Thursday, March 31, 2011
Really random thought...
Tuesday, a woman told me that she is "expecting a baby." Cool!! This morning, it hit me; what else would she be "expecting" ?!?!! It's going to be one of those days!!
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Dana stated the other day that she is in a "blog freeze" - and I think I have the same problem!! Since my surgery, nothing is coming to mind, other than the surgery; and I don't want that to be my entire focus....
I will say that it is really nice to be free of the heart monitor, though. 3 weeks of wearing it 24/7 got old, and while I found it amazing that our technology has enable folks to do this while living life, the new was over after about 1 week. So, last night, we went into San Antonio to celebrate. My first trip to Carrino's was wonderful - other than watching Andy enjoy the bread and oil. This has to be the hardest part, even harder than giving up Cokes!! Breads and crackers were definitely my weakness, and I miss them a lot.
So. I go back to my surgeon next week for my second check-up. I hope the scale moves downward and that he is happy with my progress. I see it and feel it in many ways, but I want him to be pleased too.
I will say that it is really nice to be free of the heart monitor, though. 3 weeks of wearing it 24/7 got old, and while I found it amazing that our technology has enable folks to do this while living life, the new was over after about 1 week. So, last night, we went into San Antonio to celebrate. My first trip to Carrino's was wonderful - other than watching Andy enjoy the bread and oil. This has to be the hardest part, even harder than giving up Cokes!! Breads and crackers were definitely my weakness, and I miss them a lot.
So. I go back to my surgeon next week for my second check-up. I hope the scale moves downward and that he is happy with my progress. I see it and feel it in many ways, but I want him to be pleased too.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Victory Ring
One of my favorite movies is "Independence Day" with Will Smith. In it, he is a fighter pilot who carries with him a "Victory Dance" cigar to enjoy after each successful mission. He's given me an idea...
When Andy and I married, I received from him the diamonds that were in his birthmother's wedding ring set. We found a setting we liked, and I wore them proudly. Then, my weight gain began, and not long after Erin's birth (28 yrs. ago!) I found them too tight to wear. They have been put away for safekeeping until the day I could wear them again. Later, Andy bought me a "replacement" ring to wear.
I have decided that, since soon that ring will not even fit my thumb, I will sell it for the gold, and buy for myself a "Victory Ring." It will remind me every day of the effort I am putting forth, and the success I will have found. I think I've already found it - James Avery to the rescue - and so now, I wait.
It wil be wonderful!!!
When Andy and I married, I received from him the diamonds that were in his birthmother's wedding ring set. We found a setting we liked, and I wore them proudly. Then, my weight gain began, and not long after Erin's birth (28 yrs. ago!) I found them too tight to wear. They have been put away for safekeeping until the day I could wear them again. Later, Andy bought me a "replacement" ring to wear.
I have decided that, since soon that ring will not even fit my thumb, I will sell it for the gold, and buy for myself a "Victory Ring." It will remind me every day of the effort I am putting forth, and the success I will have found. I think I've already found it - James Avery to the rescue - and so now, I wait.
It wil be wonderful!!!
Monday, March 07, 2011
Two Weeks Behind Me
Going in to surgery, I knew things in my life would likely not ever return to the way it had been. I was mentally prepared for the changes I would be facing, and so far, I have been proud of my focus. Time is a biggie in this; two weeks here, the next two weeks, and so on. Andy has been a real trooper, and I owe him big. Did I say big - what an understatement!!
My first words out of surgery were, "I change my mind!" Andy and Jackie had a laugh, but I think I half-way meant it. The next two weeks proved much harder and complicated than I imagined - because the surgery itself went just fine; it was all the drama afterwards.
My heart decided on Thursday to go into spasms. One minute, I'm watching the Spurs, the next - my room is filled with all sorts of folks because my heart is in fibrillation. Scary is not the word; it truly was undescribable. If not for those nurses beside me, I think I would have been totally out of control. (See previous post)
The rest of my time in the hospital was spent in dealing with getting my heart back into its normal rhythm, and now I am at home wearing a monitor for three weeks. The doctors in the know suspect that this was a result of stress from the surgery, and that all should be just fine. I am taking them at their word. As far as I know, I haven't skipped a beat since, pun intended!
