13 Days Post-Op

Barry and Gale came down this past weekend.  Gale wanted to photograph Jennifer and Justin in some maternity pictures.  She did a great job!  I even got plenty of rest while they were here.  We really enjoy their company.

How I'm feeling right now:  incision pain is all but gone.  Nerve pain is still there.  Can sit longer then I can stand.  Having issues with my stomach right now.  May need to work with GI doctor on this. It is getting kind of bad:(

9 Days Post-Op

Not a great day today.  Kind of up and down with pain.  I guess I was hoping to feel better at this point.  At least less pain then before surgery.  This is a day by day roller coaster ride.  Plus an emotional one.  I read other people's experiences and some seem to heal faster.  I know I shouldn't compare myself to others but it is hard not to.  My mind wants to do so many things, but these ugly cysts won't let me.  Jennifer came over to work on the bumpers for Izabell's bed, and I had to help her from my bed.  I want to be in there with her, watching and helping.  How often do you get the chance of your daughter having your grand baby.  This is tough.  This is the pity party part of the blog.

5 Days Post-Op

Gary's mom and sister are here for a few days to help us out.  And a big help they have been, they are a blessing!  I've been getting up and down a few times today.  Feeling pretty good.  Still taking Percocet every 4 to 6 hours :). Walked around the yard this morning which was nice.

All in all it was a good day.

2 Days Post-Op

They had me get out of bed and sit in a chair for about an hour.  Only pain is from incision, WOW! It hurts.  They took catheter out, thank you!  I have been taking small naps.  I was able to get up again and use the restroom, thank you, again.  Right now I don't feel cyst pain, could be the meds, let's hope not.

5:00 am Saturday morning.  Woke up with severe nerve pain, couldn't have any more pain killers for a couple of hours.  WHAT?!!  2 more hours says nurse happy sunshine.  She came in and put ice on my back and fluffed pillows around me.  Like that is going to take the place of pain meds.  Finally a new nurse later that morning gave me dilaudid.  Whew, that was rough.

Surgery Day!

Gary, Jennifer, (Izzy), and Lauren all came to the hospital this morning.  We had to leave at 4:30 am. They took me to surgery at 7:30am.  Got out of surgery at 10:00 and in my room at noon.  I'm very sore, not really at the incision site but more where the cysts were drained.  I wasn't expecting that.  I'm not sure why, he did have to cut them open and drain them.  So, I'm having trouble getting comfortable.  Pain level 10+

My cysts were in pelvic area so he had to do mine through the front. I didn't have to have my sacrum removed.

More, later :)

A Good Weekend

It was a great weekend!  Jennifer came over to sew most of the afternoon on Saturday and Sunday.  We made a curtain and started working on the bumpers for the crib.  I love spending quality time with my kids, it helps me forget that I have pain and there can be some normality to my life.  Lauren and Kent came over Sunday.  Kent installed a storm door for us.  Kent you will never understand how much we appreciate you!  Lauren cleaned our house, it is so wonderful when she cleans house.  I can't do much anymore and Gary tries so hard to stay on top of everything.  I love you all so very much!  You too Justin!  He was working on his jeep all weekend, missed seeing him.  Two more days until surgery!

My Journey of Thoughts

I'm taking a few moments to reflect back on this journey of mine, with this ugly disease.

First and foremost, I have the most awesome husband and kids in the world.  Thank you, Gary for always taking care of me!  Jennifer, Justin, Lauren and Kent, you are all wonderful and take my pain very seriously.  You are always a huge help when you are around and even when you are not, I know you are praying for your mama.  Words cannot describe how much I love you all.

2nd, I am very tired of doctors.  Neurosurgeons especially.  If I had one wish, it would be for neurosurgeons to think outside the box and believe those people who really hurt and I don't know, maybe listen to them.  The only one I trust is Dr. Feigenbaum.  I have learned that there are so, so many people out there hurting, there needs to be someone who will listen to them.  My disease seems mild, compared to others I have read about.    

3rd, this disease is a life changing event.  I never thought I would be someone who is considered disabled, but now I am.  Because of this disease, I had to retire with disability.  I was very lucky to have been able to collect full benefits.  I haven't been able to travel.  Just to go shopping I have to lay down in the backseat of my truck, so I'm not hurting when I get to where I need to be.  My hobbies have been placed on hold.  Here I am retired and I cannot enjoy my hobbies.

4th, we have our first grand child coming in December.  A little girl.  I am bound and determined to get better for her, because this grandma will do anything it takes to be able to spoil that little girl.