregnant. Thank God!
So, I'm hurting, but not like before the surgery. Now, it's this one spot on the right side of my abdomen - probably where something was taken out. I have ice packs on both sides, and I actually feel pretty good! I get morphine every hour, so that's a plus, too!
I'll either go home tomorrow or Saturday. I won't know until tomorrow morning sometime.... Thanks again for all the prayers.
1. My intestines were "stuck" to my abdominal wall. So, they unstuck them.
2. I had a little blood left in my ab from AF, so they got rid of that.
3. There were a few inflamed fibroids (similar to the stuff in July, I think), so those were removed.
4. I had slight endometriosis. They took it out and sent it for biopsy. Dr. K said it should not impact us getting pregnant. Thank God!
So, I'm hurting, but not like before the surgery. Now, it's this one spot on the right side of my abdomen - probably where something was taken out. I have ice packs on both sides, and I actually feel pretty good! I get morphine every hour, so that's a plus, too!
I'll either go home tomorrow or Saturday. I won't know until tomorrow morning sometime.... Thanks again for all the prayers.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Another update
Well, Dr. K let me out Saturday night. Sunday, I slept most of the day, and noticed my pain was a little stronger than it had been. Monday, I woke up and was in pain as severe as when this all first started. I called the office and they said to come back in.
So, David picked me up since I was in too much pain to drive, and we went back to Dr. K's office. He examined me AGAIN (seriously, getting sick of this), and said the infection had started getting worse again. Back to the hospital I go...
This time, I'm on the maternity floor. Lovely. I am getting much better nursing care than up on the 4th floor. But, I have newborns surrounding me. I'm so thankful that women had healthy babies and that they are able to start their family. But, at 3:00 this morning, all it did was remind me that I am not the one pregnant.
David and I were getting me admitted and his mom called. She is in the hospital too. She may be having surgery today - basically, when she eats or drinks anything, nothing in her GI tract is responding and moving the stuff anywhere. It's all sitting there. So, now David is bouncing back and forth between me, his mom, the dogs, class, and he has to work tonight.
I had a CT with contrast done today. I started spotting, and the heart burn is back with a vengeance. I also noticed the pain is moving to my right side now. So, not sure what's going to happen. I was reading more on PID, and basically, if we can't get this under control, I could end up having surgery. Worse news, I could end up infertile - or have more problems getting pregnant when we start trying again.
I am so scared. I try not to show David how scared I am. I know he's scared too - especially with his mom being in the hospital, too. I have some friends coming to see me today - excited for the company. People from work seem to care less, and that hurts. But, at the same time, I think fuck them. I have more important things to worry about - like getting healthy, avoiding surgery, and ever being able to be on this floor of the hospital for it's original purpose.
So, my lunch is here, my IV is alarming, and I have to pee. What a great update.
So, David picked me up since I was in too much pain to drive, and we went back to Dr. K's office. He examined me AGAIN (seriously, getting sick of this), and said the infection had started getting worse again. Back to the hospital I go...
This time, I'm on the maternity floor. Lovely. I am getting much better nursing care than up on the 4th floor. But, I have newborns surrounding me. I'm so thankful that women had healthy babies and that they are able to start their family. But, at 3:00 this morning, all it did was remind me that I am not the one pregnant.
David and I were getting me admitted and his mom called. She is in the hospital too. She may be having surgery today - basically, when she eats or drinks anything, nothing in her GI tract is responding and moving the stuff anywhere. It's all sitting there. So, now David is bouncing back and forth between me, his mom, the dogs, class, and he has to work tonight.
I had a CT with contrast done today. I started spotting, and the heart burn is back with a vengeance. I also noticed the pain is moving to my right side now. So, not sure what's going to happen. I was reading more on PID, and basically, if we can't get this under control, I could end up having surgery. Worse news, I could end up infertile - or have more problems getting pregnant when we start trying again.
I am so scared. I try not to show David how scared I am. I know he's scared too - especially with his mom being in the hospital, too. I have some friends coming to see me today - excited for the company. People from work seem to care less, and that hurts. But, at the same time, I think fuck them. I have more important things to worry about - like getting healthy, avoiding surgery, and ever being able to be on this floor of the hospital for it's original purpose.