So, less than two weeks out of surgery, I am off my diabetes and high blood pressure meds. That alone makes this whole thing bearable.
And last night, I rejoined the group at DQ! Yes, I sat there, surrounded by fries, gravy and cokes, sipping on my unsweetened tea. Instead of feasting on the food that put me where I am now, I feasted on conversation and love.
Why didn't I figure this out years ago?!?!
My first words out of surgery were, "I change my mind!" Andy and Jackie had a laugh, but I think I half-way meant it. The next two weeks proved much harder and complicated than I imagined - because the surgery itself went just fine; it was all the drama afterwards.
My heart decided on Thursday to go into spasms. One minute, I'm watching the Spurs, the next - my room is filled with all sorts of folks because my heart is in fibrillation. Scary is not the word; it truly was undescribable. If not for those nurses beside me, I think I would have been totally out of control. (See previous post)
The rest of my time in the hospital was spent in dealing with getting my heart back into its normal rhythm, and now I am at home wearing a monitor for three weeks. The doctors in the know suspect that this was a result of stress from the surgery, and that all should be just fine. I am taking them at their word. As far as I know, I haven't skipped a beat since, pun intended!
So, less than two weeks out of surgery, I am off my diabetes and high blood pressure meds. That alone makes this whole thing bearable.
And last night, I rejoined the group at DQ! Yes, I sat there, surrounded by fries, gravy and cokes, sipping on my unsweetened tea. Instead of feasting on the food that put me where I am now, I feasted on conversation and love.
Why didn't I figure this out years ago?!?!
Tuesday, March 01, 2011
Angels Among Us
This past week has offered me many things to blog about. Unfortunately, there was no computer available, and when there was, no brain to use.
I know that I am loved. I have come in the past year or so to feel it in so many ways among family, church members and friends - and I have come to accept and relish that affection. But this past week, I was loved by people who had no history with me or the eventuality of a future friendship. They loved me because they are servants of healing - nurses, doctors, surgeons, respiratory therapists, and ladies who cleaned my room. While in my presence, I was their priority and focus.
At one very low point, when I was more scared than I have ever been, some strangers came to my comfort and support. They held my hands, looked me in the eye, and assured me that they were right there beside me. Later, several came to find me on another floor, because they were concerned about what had happened to me that evening.
The Men and Women of Methodist Transplant and Surgery Hospital have my undying (appropriate choice of words!! ) thanks and appreciation. I will never look at the scripture about "angels unaware" the same again.
When I left today, some came by the room and some found me in the hall. Some hugged; one told me to "soar as high as the sky." I will always pray for their works and hope for them a long and happy life.
Linda - Omar - Jolie - Dr. Guerra - Amy - Kim - Tres - Minna - Mikey - Angelina, and Sharon. Many whose names I have already forgotten; but never, ever their kindnesses toward me. A stranger. One patient among the throngs that pass through their halls.
They have no idea... how could they??
I know that I am loved. I have come in the past year or so to feel it in so many ways among family, church members and friends - and I have come to accept and relish that affection. But this past week, I was loved by people who had no history with me or the eventuality of a future friendship. They loved me because they are servants of healing - nurses, doctors, surgeons, respiratory therapists, and ladies who cleaned my room. While in my presence, I was their priority and focus.
At one very low point, when I was more scared than I have ever been, some strangers came to my comfort and support. They held my hands, looked me in the eye, and assured me that they were right there beside me. Later, several came to find me on another floor, because they were concerned about what had happened to me that evening.
The Men and Women of Methodist Transplant and Surgery Hospital have my undying (appropriate choice of words!! ) thanks and appreciation. I will never look at the scripture about "angels unaware" the same again.
When I left today, some came by the room and some found me in the hall. Some hugged; one told me to "soar as high as the sky." I will always pray for their works and hope for them a long and happy life.
Linda - Omar - Jolie - Dr. Guerra - Amy - Kim - Tres - Minna - Mikey - Angelina, and Sharon. Many whose names I have already forgotten; but never, ever their kindnesses toward me. A stranger. One patient among the throngs that pass through their halls.
They have no idea... how could they??
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