28 August 2014

One Month Later

Hello again!  Today marks the one-month anniversary of my surgery.  At this time a month ago, I'd been out of surgery for about three hours, and the nurses came into my room and MADE ME GET OUT OF BED AND SIT IN A CHAIR!  My brain knew it was a good thing, but my body was not convinced.  At. All.

I was in the hospital for four days, and though I didn't feel "good," I was more than happy to be able to come home.  It's been painful, difficult, and challenging, but compared to a month ago, I have made a ton of progress.  I walk every single day, twice a day, a little bit further (farther?  I can't remember) each time, which is pretty much the only physical stuff I'm allowed to do until the end of October (!).  I can shower and dress myself, I am no longer on the strong painkillers (though there are times when I wish I still had them), and though I'm not eating a lot, I do have an appetite.

Until recently, I wasn't able to read very much at all, since the words would swirl around on the page.  Fortunately, I was able to do basic (i.e., garter stitch) knitting, so I didn't completely go crazy.

And so, I would like to say a huge THANK YOU to everyone who left kind comments, offered prayers, and kept a good thought for me.  I appreciate it more than you could possibly know, and I truly believe that kind of thing makes a difference in the universe.

I'll be back soon, but wanted to let all of you know that I'm doing OK.  I must warn you, there might be some stories about my surgery and recovery, but you are in no way obligated to read that stuff.  I can also promise though, lots of stories of the kindness of friends, both real and virtual.

So until next time, take care.  :-)

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am so glad you are starting to feel better. Sending continued healing vibes your way. :-)

sprite said...

So glad to see you're up and around, even if you aren't feeling 100% yet. I hope you're completely on the mend soon!

Mereknits said...

I am so glad you are doing better. I hope the surgery was a great success. I am happy you are healing, even if it is slowly, it is a step in the right direction every single day. I know you missed reading, you can make up for it in no time at all. I just finished Kate Morton's The Secret Keeper, a great read.
Hugs to you and sending you healing prayers.
Meredith

Wanderingcatstudio said...

Glad to hear things are going well. Healing always takes longer than we want, but it's for the best!

Kym said...

So glad to hear you're on the mend and feeling stronger every day! Sending you healing thoughts and positive juju! XOXO

Marie said...

Talk all you want to about your surgery -- the more graphic, the better. Back in my thirties, after I'd had my hysterectomy, my nephew (then in his teens) asked me about my surgery. I told him about it in great detail (mostly because I found it kind of fascinating the way my surgeon had explained it to me), and the poor kid started turning green. I guess that was TMI for a teenager. I really think talking about (some, not all) illnesses/surgeries takes away some lingering anxiety and makes you feel better. Sharing diminishes your troubles and expands your joys. Rest well, exercise gently, and just generally take care of yourself. I hope your prognosis is good.

Nancy said...

You have been in my thoughts a lot recently, so I was delighted to see your post today. Sending prayers and hugs your way.

Michelle B. said...

I've been checking your blog hoping for an update. I'm so glad to hear that you are on the road to recovery!

Lorraine said...

Bridget- So glad that you are on the mend, and thanks for your lovely, thoughtful card.

Give Dug and the kittens hugs-

KSD said...

Hooray! <3

Lynn said...

Glad to hear you are heading in the right direction. Yes walking may be all you can do, but it really does wonders for the body. Something so simple yet so powerful in getting strength back and moving blood around. My thoughts will continue to be with you.

Lorette said...

I'm glad to see you back! And, yes, patients always think we are joking when we make them get up right after surgery. I always warn them preop to take all the pain meds their nurse offers them, because the next thing they are going to do is kick your butt out of bed.

Caffeine Girl said...

So glad that you are healing. Surgery, especially abdominal surgery, is very hard on the body and mind, so take good care of yourself!

Jackie said...

Briget,
So glad you're back!! Make sure you don't over-do because that can make your recovery back-track. Glad you were able to get some knitting done!

elns said...

I'm SO glad you're back and have been able to find some enjoyment in reading and knitting.