So, my lunch is here, my IV is alarming, and I have to pee. What a great update.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
I'm going home!
My dr came in this morning and said the stomach ache and heart burn were related to the antibiotics. He was actually surprised I didn't get them the first night I was on the stuff. But, the pain is a ton better, so he's letting me go home.
I slept last night - the nurse was good and made sure I had my meds at a decent time, and the night nurse was really good about making sure my door was closed all the way and came in/out of the room quietly all night. I woke up around 7:00 hurting, got some meds, and slept for another 2 hrs!
My nurse today isn't as good as the one last night, but 100% better than the one yesterday during the day. Oh, and I complained to the charge nurse about yesterday's nurse. Did I tell you that? She actually lied to me about calling my dr. She misread the orders (my night nurse showed me how it could have happened), but then she LIED to me about calling my dr. Then, made me wait 2 hours with NO pain meds (at least the rest of the day they were present, but inadequate) and no answers. So, the charge nurse was very apologetic and said she would talk to the floor head on Monday about the situation. Then, she brought me a bag of goodies from "4 South Nurses" and some flowers, too.
The nutritionist from yesterday is here today too. My dr released me from NPO right at 9:45 and David went to get me a cinnamon roll because breakfast closes at 10:00 and they wouldn't have gotten the order in time. But, Bonnie, my new favorite Alegent employee, walked down with him and said she'd just charge it to my stay rather than making David pay for it! Then, she called to see how it was and what I'd like for lunch and dinner. Seriously - above and beyond what she has to do. Usually, they just have a piece of paper you circle what you want and they take that. But, she PERSONALLY called and gave me more options than she is required. "If none of that sounds good, we can get you something from the cafe instead of catering. What would you like?" Wow!
So, it's all down hill from here... Dr. K wants me to not push it going back to work - I think I'll go back on Tuesday - that gives me tomorrow and Monday at home to make sure that I'm getting better when I'm off the Iv antibiotics (I'll still have oral for 14 more days). I'm so bored and David went to let the puppies out. I'm really looking forward to getting home! I'm going to take a shower after lunch when David gets back, and then hopefully a nap is in my future!
I slept last night - the nurse was good and made sure I had my meds at a decent time, and the night nurse was really good about making sure my door was closed all the way and came in/out of the room quietly all night. I woke up around 7:00 hurting, got some meds, and slept for another 2 hrs!
My nurse today isn't as good as the one last night, but 100% better than the one yesterday during the day. Oh, and I complained to the charge nurse about yesterday's nurse. Did I tell you that? She actually lied to me about calling my dr. She misread the orders (my night nurse showed me how it could have happened), but then she LIED to me about calling my dr. Then, made me wait 2 hours with NO pain meds (at least the rest of the day they were present, but inadequate) and no answers. So, the charge nurse was very apologetic and said she would talk to the floor head on Monday about the situation. Then, she brought me a bag of goodies from "4 South Nurses" and some flowers, too.
The nutritionist from yesterday is here today too. My dr released me from NPO right at 9:45 and David went to get me a cinnamon roll because breakfast closes at 10:00 and they wouldn't have gotten the order in time. But, Bonnie, my new favorite Alegent employee, walked down with him and said she'd just charge it to my stay rather than making David pay for it! Then, she called to see how it was and what I'd like for lunch and dinner. Seriously - above and beyond what she has to do. Usually, they just have a piece of paper you circle what you want and they take that. But, she PERSONALLY called and gave me more options than she is required. "If none of that sounds good, we can get you something from the cafe instead of catering. What would you like?" Wow!
So, it's all down hill from here... Dr. K wants me to not push it going back to work - I think I'll go back on Tuesday - that gives me tomorrow and Monday at home to make sure that I'm getting better when I'm off the Iv antibiotics (I'll still have oral for 14 more days). I'm so bored and David went to let the puppies out. I'm really looking forward to getting home! I'm going to take a shower after lunch when David gets back, and then hopefully a nap is in my future!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
