Linda Woods Surgery Resport

I've beem home since Thursday late afternoon, and just realized that I've not posted to my Sisters on this Forum. At this point, I'm doing well but don't think I'm up to composing thank you notes to all of you as individuals, ( I know, I know our mothers taught us better than that). We seem to be developing our own rules of etiquette for cyberspace. Nor have I the stamina for putting in my too bits about the numerous threads that have occurred in the last four days. But I truly am grateful to each and every one of you that have posted encouragement, basic information, best wishes, and prayers. I've benefited from every little bit of the help and support I've received. We were told to arrive at the hospital at 9:00 were a little bit early, so I actually had to wait a while to go into surgery, which was the only time that really bothered me. I was ready and willing, but my mind couldn't deal with the short wait to continue on with this process. When they rolled me into the surgery, I helped myself onto the table, and then they proceeded to put a blood pressure cup on me, that wasn't just tight, it was agonizing. Needless to say they put me out on about the second complaint from my mouth regarding the painful cuff. Actually when I woke up, I felt just about as clear headed as when I had been put out. So either I am very fortunate or they have come a long ways when it comes to anesthesia. When I'm feeling stronger, I will be writing brag letters regarding this facility, and the staff. They were remarkable; I would not hesitate to have family members in the care of such a professional and well organized facility. I had told this surgeon the first time I saw him that I had a huge Hiatel Hernia, after my barium swallow they told him it was a small hernia. Well needless to say, when he got in there, it was just as I had told him, he had to push my stomach out of my diaphragm, and the opening in my diaphragm was about three times the size it should have been. Of course making me an honest woman of me after all. I have this thing since child hood; you would think I'd know! Over the years I've been able to eat half of a large meal, and never have it get past my diaphragm, and throw it up so fast, I would hardly know what was going to happen. I'm a side sleeper, so turning all the way over was uncomfortable for me, and the nurse and student nurse that was working with her, came quietly in every two hours and turned me over, putting pillows around me, keeping my wires untangled. These women would come into the room so quietly that I wouldn't even know they were there, until I was looking up at them. There was none of this talking about other issues, other events in their lives, it was all about me the patient. I suspect that I'm not the only person that has been in a hospital, and all you could hear is a constant roar, clanging, racket what every around you. And the staff talked so much about other things that you had the feeling they were just there putting in their time, earning a paycheck, but could care less about you the patient. There was no running in and out to get things they needed, everything was organized in such a manner that it was all at hand. Boy was I impressed! So I'm here sipping water and broth. Not feeling as strong, today as yesterday, but perhaps have neglected my water a bit. Certainly don't want to dehydrate, needless to say the Central Air is up and running good at my house, or I would be in terrible shape. My Dear Husband is a rebellious spirit, so is very inactive, but I made sure my Branch President gave me a blessing. He told me I would do well, but not be pain free, and that I would have to allow others to do for me. He was right on the mark on that one, I would rather do it myself, than have to tell a family member how to do it as wait while the do it. Linda in Texas P.S. Heeling and resting and taking this new journey in baby steps.

I Am glad you are home safe and sound, keeping up the healing process and that resting. Have a great day! Kaye

Linda, so far, so good. There will come a time in the very near future when you will ask yourself "What have I done to myself?" This will pass and with each ensuing day things will be better and better. We women, I say women because we're the worst offenders, like to be the ones who care for others. We take in meals when others are in need, we chip in and do little errands or help others out. BUT when it come time for us to need help we're reluctant to allow others to serve us. One thing we need to learn in this life is to allow others the blessings associated with serving us. Being on the receiving end was one of the hardest things I personally had to learn. I would much rather be the server than the one receiving the service. But this is a lesson we must all learn. So with that said, take care of yourself. Ask for help if you need it and allow others to serve you. Congratulations and good luck. Melody