Health Journey

The past five months of my life has been a living hell. I spent more time in doctor offices, emergency rooms, hospitals, and in surgery than school work and wedding planning. I have had three surgeries in the past five months, two minor and one major. And finally, I have answers.

I went to see a general surgeon on May 2, to discuss my next plan of action. After having a chat with the surgeon he agreed that my gallbladder needed to come out. (I had been having gallbladder attacks since February) Gallbladder disease ran in the family. My mom had hers taken out nine years ago, and her sister and mother had theirs taken out. Like I said, it runs in the family. So naturally it was my turn. I was currently seeing four different doctors at the time. Two said take it out and the other two said leave it in. I, of course wanted it out. After all, I was the one in pain and miserable. I ultimately had the final decision. And I did NOT want to have an emergency on my honeymoon. Can you say miserable? Not happening. We scheduled the surgery for the soonest time available. May 14, the day after Mother's Day.

Three months after my gallbladder attacks began, I finally had my gallbladder surgery scheduled. I called my mom informing her of the day and time. She booked a flight that night so that she could be with my during and after my surgery (Mom of the year award). She was to arrive on Mother's Day. I was shocked that my mother would drop everything to be with me during surgery. Adam and I picked my mom up from BWI airport and drove back to the house. I asked her what she wanted to do on Mother's Day since it was her holiday (Although I truly believe Mother's should be appreciated and celebrated every day). Adam, my mom, Tora, and I set off on a walk to downtown Annapolis to eat lunch. It was my last day eating normal food before the surgery (I was not allowed to eat after midnight). We had brunch at Armadillo's outside. It was a beautiful, sunny day. We walked back to my house and spent the rest of the day watching movies and catching up.

We left to drive to Leesburg, Virginia on Monday at noon. My surgery time had been moved up to 3:00pm instead of the 4:00pm scheduled time. Meaning I needed to be there by 1:30pm to start pre-surgery shannanigans. Upon arriving at the hospital, I was informed that I needed to be in isolation before and after the surgery because of my MRSA history. That bomb that was dropped on me made me even more nervous than I was to begin with. Which I did not think was possible. I was put in a special room. My mom and Adam had to wear these silly yellow gowns.

I do not remember much from that day. Apparently I was really cranky after surgery and yelled at my mom and Adam. I think they are lying, I would never yell at them. :) The ride back to Annapolis was the hardest. I was really nauseous after surgery and weaving in and out of traffic did not help.

Having my mom there made a huge difference in my recovery. I would have just laid in bed, but she made me get up and walk around. We spent most of our time watching I Love Lucy. I should not have been watching Lucy because it made me laugh, but laughter is good medicine. We tried to go on a walk at least three times a day to get me up and moving. She made me breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It was so wonderful to spend that time alone together. I have not spent that much time alone with her since high school. It made me appreciate her more. I love you, mom. Thank you for coming to take care of me. 

A week later and I am almost back to normal. I can eat a burger without throwing up and I can eat fatty foods without getting sick! I am so happy to be back to normal! :)

My battle wounds. Apparently they stuck the camera through the hole beneath my belly button.

These will take some time to heal. I am really sore on those exact spots. I cannot laugh, sneeze, cough, or blow my nose yet. Melanie Oberkrom taught me to use a pillow for all of the above. Also hiccups are my enemy! 

Thank you for all of your thoughts, prayers, and words of encouragement during the past 5 months. I could not have made it all this way without your support. Thank you.