This last week, my oldest son, Grant (24), was admitted to the hospital after his appendix burst. 3 days after his appendix burst! He should not have lived passed the first 24 hours. After the initial shock of the diagnosis wore off, he was admitted to the hospital, had a drain put in, and was put on antibiotics. I spent the week in the hospital with him as he fought the infection. He slept alot, and I prayed alot. A few observations...
- During those 3 days before we knew what had happened, Grant was in a tremendous amount of pain. As word spread of his drama, everyone was amazed at how strong he was - it was unbelievable that he could stand the pain! I remember during my cancer journey - especially when I went through things like a bi-lat mastectomy - people would say - "You are so amazing. You are so strong." I was thinking about this as Grant slept, and I know he would agree with me when I say... we had no choice. I'm sure we would rather have had no pain, no surgeries, etc. We were strong because we had to be. Period. There was no other choice.
- Grant's facebook post during that week said: "Was so busy being manly last week, that when my appendix completely exploded all over my insides, I didn't even notice." Haha! It's my belief that humor always helps with healing - apparently Grant feels the same way!
- No matter how old your kids get, you are still the mom. You worry about them just the same when they are 3, 11, 24, or 42. I didn't do much while Grant was in the hospital - I just sat there, talked when he wanted to talk, and read while he slept. I listened to the doctors and nurses when he was too drugged up or worried to listen. I remember that my mom was just as worried about me when I was diagnose with cancer - and I was 42! She was my chemo partner, and she was there to talk when I wanted to talk, read while I slept, and listen to the doctors and nurses when I was just too sick and confused to care. You never stop being a mom.
I feel like I'm just rambling on, so please forgive me. Since this close call with my son, I've had so many thoughts and feelings running through my head that I can't quite make sense of them.
I'm just grateful, as is Grant, for the trials we have to go through, for humor, for the people who we can count on, and for the blessings we receive from a loving Heavenly Father.
Showing posts with label Surgery Tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Surgery Tips. Show all posts
Monday, January 23, 2012
Monday, November 14, 2011
MONDAY MENTIONABLES - The Act of Returning To Normal
I'm BACK! I've been recovering from a surgery I had last Monday, and I promised my family that I wouldn't do ANYTHING but rest and recover. So, this blog, along with everything else, was set aside for a week.
In that week, I've gone through an interesting recovery. My surgery was to remove my Gall Bladder and my Ovaries. It was done laparoscopically (this is a hard word to spell!), and so I've got 5 small incisions on my abdomen. The first 2 days after the surgery, I was in so much pain, because of the air they used to blow up my stomach so they could work on it. The air had to go somewhere, and it came out through my shoulders, arms, and neck. Talk about pain! Wow. Then, my throat was damaged quite a bit from a scope I had done, and then from the air tube during the surgery. So, my throat has gone from painful, to congested, to scratchy, etc. After those first few days, the aches and pains lessened, but then the incisions started to hurt. Everyone says that day 3 and 4 are the worst, and those are the days that I just felt all around yucky. After that, I spent the next two days very sick to my stomach. After that disappeared, I had the bowel problems that come with every surgery. So, each day or two, it's been something completely different. It's been a week, and so I've got people asking me if I've recovered yet. How do you know when you've recovered from surgery? Is it when you can get up and move around for most of the day without problems? Is it when your bowels have recovered their normal functions? Or maybe when your bruises have faded to that awful yellow color?
My recoveries (I've had a "few" - from 14 surgeries in the last 3 years) have been interesting. I've learned that when the doctor tells me that I'll feel ok in 3-4 days, that I've basically got to double that. So, I'll feel "better" in around 7-8 days. But "better" doesn't mean normal, at least for me. The pain might be mostly gone, along with the bruising and bandages, but I'm not usually back to normal for quite awhile. Normal for me means feeling all the way better, and being able to do whatever I want to do with no side affects. It always takes some time for me to feel like I'm back to my normal self. Today, for example, I woke up with some pain, and took a pain killer early this morning. I had something to eat, and then got ready for the day. I felt pretty good. I didn't do much today - just some computer work, some reading, some visiting, etc. But, by about 4:00 pm, I was back to being exhausted and hurting. So, no... I'm not back to normal yet.
