Friday, January 31, 2014
Post Op Day 10
I feel like I should give y'all a fair warning. Today I took on more of a nurse's role and I talk a lot about what having ulcerative colitis was like prior to my surgery. Then I go on to describe how things have changed for me since my colon was removed. Again, I'm giving you a warning. I am a nurse and this is not a pretty disease. Therefore, those of you that don't like talking about stool or blood, or bloody stools, should probably skip today's blog! And for those of you that do to choose to watch it, well, maybe you'll have a greater understanding of why I say that every day is 'a really good day!' I've come so far in such a short amount of time...I can't wait to see the positive changes that will happen in the next 9 short months!
Girls girls girls
Ms Michelle and Ms Jaye stopped by for a lil vino and movie night!!! I just love getting together with these two and the laughter and stories that come with them! They say laughter is the best medicine and I couldn't agree more! Well laughter and wine...and for the record, this is my first post-op glass! It was oh-so-delicious and just what the doctor ordered :)
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Post Op Day 9
An exciting day of redecorating my bathroom and hitting up my first Lady Vols basketball game!
A new blankie for my buddy!!!
I bought my favorite lil guy a new blankie yesterday. Mostly because Bear likes to chew and naw on all of MY blankets! Therefore I'm hoping he loves his so much that he'll stick to munching on his own and leave mine alone! He seems to like it well enough, although he did not particularly enjoy the photo shoot that ensued when I gave it to him...this is his, 'really mom, you're taking a picture of me right now?!' face. As y'all say in the south...Bless Him! Haha
My First Lady Vols Basketball Game!
Thompson-Boling Arena
Nancy P, me and Momma Joyce cheering on the ladies!
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Pics from yesterday...
It snowed pretty much all darn day!
And into the night...
Awesome care package from my bestie, Jordan!! Love and miss her like crazy!
Monday, January 27, 2014
Post Op Day 6-For real this time!
Looks like I got a little ahead of myself yesterday and posted Post Op Day 6, when really it was only Day 5. I have a feeling all these days/weeks of recovery will run together and be one big blur by the time this is all over. Makes me really glad that I started this blog so that I'll have a good record of what my day to day activities were like and how I'm feeling throughout this whole ordeal. So here's a shout out to my buddy, Rob Smith…I would've never considered this without your encouragement! It's been rather therapeutic for me and I hope it provides some insight as to what life can be like once you're diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis. And I'm hoping that after my last surgery I can be the proof that there is a light, at the end of what can seem like the deepest, darkest tunnel imaginable.
Puppy Love
I'm one proud momma! The vet went on and on about what a great dog he is, and how he's so friendly and full of personality! She said everyone loved him! I wasn't surprised though, because everyone that meets Bear falls in love with him rather quickly! He's an awesome pup and I'm so proud to call him mine :)
So very grateful to get my lil guy back today!! And to be honest, I think I was more worried about his recovery than my own! Ha, talk about adding some stress to my situation!! And now, I'm just thankful that we're both back on track to getting healthy. God has been really good to us this week!
Sunday, January 26, 2014
Post Op Day 6-A Day on the Road
Crazy winter weather, bumpy roads, and my inability to find a comfortable position led to many pit stops on our way back to Knoxville. We tried our best to follow Nurse Elena's instructions to get out and walk every hour (which is mainly to prevent blood clots from forming in my legs, but it was also necessary as I'm having to hydrate more than usual right now!) Mom was a trooper and did a great job navigating us through the snow/icy conditions. It sure feels great to be back in TN and snuggled up in my own bed. And as every good ol KS girl knows, there really is, 'no place like home.' :)
Still Trekkin'
All smiles and much more relaxed, as the roads are clear and we're over halfway home to Knoxville! Can't wait to get hoooome :)
Trekkin it back to TN
Snowy/slick conditions left a lot to be desired as we headed out of Cleveland this morning. We made a slow go of it and conditions were much improved after we got past Columbus. I discovered that bumpy car rides after a major surgery are 'no bueno' and getting in and out of a car is slightly difficult at this point...
Saturday, January 25, 2014
Winter Wonderland
A winter storm blew in and kept us in Cleveland for an extra night! We stayed nice and cozy in the hotel though and will attempt to travel back to TN in the morning!
Friday, January 24, 2014
Post Op Day 3: Discharge Day
Lots of exciting things happened today! The surgical team released me from their services and said I was ok'd to be discharged as long as I was comfortable/able to change my ileostomy pouch on my own. I said, 'let's do it!' It's an emotional experience, and you see your body in a totally different way after this kind of surgery (especially being a young female) but all in all, it will get easier with time. And it helps to keep reminding myself, that this is only TEMPORARY. One 'shitty' year is an easy trade for another healthy 60 or so years after that. I've got my eye on the prize…and that prize will be when I'm all reconnected here in 9 months! Thanks again for all the continued love and support!
First time in real clothes-post op
Went out to dinner with my momma...felt good to get out, but maybe over did it a little. Took a 3 hr nap when we got back! I need to remember my Nicu philosophy and that it's all about the 'baby steps' I was happy to be able to 'hide' my bag but since my stomach is still pretty swollen, I had to unbuckle my jeans at the dinner table. I figure it's better to be awkward and comfy than to compromise my surgical site. Mom and I had a good laugh and realized that this is just one, of what I'm sure will be many, 'who gives a crap' moments that will occur during the next yr of my life! Just gotta keep on, keepin' on :D
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Post Op Day 2
Today's lesson: it's crazy how a lot of constant pain can change your perception of how things are going. And once that pain is under control, how you're anxieties and worries seem to melt away. All in all, today was a really good day and for that, I am grateful.
Morning Activities
Slowly getting back to normal...enjoyed a cup of joe while reading this morning's paper. Ha! Can't tell I'm getting old!
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Day 1 Post Op
Today's Blog: maybe I should come with a warning label…I'm a blunt person and my MD's think I know too much because I'm a nurse and that I worry too much as well. But then again I worry, because I am my mother's daughter :) Today's lesson for us both: "Don't worry about anything, just pray about everything"
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
The Night Before Surgery
I couldn't upload this last night, but here were my thoughts and explanation of the surgery.
Monday, January 20, 2014
Doin' Work
Made it to Cleveland, got checked into our hotel...started my bowel prep...miralax and Gatorade...don't be jeally! Lol
Get Well Wishes from Home
My first awesome 'get well gift' from my neighbors, The Sumps, back home in KS! I grew up surrounded by some incredibly sweet and loving people!! I'll forever be grateful and proud of my small town, country girl upbringing.
Sunday, January 19, 2014
Today's Excitement: AFC Championship Game
Enjoying my last glass of wine (at least until the dr okays me to drink again) and watching my favorite team in the AFC championship! Let's go broncos!!
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