Pretty good day

Hello there. I am writing to you while laying in bed with my laptop propped up on a contraption mom thought up and dad constructed. It's basically an altered tray table that is tilted at the perfect angle for me to use my laptop in bed. My parents are pretty sharp folks if I do say so myself. :p

So, here's my update on what happened at the hospital. I woke up Tuesday morning, got dressed, and headed to the hospital. We parked in the south parking lot, grabbed the bare essentials, and headed to Barnes. When we got there, we went up an escalator and walked through a tunnel with bright white lights twinkling like stars above us. Pretty cool. We walked in, waited in line for the doors to open at 5:30, and then got into the waiting room. Gretchen was on her way, so Dad went out to wait for her while Mom and I got a buzzer and family nametags. We grabbed a seat and waited for Gretch. Eventually they called my number, Dad and I walked back to fill out some final paper work, and they told me to go sit back down and wait. During this time I taught Mom how to use my phone to update my facebook status. I was called up again to get a wristband and a folder to hand to whoever took me upstairs. They called us and we rode in the elevator up to the pre-op rooms. I got into my gown, pants, and hat as nurses got things ready. Laying down on a bed, I waited until it was time to take me back. Gretch, Mom, Dad, and I tried to make light of the situation until the ball got rolling. A really nice anesthesiologist came to talk with me about what would be going on. They hooked me up to a few liquids, asked if I had any questions, and put in the sedation medicine. The last thing I remember is Gretchen saying bye to me as the wheeled me away.

Basically most of the hospital stay was a blur to me. I remember sleeping constantly, always having a super dry mouth, and clicking my pain pump button quite often. At first, I could medicate myself every ten minutes. As the days wore on, it went from 10 to 20 to 30 minutes before I was weaned off. I had a ton of super sweet visitors, who I appreciate more than words could say. Thank you Lynne, Amber, Mandy H., Mandy W., Tyler, Sarah, Dawn, and Gretchen for bringing a smile to my face as I was recuperating. I will always remember your kindness. :) And those of you who weren't able to make it, I know that you were with me in spirit and I love you so much for thinking of me. There was quite a bit of pain, lots of tears, plenty of apprehension, but endless support. The morning after my surgery, Dr. Bridwell came in at 6:30 to have me sit on the edge of the bed and stand up. He had me march in place while he checked my incision. This became a morning routine. Throughout the day/night I would have my vitals checked by the nursing staff. I could also call them at any time if I needed help with being turned over on my side or needing anything at all. Barnes really does have amazing service and loving people to work with. I did some physical therapy by walking down the hall and back. After a while, I walked around the hallway track. Then I went to the PT room and walked up and down three steps. Since the only physical therapy I can do throughout this whole process is walk, I did plenty of it. I also had to sit in the chair beside my bed and build up endurance. It doesn't seem like siting in a chair would be hard, but it can be pretty rough the first few times. Throughout the entire experience (and still to this day) my parents have been the most incredible people ever, helping me with ANYTHING and EVERYTHING I need. I owe them big time. I went from having totally a swollen face with puffy Angelina Jolie lips (as Mom called them) to looking pretty much back to normal. Minus the whole not being able to shower thing....lol. Tomorrow I'll update more on my hospital experience, but I'll give you a quick rundown of my day today (Jan. 12th).

Today (Jan. 12th), I had somewhat of a rough night. I tried shifting positions and sleeping on each of my sides so as to not get bed sores. Well, I think I'm getting some on my heels. They wake me up every night from throbbing. Anywho, I eventually got a bit of sleep off and on, and woke up at 9:30. Took my meds, ate some honeydew for breakfast, and walked. That's what I do all day every day...walk. If I'm not walking, I'm either resting in bed, trying to build up sitting stamina in a chair, or taking pills. 'Tis my life at the moment haha. But it could be so much worse. Today was actually a pretty good day pain-wise. I of course had some bad hours, but I had some good periods of relief which was super great. Lynne came over and brought Leila. The kids always love seeing the two L's. Brightens their day, as well as mine. I am so blessed that God has put such incredible people in my life that make each burden lighter. We had chicken for dinner and enjoyed some yummy chocolate chip cookies Mark made. Today was the first day I really had any appetite, so I was definitely excited to eat some tasty food. I took a nap after Lynne left, and then did some stuff for job applications. Fun fun! Hopefully by August I will have my own classroom. One day at a time...

I hope through blogging about this I can bring hope and help to people who are about to undergo stressful surgeries in their lives. I found peace and comfort while reading about other people's experiences, so I want to provide that same ease for others. However, every bit of my strength comes from above. I made it through a major surgery with flying colors, and that is only by the grace of God. He is good and faithful, and cares for the sheep of his pasture. We may not always see it, and life may suck hardcore at times, but there is always a plan. Always. I'll update tomorrow <3


For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39