If there is one thing I've learned from all of the surgeries and recoveries, it's this... listen to what your body is telling you. Make sure you take the time that is necessary for your recovery, and REST. If you don't, and you try to push things along too fast, you won't bounce back as well, and that can cause problems. The dictionary defines recovery as "the act of returning to normal". All I'm saying is the returning to normal takes time, so be patient.
In that week, I've gone through an interesting recovery. My surgery was to remove my Gall Bladder and my Ovaries. It was done laparoscopically (this is a hard word to spell!), and so I've got 5 small incisions on my abdomen. The first 2 days after the surgery, I was in so much pain, because of the air they used to blow up my stomach so they could work on it. The air had to go somewhere, and it came out through my shoulders, arms, and neck. Talk about pain! Wow. Then, my throat was damaged quite a bit from a scope I had done, and then from the air tube during the surgery. So, my throat has gone from painful, to congested, to scratchy, etc. After those first few days, the aches and pains lessened, but then the incisions started to hurt. Everyone says that day 3 and 4 are the worst, and those are the days that I just felt all around yucky. After that, I spent the next two days very sick to my stomach. After that disappeared, I had the bowel problems that come with every surgery. So, each day or two, it's been something completely different. It's been a week, and so I've got people asking me if I've recovered yet. How do you know when you've recovered from surgery? Is it when you can get up and move around for most of the day without problems? Is it when your bowels have recovered their normal functions? Or maybe when your bruises have faded to that awful yellow color?
My recoveries (I've had a "few" - from 14 surgeries in the last 3 years) have been interesting. I've learned that when the doctor tells me that I'll feel ok in 3-4 days, that I've basically got to double that. So, I'll feel "better" in around 7-8 days. But "better" doesn't mean normal, at least for me. The pain might be mostly gone, along with the bruising and bandages, but I'm not usually back to normal for quite awhile. Normal for me means feeling all the way better, and being able to do whatever I want to do with no side affects. It always takes some time for me to feel like I'm back to my normal self. Today, for example, I woke up with some pain, and took a pain killer early this morning. I had something to eat, and then got ready for the day. I felt pretty good. I didn't do much today - just some computer work, some reading, some visiting, etc. But, by about 4:00 pm, I was back to being exhausted and hurting. So, no... I'm not back to normal yet.
If there is one thing I've learned from all of the surgeries and recoveries, it's this... listen to what your body is telling you. Make sure you take the time that is necessary for your recovery, and REST. If you don't, and you try to push things along too fast, you won't bounce back as well, and that can cause problems. The dictionary defines recovery as "the act of returning to normal". All I'm saying is the returning to normal takes time, so be patient.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
TUESDAY TIDINGS - Advantages of Immediate Breast Reconstruction
I read an interesting article that I thought I'd pass along. The article is found at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons website.
The article showed results from a study on Immediate Breast Reconstruction. It's important to note here, that the reconstructions were mainly done using tissues from the abdominal area (TRAM flaps). Here are a few quotes from the article:
"The outcomes of immediate breast reconstruction were analyzed, focusing on complication rates, timing of other cancer treatments and cosmetic results. The goal was to determine whether the proven benefits of immediate reconstruction were justified in terms of the risks and possible adverse effects."
The article listed several advantages for immediate reconstruction over delayed reconstruction:
1. Improved cosmetic outcomes
2. Shorter recovery time
3. Decreased costs
4. An important coping mechanism associated with improved quality of life
5. A reduced risk of depression.
"The results suggest that immediate reconstruction is safe and well tolerated by patients, and does not lead to an increased risk of complications. Delays in further treatment appear comparable to those of women undergoing mastectomy alone. The study also suggests that a "vast majority" of women experience no or only minor complications related to radiation therapy."
If you'd like to read the entire article, click HERE.
