Recovering

As some of you know, I recently had a major surgery.

(At this junction, I must add... my husband has instructed me not to divulge too much personal information. In that spirit, I will forgo indicating exactly what the surgery was but will instead use other descriptions... I will not have a "cycle" for the rest of my life, the typical Utah answer to "Guess What?" (the answer being "You're pregnant?") holds additional humor now and is particularly useful when talking with my sister who has also had this surgery, my family of four will not multiple in any way, unless we add another fish which would happen over my dead body.)

I have to say that I am quite glad I had this surgery as it will solve many health problems. Plus, who really wants to have a "cycle." There is just nothing fun about that. :)

Interestingly enough, when I had prayed about having this surgery, I had the distinct impression that it could be a life saving operation. While that was a scary thought, I knew it was true. With the problems I had, I was at a higher risk for cancers and other things as well.

When I went to the doctor for my 2-week post-op, he said that, among other things, they found some pre-cancerous cells on one of the organs they removed. How blessed am I that I have a Heavenly Father who loves me and protects me. :)

Now that I am recovering, I have to say that I am a bit surprised. Honestly, I expected to spend most of the first two weeks in bed, reading or working on my computer. In reality, my first two weeks were mostly spent sleeping in my bed. I didn't even read a book in the hospital, which is quite surprising for me since I go through books like chocolate. :)

It is now three weeks after my surgery and the pain is minimal. If it bothers me, I take Advil. Today, I didn't need any (probably the first day). It still hurts a little, but nothing to "write home about." If I do something like lift my son to wash his hands, that hurts, but generally it is very minimal.

My doctor had said "Don't do anything that hurts... If it hurts, don't do it." When he told me that (before the surgery), I didn't think that was very helpful... not until I tried to unload the dishwasher a week or so after my surgery. Who knew that unloading the dishwasher would hurt! It's not like I was lifting one of my kids or something. But alas, his words finally held meaning, and I have tried to abide by his directions.

While the pain is not a big deal anymore, my energy is still suffering. I have found that if I do not get at least one nap, I am doomed. Sometimes for the next day too. I have had to really try to pay attention to my body, which is not necessarily something I am generally known to be good at (I usually just plow ahead, regardless of what my body says).

The effect on my hormones has been interesting (ok, not really interesting, but a unique experience). I hadn't really expected that, but it makes sense when I think about it.

In any case, I am recovering, slowly but surely. I don't have any regrets, and am sure it will only get better as I get further down the recovery road.

:)