Beginning To Feel Like a Pro...Unfortunately
Wednesday, January 11, 2012 at 5:03PM I have been dreading tomorrow for about a year now. Actually one year exactly. Why might you ask? Is it because it's Friday the 13th? No (although that doesn't help)...it is because I have yet another surgery on schedule. Let me reiterate, I have never broken a bone, never had to take a frantic trip to the ER, never been too sick until I turned 30, and all my good luck faded and my health had to pull out the big guns to kick some cancer ass.
I digress.
Tomorrow, Friday the 13th, I am having surgery on a hernia. I think hernias are disgusting and I have no idea how I got it and why my body is betraying me. My only guess is that I got it from all of the drugs I had to have to induce Cling On (Baby M) at 36 weeks. They made my contractions crazy hurtful and I may have developed it then. If that is how I got it, I am not the least bit surprised. What I am surprised about is that my insides didn't implode during labor. Makes you want to have a baby right?
I am dreading the surgery for a few reasons.
First, it's surgery. Duh.
Second, it is laparoscopic and my tummy is going to be sore for a bit.
Third, I just got sick and going under for surgery not being 100% (did I mention it's on Friday the 13th?) doesn't make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
Fourth, I have been getting pretty good at the gym thing and I am starting to see some decent muscle development which will sadly fade as I recover.
Last but not least, the biggie, I can't lift for 6 weeks. Yes. You read that correctly. I. Cannot. Lift. For. SIX. Weeks. I am wondering who is going to tell my dear Cling On 1 year old?
Since I am the Riedel is half full kinda girl, here is what I am looking forward to.
One, wearing one of my beautiful Annie and Isabel hospital gowns. These gowns make surgery more "fun", well at least they help you recover looking fierce and comfortable.
Two, finishing an amazing book, Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by, Laura Hillenbrand. Why I decided to pick up a book on WWII and survivorship, I have not the slightest clue. But, I am hooked. It is so interesting and reading about what these men (and I am sure women, but this book focuses mostly about one particular man) went through is just plain...fascinating. I literally haven't been able to put it down. After that, time permitting, I've got Tina Feys' Bossypants, which I envision to be a thought provoking, deep, philosophical, and hilarious read.
Three, catching up on my magazines. Some of my favorites include Natural Health, Eating Well, Health, Women's Health, People, and you know it...US Weekly. I just loaded the ipad up with some of those magazines and my new books so it makes my hospital bag light.
Four, I get Banderas'. It's kindofa tradition. After surgery, we usually get it to go and it is equally delicious at home in our family room, with a fire, in sweats.
Four, probably my favorite, catching up on some rest and down time. Hey, I have an excuse to lay around and do nothing for a few days. I might as well soak up my staycation. Right?
This past week, I have been nesting. Do people even do that before surgery? I have been cleaning and organizing the house, one room at a time. I even cleaned out the black hole of a car. You wouldn't even want to know what I found in there. After, I took the kids to get it washed, then Costco, then Safeway, then Bel Air (who knew asparagus was out of season and nowhere to be found). I am slightly bragging because people with multiple kids know how hard it is to even run one errand. I felt like wonder woman....and now this wonder woman is sick.
If you feel inclined to do so, please send some positive vibes to me around 9:30 or anytime after on Friday. You can send them to Cling On's way because I don't think he is going to take it very well. Poor little fellow.
Reader Comments (4)
Kimmy told me that you were having a hernia repair...I'm so sorry that you will have yet another surgery...ugh! So happy you have you Susan A&I gown ready to go!!! Not sure if Kim told you, but after I had Henry I also had a laprascopic hernia repair. I developed a hernia working in the ICU and moving 8 months preggo. What we do for these boys! Henry was 3 months old when I went in for surgery. it was Christmas Eve. Once I was back home from the hospital and in my own bed...It was the BEST sleep ever. I was pretty sore... but, was able to attend Christmas Eve that night at my aunts house. It is hard to take it easy.. but, I know you will try and have all your wonderful family around you helping you. Enjoy your SLEEP.... books and mags.. and especially your Bandera. We will be thinking of you tomorrow at 9:30. I'm out of town... but, please let me or Anna know if you need anything!!! We will be your nurses on call;) Hugs to you Anne!!!
I will be thinking of you for sure tomorrow and I'll ask that it all goes smoothly. Not too long ago I was talking to a friend with a similar story like yours and she said that even though she lost her "work out body" figure during the recovery, she was actually healing faster, because she was fit to begin with. Hope it works the same way for you. Well maybe after you are done with all that reading, you can write some more in your blog. I love reading it. You go, girl!
You are in my thoughts and prayers today. You seem like a Riedel half full girl and quite frankly, it's apparent in everything you do!
What a blessing to me that I have been so lucky to get to get to know you and your sister just a little bit. You've inspired such happiness in so many and now you get to be the one receiving care.
Read your books and mags. Nice thing about the gym (and flab) is it's always there to deal with right?! When you get home you can share some truly good stories with those kiddos. Just remember Dr. Seuss has some pretty sweet reads too!