The article showed results from a study on Immediate Breast Reconstruction. It's important to note here, that the reconstructions were mainly done using tissues from the abdominal area (TRAM flaps). Here are a few quotes from the article:
"The outcomes of immediate breast reconstruction were analyzed, focusing on complication rates, timing of other cancer treatments and cosmetic results. The goal was to determine whether the proven benefits of immediate reconstruction were justified in terms of the risks and possible adverse effects."
The article listed several advantages for immediate reconstruction over delayed reconstruction:
1. Improved cosmetic outcomes
2. Shorter recovery time
3. Decreased costs
4. An important coping mechanism associated with improved quality of life
5. A reduced risk of depression.
"The results suggest that immediate reconstruction is safe and well tolerated by patients, and does not lead to an increased risk of complications. Delays in further treatment appear comparable to those of women undergoing mastectomy alone. The study also suggests that a "vast majority" of women experience no or only minor complications related to radiation therapy."
If you'd like to read the entire article, click HERE.
Monday, February 21, 2011
MONDAY MEMOIRS - Recovering From Surgery...
I haven't updated this blog for week or so, mostly because I've been trying to recover from a surgery I had on the 11th of this month. As I've thought about what I want to write today, I've been reflecting on how hard it is to recover from a surgery. No matter what kind of surgery you are having - even if it's just a minor surgery - your body needs the time to recover.
Recovery includes the big things - time to allow the drains to do what is needed, time for incisions to bond and stitches to either be taken out or dissolve, etc.
Recovery also includes the smaller things - time to get pain under control, to sleep, to get your body working normally again.
My recovery has been pretty typical. I've had to live with sponge baths instead of showers, emptying drains that are still in after 11 days, the pain that has been a little hard to control. I've slept a ton, tried to get up and walk around several times a day, and learned to get comfortable in a recliner instead of my bed.
Through all of this, I've learned a few things that have really helped me:
1. Keep a record of all medications and the times they were taken. This is especially helpful when dealing with pain meds. During this recovery, I've had to taken several medications - an antibiotic, an anti-nausea med, stool softeners, a blood thinner, and 2 different kinds of pain meds. I've written down the amount, and the time I've taken each pill. The more medications you have to take, the harder it is to remember everything. A pen and paper really helps.
2. For sponge bathing - keep the following supplies on hand: baby wipes (Huggies wipes are super thick and smell pretty good), a washcloth and some liquid soap, a towel, body powder, deodorant, perfume, and a change of clothing. Keep all of these things in one bathroom, so you don't have to gather them each time you "bathe".
3. DO NOT forget to take stool softeners. Start a few days before your surgery (with your doctor's permission), and continue while you recover. I've found that it doesn't matter how "major" your surgery was - it will screw up your system.
4. My surgery this time was on my lower body, and I've found that having a walker has really helped. Even though I'm supposed to get up and walk around several times a day, it really helps to use a walker, because I'm still dizzy, and I quickly get tired. Being able to rest by leaning on a walker has been so helpful.
5. I've been confined to a recliner since my surgery - it's easier to get up from a recliner than a bed. Right before my surgery, I bought a small table on wheels - it's technically a computer table. It's big enough to hold all of the supplies I need, and it tilts, which is nice when I use a computer. As I mentioned, it has wheels, which helps me move it around easily. Here a list of things that I've found important to have near me (in this case, on my table)...
a. Water bottle - I am drinking TONS of water!
b. Clipboard with paper and pen for recording my meds, and drain totals
c. A few magazines, and books. I've actually got a Nook sitting here beside me. So, I've got a whole library of reading material within inches on my chair.
d. Snacks - mine include crackers, pretzels, and little candies.
e. A laptop computer - this is a must for me. It's the way I keep connected to the world. In my busy life, I rarely have time to just play on the computer. But, since I've been recovering, I've had fun looking up all my favorite stores, information on things I've always wanted to know, emailing, reading blogs, etc.
f. Phones - both my house phone and my cell phone (with chargers) are right here next to me.
g. A smaller container with all of my meds inside. This helps keep them organized and within reach.
h. iPod - music can be soothing and help with healing. I've got hundreds of artists on my iPod. I can listen to whatever music I'm in the mood for.
g. A TV. I rarely watch TV in my normal life - I just don't have time. But, the remote is next to me, and I've taken time to watch some things I enjoy - HGTV, cooking shows, movies. I've been able to get onto my Netflix account, and watch movies on my computer, which has been nice, too.
h. Pillows - I've got pillows to prop up my feet, pillows to tuck around me, and a pillow to hug.
i. A down throw - it seems like I'm always cold, so it's nice to cuddle up with a comfy blanket.
