Current Status

It's the Sunday after Thanksgiving and, in addition to the wonderful meal (prepared by my wonderful Mom) on Thursday, I've had two yummy leftover-turkey sandwiches - something I like even more than the traditional holiday meal - I've also put away all semblence of fall decor, and have started loading up the house with greenery, Santas, Nutcrackers, twinkling white lights, and a couple of Nativity sets. I'm finding that it's easier on my body to carry out simple straight-forward moves, and that the twisting/turning/moving around stuff is a bit rough on the midsection still. I went to bed last night realizing that I had, of course, overdone it...but darn it if the house didn't look pretty! Today is a much gentler day - and I've done little more than go to mass, and lay on the couch to watch Sister Act 2 (and yes, SING!)

A good friend sent me an email yesterday asking me for a more physical update, and suggested that I update my blog to include the details. Since coming home from the hospital eight days ago, I've gotten stronger and stronger each day. I'm now able to sleep on my side (woo-hoo!!!) and am no longer limited to laying on my back, supported on either side by pillows. To be able to roll over at night and hug my husband is, well, words fail me. It's just wonderful. And peaceful. And RIGHT. My world seems to be perfect when I can feel Mike beside me at night.

My stomach still feels like it's been stomped on by an angry mob, but it's mostly muscle pain and it's gradually getting better. I fall asleep at night with the aid of two vicodin, and am now able to get through the day with just one or two motrin and no other pain meds. I don't need any meds in the middle of the night anymore, either. My appetite is normal, and I haven't yet found any foods that don't taste good. I also haven't found any foods that my body doesn't like, and I've even been bold enough to try Mexican food, chili, beer, wine, and even a bit of Indian curry (though not too much of that last one). The odd thing is that I get full very quickly, so small meals tend to be all I can handle. I am NOT complaining, mind you, and this has been a drastic and severe diet plan that I've undergone for the last two weeks, but the fact that previously-tight pants are now LOOSE is something that makes me grin from ear to ear.

(Warning: the following paragraph could be the TMI section you don't want to read...but since so many friends have tried to delicately approach the issue and ask questions, I thought I'd include it today.) As far as digestion goes, I was told to expect between 10 and 12 bowel movements a day, and came home with a full bottle of immodium. At this point, I'm only making 4-5 daily trips to the ladies room, and I'm surprised to find that my movements are not entirely liquid. They're soft, but the consistency and frequency have not once led me to take a single immodium. My surgeon and my GI doctor both hinted that I'd be popping them like Tic-Tacs for the next year - and perhaps it's just a matter of time before that becomes a reality - but all seems quite well right now, and perfectly manageable.

One week ago I could go up and down the stairs just one time each day - and now I'm doing it with ease, almost like a real person. I can't run, or jump, or skip or even drive a car...but that's okay. I'll see my surgeon on Tuesday and he'll let me know how much longer I have to endure "clipped wings". If I'm restricted from driving for very much longer, the cabin fever will kick in and I'll start posting blogs that are full of the rantings and ravings of a mad woman. Hopefully I won't be restricted for too much longer - there is a great deal of Christmas shopping to be done, and although I know that I could accomplish most of it on the internet, there's just something about being "out and about" in the Christmas rush that makes me happy. I'm one of the crazy ones - and I love to shop.

Mike has left for DC and will return on Wednesday. My parents, who have been here since the Saturday before Thanksgiving, will return to Akron on Tuesday. Abbey and Sam, who were lucky enough to have nine days off from school for the holiday, return to the dungeon tomorrow. And I, who have tried to be a patient and obedient individual, will have to continue to practice laying low. Perhaps this is the perfect time for me to sit down with the Christmas cards. Unlike last year, when I never even managed to get them out of the boxes, I'll not only get them written in and addressed, but will actually get them into the mail well before December 25th. Don't hold your breath - miracles don't happen all the time, you know - but maybe this year, just maybe, I'll get this one task taken care of!

Feeling good - and pressing foward, one day at a time!