Well, that's my list of necessities. You might have your own list. Take a few minutes to write down a list of things you've found work for you during recovery. And then, share your list with others.
-Kara
Recovery includes the big things - time to allow the drains to do what is needed, time for incisions to bond and stitches to either be taken out or dissolve, etc.
Recovery also includes the smaller things - time to get pain under control, to sleep, to get your body working normally again.
My recovery has been pretty typical. I've had to live with sponge baths instead of showers, emptying drains that are still in after 11 days, the pain that has been a little hard to control. I've slept a ton, tried to get up and walk around several times a day, and learned to get comfortable in a recliner instead of my bed.
Through all of this, I've learned a few things that have really helped me:
1. Keep a record of all medications and the times they were taken. This is especially helpful when dealing with pain meds. During this recovery, I've had to taken several medications - an antibiotic, an anti-nausea med, stool softeners, a blood thinner, and 2 different kinds of pain meds. I've written down the amount, and the time I've taken each pill. The more medications you have to take, the harder it is to remember everything. A pen and paper really helps.
2. For sponge bathing - keep the following supplies on hand: baby wipes (Huggies wipes are super thick and smell pretty good), a washcloth and some liquid soap, a towel, body powder, deodorant, perfume, and a change of clothing. Keep all of these things in one bathroom, so you don't have to gather them each time you "bathe".
3. DO NOT forget to take stool softeners. Start a few days before your surgery (with your doctor's permission), and continue while you recover. I've found that it doesn't matter how "major" your surgery was - it will screw up your system.
4. My surgery this time was on my lower body, and I've found that having a walker has really helped. Even though I'm supposed to get up and walk around several times a day, it really helps to use a walker, because I'm still dizzy, and I quickly get tired. Being able to rest by leaning on a walker has been so helpful.
5. I've been confined to a recliner since my surgery - it's easier to get up from a recliner than a bed. Right before my surgery, I bought a small table on wheels - it's technically a computer table. It's big enough to hold all of the supplies I need, and it tilts, which is nice when I use a computer. As I mentioned, it has wheels, which helps me move it around easily. Here a list of things that I've found important to have near me (in this case, on my table)...
a. Water bottle - I am drinking TONS of water!
b. Clipboard with paper and pen for recording my meds, and drain totals
c. A few magazines, and books. I've actually got a Nook sitting here beside me. So, I've got a whole library of reading material within inches on my chair.
d. Snacks - mine include crackers, pretzels, and little candies.
e. A laptop computer - this is a must for me. It's the way I keep connected to the world. In my busy life, I rarely have time to just play on the computer. But, since I've been recovering, I've had fun looking up all my favorite stores, information on things I've always wanted to know, emailing, reading blogs, etc.
f. Phones - both my house phone and my cell phone (with chargers) are right here next to me.
g. A smaller container with all of my meds inside. This helps keep them organized and within reach.
h. iPod - music can be soothing and help with healing. I've got hundreds of artists on my iPod. I can listen to whatever music I'm in the mood for.
g. A TV. I rarely watch TV in my normal life - I just don't have time. But, the remote is next to me, and I've taken time to watch some things I enjoy - HGTV, cooking shows, movies. I've been able to get onto my Netflix account, and watch movies on my computer, which has been nice, too.
h. Pillows - I've got pillows to prop up my feet, pillows to tuck around me, and a pillow to hug.
i. A down throw - it seems like I'm always cold, so it's nice to cuddle up with a comfy blanket.
Well, that's my list of necessities. You might have your own list. Take a few minutes to write down a list of things you've found work for you during recovery. And then, share your list with others.
-Kara
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